Improvisation
Improv changed my life – seriously. I kid you not.
Ten years ago I took an improv class and immediately knew that I had found my tribe, a fun thing to do, and a way to learn and grow.
Over time it has opened so many doors for me and I’ve been able to play with amazing people from all over the world.
A few years ago I started a little improv community in Woodbridge in Suffolk, called Here & Now People – where we put on classes, shows and other workshops like The Way of Play.
I also use skills and ideas from improvisational theatre in Corporate Training for leadership, communication, and teamwork.
"Improvisation is one of the two or three cardinal skills for people to learn in future."
An improv community
Here & Now People is a fun and friendly improv group based in Suffolk. We have a drop-in improv class every Wednesday night and we put on a variety of shows, courses and workshops.
We’re proud to have some brilliant guest teachers including: Katy Schutte, Chris Mead, Ed Fargher, Heather Urquhart, Chris Read and Danny O’ Hara.
Our style of improv is emotionally connected and driven by relationships. There’s no need to come up with clever lines. It’s all about embodiment, presence, freedom and spontaneous co-operation – and it can be hilarious, just because it’s so human.
I think we need this kind of thing more than ever.
What people say...
Applied improvisation
We need new maps to navigate the new territory we face in the 21st Century.
The ability to improvise – not in the sense of comedy or performance – but as a metaskill – is just such a thing.
It’s the essential ability navigate the unknown, and act together in harmony, as a complex situation unfolds. It’s a skillset we all have, and it can be strengthened.
Improvisers have developed fun and focused games that build these skills and the qualities of presence, acceptance and trust – and I adapt these to help people learn and grow.
Find out more on my pages for team coaching and leadership development.
Or get in touch to explore what’s possible, I’d love to talk.
The lighter side of life
Improvisers aim to be fully present to whatever arises – it’s a kind of social yoga, or playful mindfulness.
And yet yoga and mindfulness can be pretty serious, so I create spaces at festivals and retreats (sometimes with Ed Jauregui) that help people to find more freedom in their spiritual life.
See my page on The Way of Play for more details.
