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The Mental Equivalent of an Outdoor
Ropes Course Improvisational Comedy is the spontaneous
invention of comic sketches based on suggestions from the audience. Sketches are
co-created on the spot by two or more players. This involves the application of a number
of creative thinking skills, communication skills, and teamwork abilities under pressure -
not unlike the demands of today’s work environments.
Many of the techniques, helpful hints, and attitudes that enable performers to do
this successfully can be applied to workplace situations, and are taught in an
Improvisation Training workshop:
 | An attitude of relaxed, even playful,
openness to new ideas.
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| Temporary suspension of critical
judgment, while in the option-generating phase.
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| Attentive listening to the partners
with whom one is co-creating.
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| Acceptance of a new idea or approach
from the standpoint of exploring the possibilities it has to offer. The attitude of
"Yes, and ______"
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| Diverging out from the obvious into
the far reaches of imagination. "What if ___?"
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| Reframing situations to explore
creative possibilities. Shifting perspective, focus, position.
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| A willingness to take chances, to
risk appearing foolish.
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| An understanding that no choice is
absolutely right or wrong, though each may turn out to be more or less productive in a
given situation - and this can often be discovered only through trial and error.
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Not for Everyone!
While Improvisation Training sessions can be designed to be more or less
challenging for participants, they do require that all participants be willing to get
actively involved, to risk taking chances onstage.
The Joy of Improv
The reward for taking such risks is the thrill of success - the enhanced
self-assurance that comes from knowing one can think on one’s feet, respond flexibly
to whatever creative challenge is presented, and pull off a successful presentation.
Flexible Formats
Improvisation Training workshops can be tailored to fit the size of your group,
the space and room layout available, and the available time frame.
For information on ongoing Improvisational Comedy classes in San Diego,
click here.
Want More Information?
Contact Jacquie Lowell:
By e-mail: j@jlowell.com
By phone: (858) 581-0050 |
