Business
Learning Life Lessons from Improvisation
In the last 18 months, I have been an exotic dancer, a beagle, a mechanic, an alcoholic, a swinging single, and a corporate big shot. What am I talking about? What do I mean? Am I craaaaaaaaaaazy? Well, the jury is still out on that one..Do I have multiple personalities? I don’t think so.. (Yes you do) (No I don’t) Actually, this new found creative freedom comes courtesy of a series of Improvisation classes taught at the Dragon Productions Theater Company in downtown Redwood City. If you will stick with me, and my multiple personalities.. (Roses are Red, Violets are Blue.. I am a Schizophrenic and so am I). I can show you that Improv is a more than a wonderful creative outlet, it also has applications for life. Improvisation is about team work One of the cardinal rules of improvisation is to always accept your scene partner’s offering. If he/she asks about your time in prison, you do not say, “I was never in prison.” The proper response is ” Yes And.” This practice fosters teamwork as you and your partner work together to create the best possible scene. You reach a place of agreement. On a related note, always take care of your partner. During a game called “Scenes from a Hat“, my partner and I were given a scenario called “The bus driver and the exotic dancer.” She turned ashen white and was clearly embarrassed and uncomfortable at the prospect of being the exotic dancer. I volunteered to take that role and much laughter ensued as I attempted to give the bus driver a lap dance in lieu of paying the fare. While the role reversal was humorous, my priority was to make sure she was comfortable in that setting. She thanked me profusely multiple times. I am encouraged to carry this lesson with me into personal and professional contexts . Improvisation is about listening. It is important not to plan ahead when doing a scene. Ideally, scenes should unfold organically which requires listening and responding to other participants. One scene I observed began with two brothers looking at a museum exhibit of Revolutionary War articles and ended with the assertion that Lady Gaga is an alien overlord who is the true ruler of the universe. The scene worked because the two men onstage were actively listening to one another and were responsive. Imagine how actively listening to co-workers, clients, and superiors would improve the business world. Improvisation is about making and learning from mistakes I have walked through walls, changed the size of objects, called my scene partner by an incorrect name, and many other faux pas. In this context, it is all part of the learning process. Unless one is a brain surgeon or an airline pilot or other vocation where lives are at stake, people need to learn it is okay to make a mistake as long as it is corrected and learned from. Investing two hours a week for six weeks in an improvisation class is well worth it. It allows you to step outside yourself, spurs creativity, and offers valuable lesson in teamwork and listening. For more information on local offerings visit Dragon Production Improvisation Classes
8 Comments
Terri Dien
Well said! The lessons learned from Improvisation are great life lessons indeed! Sometimes improvisation exercises are used in corporate team building events to foster these exact lessons and experiences in an effort to grow a team closer together for maximum productivity.
I’d also add that improvisation can additional help one get over certain fears and anxieties — learning to let go and step outside of one’s comfort zone is a very rewarding lesson.
I’m glad to hear you’ve been doing these workshops, Kirk!! 🙂
Kirk Baldwin (Author)
I completely agree, Terri. The lessons are rewarding. It’s great fun and have met some very interesting and talented people. If you ever want to take a class with me let me know.
They run for 6 weeks, usually 2 hours on a Saturday and are at the Dragon in downtown Redwood City.
I think there will be another class in the fall as the Spring and Summer classes have been very popular.
Elizabeth Weatherby
Where do I sign up for Improv???
Interacting with someone who listens to me & is funny too whilst drawing me out has to be good. Thanks Kirk
Kirk Baldwin (Author)
I have really enjoyed it. The classes at the Dragon have been quite popular, I think there will be another one in the fall. It’s usually Saturday mornings from 10-12 for 6 weeks. I’ll keep you posted if you are interested.
Suse Barnes
Wow! Sign me up! I’m wondering if the improvisation classes have also been beneficial to your writing. Your post was very enjoyable to read. Being able to tell a story and engage your reader is an art and you seem to be excelling at it. I hoping you’ll be writing more on your own blog. Do you have one?
Kirk Baldwin (Author)
Thanks so much, Suse. I appreciate the compliment. I do not have a blog but I have been encouraged to start one. Improv is a great creative outlet even for the timid and the shy. I think everyone should try it at least once
Miriam
I can imagine the dance scene. Keep up the good work.
Kirk Baldwin (Author)
Thanks for reading and commenting, Miriam. Greatly appreciated