👣 Babysteps for your first online workshop

Have you taught online yet? No?

Perfect! Then this is for you.

In this step-by-step plan I want to make the idea of an online workshop less overwhelming over you. Who knows, maybe it encourages you to give it a try (and if not: also fine!)

Whatever your reason is for not (yet) teaching online, I get you. In this video I talked about why you don’t have to like it. And let me also tell you:

You are not too late.

You do not need to be tech savvy.

You can find plenty people to join.

Find your topic

Let’s first start at the very beginning. What could you teach? Check out my free workbook ‘From improv player to improv teacher’ and go through step A, B and C. They are fun, easy, and fill in the blanks.

Keep the online space in the back of your mind when you are at step B. Which one feels the easiest to do?

Poke around Zoom

Download Zoom and open the program. Look around, try out the buttons. Let 1 other account sign in (e.g. a housemate, your bored friend, your phone/tablet). Try out any button. Especially breakout rooms and chat.

When you are ready for more, check my blog on Zoom functions I love using in workshops.

Brainstorm your workshop content

Take the back of an envelop or a simple note document, and just start jotting things down. A few possible goals of your workshop. Ideas for exercises. A thing you could say. Doodle. Anything.

Circle what you would like to try out.

Low key try out

Grab a few improvisers for a tryout. How? Send a message in your improv team’s group chat. Or invite your 3 most positive, feel good friends. Or post in a Facebook group to invite strangers. Whichever gives you the least stress.

Here is an example for what you can post:

“Hey, would any of you want to help me out? I would like to try out a few ideas for improv exercises on [date and time]. If you are up for a fun and messy practice, send me a message and I will send you the link. Thanks!”

In the tryout itself, share with the group that the focus is on doing. Avoid long conversations. While trying out, let the jumble happen. You will be imperfect. That is not just okay, that is the point.

Make a workshop plan 1.0

Take what you learned in the try out, look at your brainstormed content and make a workshop plan 1.0. This is the ‘for now’ version. Sleep on it and give it another look.

Offer the workshop

You can reach out to a group (maybe your own) to offer the workshop. You can also organise a workshop with open signup, by making a Facebook event and sharing it on your timeline.

In this video lesson I talk more about the basics of organising a workshop.

Teach an imperfect online workshop

Take your workshop plan 1.0 and bring it to a (preferably safe) group of improvisers. Let them tell you what worked and learn on the floor.

There!

You taught your first online workshop. That wasn’t all that scary, was it? If any of this was helpful to you, definitely send me a message. I will cheer you on!

P.S. I help improv teachers with all of these steps mentioned above. Normally in my video course, but until mid February I have a few 1-on-1 spots left in my schedule. Check it out if you would like some uplifting and practical coaching.