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I have an advanced degree in Theatre Arts, which means I am exceptionally well-trained to do nothing at all useful. This is also why I have another degree in Education…

Twenty years ago I discovered the thrill of Improv and played in a troupe. We wore hockey jerseys, and played one team off another. The match winner was determined by audience votes. The content by the audience as well. It was both terrifying and exhilarating. And doing Improv taught me everything I really needed to know about life.

The fundamentals of Improv are also the fundamentals of LIFE itself…

Five reasons Improv is about Life:

1. Improvisers see EVERYONE and EVERYTHING as a possible source of inspiration.
2. Every word or action is an offer, and it is our responsibility to accept them. Accepting an offer is usually accompanied by adding a new offer, building on the earlier one.  The “Yes, And…” process is the cornerstone of improvisational technique, as well as the way to create brilliant things together.
3. Because we may be required to play a variety of roles without preparation, we must to be able to adapt quickly to the demands of the situation.
4. Motivations are important. Act according to your objectives.
5. Life has no script.

My friend, Todd Sherman, teaches a zany and incredibly inspiring Improv workshop through the Vancouver School Board. Sign up. Dive in.