Play is the best way to learn
What is Applied Improv?
Applied Improvisation (Applied Improv) is a unique and versatile approach that involves using improvisational theatre techniques and principles in non-performance settings such as business, education, therapy, and personal development. We use improvisation techniques to help individuals and groups develop skills such as effective communication, collaboration, creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Applied Improv workshops include activities and games that encourage participants to think on their feet, respond to unexpected situations, and work together to brain storm and problem solve. These activities can be particularly valuable in corporate training, team building, leadership development, therapy, education, and more.
One of the key aspects of Applied Improv is its emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel comfortable stepping out of their comfort zones and exploring new ways of thinking and interacting. The principles of "yes, and..." (accepting and building upon others' contributions) and embracing mistakes as opportunities for learning are central to the practice.
Applied Improv is a powerful tool for enhancing interpersonal skills, fostering creativity, boosting self-confidence, and promoting a positive and collaborative atmosphere within various professional and personal settings.
Why is Play the Best way to learn?
Play supercharges learning.
Humans learn effectively through play due to several key reasons:
Engagement and Motivation: Play is inherently enjoyable and engaging. When learning is integrated into play, individuals are motivated to participate and explore, leading to increased retention and understanding of concepts.
Active Participation: Play requires active involvement, which can lead to better understanding and memory retention compared to passive learning methods. Participants are physically and mentally engaged in the learning process.
Experiential Learning: Play provides firsthand experiences that allow individuals to directly interact with concepts and ideas. This experiential learning approach helps bridge the gap between theory and practical application.
Trial and Error: Play often involves experimentation, allowing individuals to try different approaches and learn from the consequences of their actions. This trial-and-error learning fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Creativity and Imagination: Play encourages creative thinking and imaginative exploration. When individuals are allowed to think outside the box and use their creativity, they can come up with unique solutions and insights.
Social Interaction: Many types of play involve interaction with others, promoting communication, cooperation, and teamwork. Social play teaches important interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.
Risk-Free Environment: Play provides a safe space for making mistakes and taking risks without fear of failure or negative consequences. This freedom to experiment encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones.
Intrinsic Reward: Play is its own reward, as it brings joy and satisfaction. Learning within a playful context taps into this intrinsic motivation, making individuals more willing to invest time and effort.
Holistic Development: Play supports holistic development by engaging various aspects of a person's cognitive, emotional, physical, and social well-being. This well-rounded approach nurtures a broader range of skills.
Long-Term Retention: Learning through play often leads to longer-lasting knowledge retention. Concepts learned in a playful context are more likely to stick in memory due to the emotional and sensory experiences associated with play.
Reduction of Stress: Play reduces stress and anxiety, creating a positive and relaxed learning environment. This conducive atmosphere promotes better focus and information processing.
Self-Directed Learning: Play encourages autonomy and self-directed learning. Individuals are more likely to explore topics of interest when they are driven by their curiosity and enjoyment.
Cultural Learning: Play can incorporate cultural elements and traditions, allowing individuals to learn about their own culture and others in a natural and engaging way.
Play capitalizes on the natural curiosity and enthusiasm that humans have for exploration and discovery. By fostering a playful learning environment, we can tap into the inherent joy of learning, leading to more effective and enjoyable educational experiences.
How does an Improv Workshop Work?
Our Workshops, In General:
All of our workshops have a general flow to them:
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The improv game/exercise is taught to the group at large
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Everyone plays the improv game/exercise
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We debrief (you get to choose how much and how deep of a debrief)
We're big on the mind-body connection and believe in order to truly learn something, you must experience it in your body first. This approach of experiencing the exercise first, then realizing what we did by chatting after is how we think people learn best.
We are experts in improv and teaching improvisational behaviours to people, groups, and companies.
All exercises are done in groups, or pairs, with no performing required. The focus is on developing skills in an engaging way, nudging people out of their comfort zones, but making sure all participants feel safe and supported.
We will practice games, skills, and drills, that we use as improvisers to help us maintain focus, practice listening, and go with the flow. It is fun, interactive, and we make sure to tie the learning back to the workplace to keep things relevant.
Our Workshops, Specifically:
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We work together with you to come up with the workshop you want.
If you are looking for a focus on leadership or creativity, we can design it for you. Perhaps you want to help your team listen better or practice presentation skills; we can create it using games, discussion and debrief to do so. We structure each workshop so that you and your team feel safe and supported to do improv (no performing is required) all while they are learning and practicing skills you want to focus on.
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Space:
We ask to use a space at your office. It is more convenient for you and usually more accessible. What is required is an open-floor space where people can work in pairs, small groups or one large circle. As well there needs to be enough room so that chairs can be placed around the edges of the room so participants have a place to sit in groups for debriefing sessions.
Applied Improv is a powerful tool that offers numerous benefits to businesses seeking to enhance their organizational effectiveness.
Through engaging and interactive exercises, Applied Improv fosters improved communication, creativity, and adaptability among team members.
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This translates to more innovative problem-solving, increased agility in responding to challenges, and a stronger capacity for collaboration.
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Additionally, participants develop valuable skills in risk-taking, decision-making, and conflict resolution in a supportive and low-stakes environment.
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Furthermore, Applied Improv contributes to a positive company culture, promoting employee well-being and satisfaction.
By integrating Applied Improv into your operations, your business can expect to see a tangible impact on your bottom line, as teams become more cohesive, innovative, and resilient in navigating the demands of today's dynamic business landscape.
How does Applied Improv improve Mental Well-being?
Here's how Applied Improv can contribute to mental well-being:
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Stress Reduction: Improv exercises often involve playfulness and humour, which can help reduce stress levels. By focusing on the present moment and engaging in creative activities, individuals can experience a sense of relaxation and release from tension.
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Building Resilience: Improv encourages participants to embrace uncertainty and adapt to change. Through exercises like "Yes, and..." (where participants accept and build upon each other's ideas), individuals learn to be more flexible, resilient, and open to new experiences, which can enhance their ability to cope with life's challenges.
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Enhancing Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and managing conflicts. Applied Improv provides a safe space for individuals to practice active listening, empathy, and effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills. These skills can improve interpersonal relationships and reduce misunderstandings, leading to better mental well-being.
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Boosting Confidence: Improv encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones and take risks in a supportive environment. By participating in activities that require quick thinking and creative expression, individuals can build self-confidence and self-esteem. Over time, this increased confidence can positively impact overall mental well-being.
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Fostering Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills: Improv encourages participants to think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions to unexpected situations. By exercising their creativity and problem-solving skills in a low-pressure setting, individuals can develop a more positive mindset and feel empowered to tackle challenges in their personal and professional lives.
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Promoting Mindfulness and Presence: Improv exercises often involve mindfulness techniques that encourage participants to focus on the present moment and fully engage with their surroundings. By practicing mindfulness and presence, individuals can reduce rumination and anxiety about the past or future, leading to greater mental clarity and emotional stability.
Overall, Applied Improv offers a holistic approach to improving mental well-being by promoting stress reduction, resilience, effective communication, confidence, creativity, problem-solving, mindfulness, and presence. Its principles and techniques can be valuable tools for individuals seeking to enhance their psychological health and overall quality of life.