Many tried to express the essence of improvisation in a couple of concise statements. But all have failed epically. Which is the way we, improvisers, LOVE to fail. And this was yet another failed attempt! Yay!
Some would say “YES, AND…” but it doesn’t seem to make any sense until you experience it. It certainly wouldn’t to me without a little initiating exercise.
Others would say it’s “being prepared for the unexpected“. Which feels just like yet another inspirational fluffy bullshit. Until it doesn’t.
So? The moral of this story? Don’t make the mistake of reading too much about improv before trying it out. Not a single podcast nor any AI agentic bot can give you the experience. The only real way is to come and experience it with other human beings WHO KNOW. Unfortunately, or fortunately, there are no shortcuts.
All you need to do is to give it a chance and start
Are you ready to tap into the endless world of your own imagination and start opening it up within a safe space of group of like-minded people?
Do you want to see what happens when others add to your ideas and you return the favor in an infinite loop of co-creation? And you long to meet again and try to reach as many levels of this as human minds can possibly do.
It’s NOT completely risk-free
Serious warning
Collective dreaming is a thing and it’s highly addictive. Some people who experience the joys of improvisation for the first time, reported that they “couldn’t get to sleep after improv, as they stared into the ceiling smiling like clams, seeing worlds they didn’t know existed, longing for the next dose of improv and re-grouping with their addicted peers“.
It does get better over time, though it doesn’t mean you can ever un-see those experiences and come back to being fully “normal”. Whatever that means anyway.
Once you see what improv is about you CANNOT UN-SEE it and come back to being fully “normal”. Whatever that means anyway.
What improvisation gave me?
Another disclaimer… Training improv is like training in a gym. Lasting results take time to develop. But on the other hand, like in gyms, the biggest transformation speed is observed in the first months!
This might give you some courage if you still insist on making the mistake of reading too much about improv without trying it first:
It helped me discover that human imagination is endless and how to re-gain access to it (like a child!).
I became a much better activelistener and in turn a better presenter, possibly a better people manager, partner, father and whatnot. You help me finish this made-up list at the end of the semester :).
The concept of carefully listening to your partner first, truly accepting their idea before making your own contribution on top – that is almost magic. And it works in any setting. Knowingly or not, the people who practice this are capable of building extraordinary things together with other people. You might have mastered playing solo in your own field. You might already work well in a team. How about we try to go even a little bit further?
My stage fright turned into genuine passion for public speaking. It’s true. Deep inside I am a shy person. But in most circumstances, I got an abundance of courage. From training improvisation for many years, among other things.
Making mistakes? Never had more fun! Instead of freezing and feeling embarrassed a little humor gets emitted. A token of a safe environment. An opportunity to reflect, laugh and connect with other human beings. Our mistakes are our best friends. They happen to remind us that when we stopped paying attention. OR – as a proof of us taking bold risks, stepping out of our comfort zones, learning and growing. Both such important signals!
Understanding of “status games” principles and body language helped me see true motives more easily. It’s like reading subtitles below people. This is especially fun! Think of the next team meeting!
If you know me, you know I like fun a LOT! And improv is the mostfun thing I think there is in the whole world.
Anyway, I could go on forever on this. As I said, stop reading and come.
You’ve now officially read too much about improvisation and need to meet someone who can show you the door they have once had to pass themselves. Stop reading and thinking about it. The next step is to sign up and try!
I am happy to help. If I am fully booked, there are several very good options in Prague or Czechia in general. Especially if you can understand Czech. I’d be happy to recommend you the good ones. As those are the ones I learnt from myself!
If you’re looking for session in Czech, let me know about your interest!
