I started taking improv classes (as in comedy) about a year a go. I planned to only take one class but that quickly changed. I'm now taking my fourth class, attending workshops and trying to be involved in the improv community.
Enough about me though? How has it helped me facilitate classroom training? Here is my perspective.
- Confidence- I was very self conscious before taking these classes. I always wanted to impress people. When performing improv, there are times when you're funny and times when you stink. You have to continue to push forward with the show even if you don't get any laughs. The same is true for classroom training. Sometimes you have an audience that doesn't interact. Regardless, you push forward while still giving it your all.
- "Yes and..." - The philosophy behind improv is "yes and..." Your scene partners will gift you material for your skit and it's your responsibility to accept it and expand on it. As an instructor, you don't want to discourage your class when they get things incorrect or speak to an unrelated topic. This approach has taught me how to embrace everyone's ideas or thoughts. From there, I can expand on it and find a way to relate to the content. Not always easy.
- Increasing participation - On occasion, I get a class that does not want to participate. I hate when no one volunteers and I have to randomly put someone on the spot. That's all changed. I just say,"if no one volunteers, you'll do the activity with me. Be warned... I am an improv performer." The hands usually shoot up when I say that.
Improv has made a huge difference in my life. I love it and it's made me a different person. I strongly recommend it to anyone even if you don't wish to perform. You will learn a lot about yourself.
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