Benefits of taking an improv class

My heart sinks whenever someone says they’re afraid of trying an improv class because they believe they aren’t funny or they’re afraid they need to possess some level of performative abilities or natural talent before giving it a go. The truth is that being funny is one of the last reasons to take an Improv class, and having any previous performative skills or natural talents is not required.

It’s a real disservice that improv is marketed primarily to performers to enhance their funny, and to corporations to build a more collaborative workforce because I know firsthand what I’ve gained through studying improv, and it’s a lot more than just being able to provide levity and camaraderie while working with a group or team.

How is this for a pitch for an improv class?

Are you a human interested in gaining a greater understanding and connection with others? Do you have an interest in having fun and making time for play? Perhaps you’d like to enhance your ability to deeply listen to others. How might it be to expand your focus and attention? Maybe you’d like to cultivate trust or improve your confidence. Any interest in sharing your individuality and creativity while others share theirs with you? Do you want to feel supported navigating the unknown with another person or group of people, regardless of success, failure, or comfort level?

I think it would be extremely cool and spot on with what an improv class can provide you. I also feel improvisation can complement somatic coaching beautifully, as both offer the positive effects of cultivating individual growth and require degrees of work.

With improv, to reap the full benefits, it is necessary to make an effort to be open-minded, take emotional risks, show vulnerability, and actively engage in the process with others. With somatic coaching, an effort is made towards whole-body self-connection in session, and implementing those embodied ideas or principles requires effort outside of sessions. While we may desire the positive effects that both improv and coaching can bring, we may also feel hesitant to face its challenges. Change can be scary, and achieving a balance between being prepared for the discomfort that comes with any change and possessing the skills to overcome it is crucial for maintaining progress - improv has helped me cultivate this, and somatic coaching is helping me master this. For whatever my opinion is worth, it is my belief it could do the same for you.