What is improv?
So what is this “improv,” anyway?
The simplest answer? People making things up together.
But that’s like saying that the simplest answer for “cooking” is “heating up things we can eat.”
It’s technically true. But, like cooking, the flavor is in the detail.
—
Improv is a practice. A game. A posture.
A group effort to discover something in the moment.
Without a script, without pre-planning.
At its best?
Simply listening, responding and building delightful things together.
Sometimes improv is funny.
Sometimes it’s beautiful.
Sometimes it’s weird. Or frantic. Or quiet. Or tender.
But no matter how it shows up,
it’s always real.
—
At its core, improv invites you to:
Pay attention — to others, to yourself, to the unfolding moment
Say “yes” — to be affected, to respond generously, to rest in co-creation
Create something from “nothing” — to notice the overlooked, to nurture it, to allow it to surprise you
You don’t need to be a performer.
You don’t need to be “funny.”
You already have everything you need.
You just need to be curious.
Cut the emotional stuff, I have to submit this to my boss for approval. Give it to me straight. What is improv?
TL;DR —
Improv is the art of unscripted collaboration.
It trains skills such as listening, adaptability, quick thinking and trust.
While it emerged from theatrical performance, its impact goes far beyond the stage — strengthening communication, creativity and team dynamics in any setting.
—
Quick caveat:
Products labeled “Improv” come in many forms. Some sessions are loose, playful and game-based. Others are structured and iterative, designed to build specific cognitive, emotional or creative “muscle groups.”
No two programs look exactly alike; the core principles might rhyme, but the methods can vary wildly. That’s not a flaw — that’s improv’s unique strength.
So choose carefully. Or better yet, try a few and see what fits.
—
Definition
Improv (short for “improvisation”) is a structured practice where participants create stories, ideas or solutions in real-time — without a script or predetermined outcome.
—
Core Skills Developed
Active listening
Collaboration under pressure
Decision-making with incomplete information
Adaptability in the face of change
Creative problem-solving
—
Applications Outside Performance
Workplace Communication: Improves clarity, empathy and trust.
Team dynamics: Fosters a low-stakes environment for high-stakes connection.
Presentation skills: Builds confidence in ambiguity or flux.
Innovation: Encourages idea generation without self-censorship or rigid inflexibility.
—
Key Principles
Yes, and — Accept and be affected by what’s offered, then build on it.
Be obvious, not clever — The simplest move is usually the smartest. And least confusing.
Make your partner look good — The scene succeeds when the team succeeds.
Failure is feedback — Mistakes aren’t interruptions, they’re invitations.
—
Bottom Line
While “laughter” and “comedy” might be the sizzle, the improv steak isn’t about being funny.
It’s about being responsive, present and willing to build something with others — even if it doesn’t go as planned.
The laughter is just a sign that something’s working.
And yes, we can teach that.
Interested in a workshop? Hit me up!
We can build it to spec, improv is as modular and as flexible as it gets.
