Repeat, repeat, repeat when teaching non-improvisers

I hate to break the news but eh…. Not everyone is an improviser. What is normal to us, is pretty wild to most non-improvisers. And we need to not forget that when we teach ‘muggles’.

Take 1 exercise that fits well with your purpose. Let them practice that exercise, let them get used to the rules (and silliness) and then add on top of that exercise.

Here is how it looked like when my coachee and I did this for the language class.

What if almost nobody shows up...

Imagine…

Tonight is your friend’s birthday party. You got all dressed up, wrapped a nice gift, you showed up at their doorstep and while you walk into their living room your friend starts complaining: “Look how few people showed up. So disappointing! My birthday is ruined.”

And there you are… Gift in hand, feeling awkward, apologising for all the friends who did not show up tonight.

Sounds pretty unpleasant, right?

And yet… Aren’t we a little bit that friend sometimes?

How to take a mini break

Sometimes you find yourself stressed. Worn out. Operating on a shoestring. A little out of breath, maybe.

I have been there. Plentiful times. Here is what you need: a break.

Here are 4 examples of how to take mini breaks while you are teaching a class.

English, improvisatie, international, Teaching improvLaura DoorneweerdJune 12, 2020improvisation, improv, teaching, teacher, break, pause, self care, class, workshopsComment

Conflict & comfort zone - An improv weekend in Israel

Recently I was in Israel to teach and perform. I got a bit more of a culture shock than I ‘normally’ get.

Israel is a complex country, I discovered.

Saying yes ('tak') - A short Poland tour

Remember this word: Tak. It means yes in Polish.

Yes is the most important word in improv, and the Polish improv stage is no different. And apparently, you can play entire scenes with that word.

Everything about my short Poland tour in this blog.

international, improvisatie, EnglishLaura DoorneweerdOctober 20, 2016internationaal, poland, festival, teaching, workshops, improvisation, improv, bydgoszcz, warsaw, krakowComment

Play, teach and play in Gothenburg

My first time in Sweden.

I played, taught, played and barely saw something of the city. It was perfect.

Training Majoretteketet - Improvise in dance

I loved my return to the Flemmish girls and guy of Majoretteketet. A 3,5 hour delay could not stop me.

They are a very unique group combining choreographed dances, improvised dance and fun, light street theatre. Last year I worked with them on the last 2: the elements where some improv skills are of use.