Workshop Description: Looking for new concepts that can bring greater weight to your work in applied improvisation? Applied improv connects with over 30 years of field-tested theory and practice from Harvard University’s project on “Adaptive Leadership,” a hands-on approach to leading and managing change in and across organizations. Drawing on my current research and Improv for Leadership courses I have taught to Executive MBA students for the last several years, I will introduce participants to the core vocabulary of adaptive leadership, show how it connects with applied improvisation, and highlight how we can put this powerful alignment into practice.
Workshop Description: Since 2014, Caitlin and Theresa have been working with Bloomsbury Press and 11 applied improvisers to collect, edit and publish a book of case studies called Applied Improvisation: Leading, Collaborating and Creating Beyond the Theatre, which will be released next year. Come talk with the two co-editors and some of the contributing authors. We will share how the project started, some of our big challenges and successes, then spend the rest of the time on Q&A. We want to encourage and empower you write and publish your stories!
Workshop Description: This session is designed to share the results of my recently completed doctoral dissertation on the impact of theatrical improvisation on organizational effectiveness. The use of an experiential, arts-based curriculum that is centered around theatrical improvisation, when utilized for corporate employee training and development purposes, has the potential to have a transformational effect on individuals and organizations if planned and implemented in a thoughtful and purposeful manner. This interpretive case study explored the use of an improv-based training program for employee development purposes in order to understand the experiences of the study’s participants relative to the perceived impact and effectiveness of this training methodology, at both the individual and group levels.
Workshop Description: Stories provide entrée to relationships, are essential for prospective sharing and are a means of understanding and empowerment. Story frames are structured story prompts that can be used in intercultural communication. Prompts provide participants with “permission” to share, while at the same time allowing the stories to be directed to suit communicative goals.
We will explore the power of narrative, consider culturally sensitive approaches to narrative engagement, and develop our own story frames. The goal of this workshop is for all of us to become more narratively resourceful as we talk, listen, create, and celebrate the power of stories.
Each year, The Detroit Creativity Project creates pathways to foster social and emotional learning for over 700 middle and high school students. A higher education researcher uses a faculty training methodology that improves student engagement and learning. An elementary teacher-turned-training strategist applies innovative techniques to change the way students in Thailand and the U.S. develop literacy and engage with writing. Their secret? These practitioners know: improv works in education. In this dynamic panel discussion and interactive workshop, participants will hear from three practitioners who dared to say yes. Find out what happens when improv shakes up traditional learning models.
In this interactive workshop, Valentin discussed his experiences with using improv exercises in negotiation (and management) trainings:
This presentation will outline and demonstrate techniques for applying improvisation and drama in the teaching of a second language, as well as discuss the strengths and challenges of this approach. Specifically, the experiences of the speaker teaching in a Chinese language environment will be addressed. Following the presentation, there will be practical demonstration of some techniques, as well as time for discussion and sharing among participants.