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THE WORKSHOP
It is reccomended that workshops are a minimum of 3 hours, but can be designed to fit any time period, they can be one-time or ongoing, for small or large groups, and can be tailored to suit your particular event or needs. Through a series of enjoyable exercises, theater games and structured scenes, workshop participants learn skills which help them become more effective in their work (as well as in other areas), both as individuals and as part of a group. The light-hearted atmosphere allows participants to learn while laughing and having fun.
TRUST In order to improvise, you must be able to rely on others to support you as you face the unknown. Skill building exercises are taught in these workshops to teach you how to focus your attention away from yourself and onto your fellow improvisors. Assisting and encouraging each other is promoted. This, in turn, creates an atmosphere of trust.
TEAMWORK Teamwork is necessary for the improvisor, whether you are involved in a scene or off stage. Workshop attendees learn techniques that prepare them to quickly react and respond to the needs of other improvisors, and to support the story being told in a scene. The scene becomes the responsibility and the creation of the entire group.
RISK TAKING Improvisation requires the willingness to take risks. Participants in the workshops learn to spontaneously express and act on their ideas, rather than to judge and dismiss them. Risk taking also requires accepting failure. The improvisor learns to "let go" of a failure and move on.
COOPERATION Cooperation is necessary for successful improvisation. The improvisor is simultaneously an actor, director and writer. Skills which encourage recognition of one's individual and group role are taught. Participants learn to give and take the "spotlight," while working in concert with the entire group.
VALIDATION OF OTHERS’ IDEAS A successful improvisational scene depends on the ability of the improvisor to validate the ideas of others. Participants are encouraged to be willing to give up their own ideas, and to accept and expand on the ideas of others. If each member of the group is doing this, then everybody's ideas are explored. The scene then becomes a group creation, rather than that of one aggressive person. |
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Workshops are designed to encourage:
All
through fun games and laughter!
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 "I continue to use many of the things I learned in your class in my everyday life. I think
improv should be manda-tory training in schools and corporate organizations. Who couldn't benefit from learning improv?"
-- Jenny
Pu
Researcher
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"I was instantly brought back to the joys of childhood when expression was honest, enjoyable
and without judgement...As a result I found myself less judgemental in my professional and personal life."
-- Mchael Frett
Deputy District
Attorney
KIngs County District
Attorney's Office
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"Susan's classes are well structured and fun. I found Susan's teaching to be incredibly caring
and respectful. As a student, you will always feel guided and supported by Susan. She also take care to create an environment in which
the students support each other. The Improv class-es can serve a number of purposes. As a professional software project manager, I
often have to train large groups of people. The techniques I learned in Susan's class have helped to make my classes not only informa-tive,
but fun and even exciting. ."
-- Michael Fiorito
Project Manager
City of New York
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