Spreading the Transforming Power of Improvisation

Chicago 08

I want to know your thoughts on 08

Permalink Reply by Ralph Passman on March 24, 2008 at 5:37pm: I think it has to do with what the mission of the school is. Jo Forsberg of Players Workshop (Chicago) wanted students move the scene forward and explore. At an early stage of her school she even tried to create an improv group that created drama. The process was important and if you learned writing, character, comedy or drama that was good, but it was not the point. Also,she used theater games (short form) to get students ready to work in long form.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Randy Sabourin on December 19, 2007 at 7:46am: There is a growing body of research around improvisation as a skill and strategy for corporate and individual performance. I would like see a few more speakers around a more serious theme as a balance.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kerstin Gauffin on February 12, 2008 at 11:11pm: Randy! This is something that really interests me since I am (hopefully) going in to a research project concerning improv "as a skill and strategy" in businesses. Have you any more information to give around this? If so - thanks in advance!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Johnnie Moore on December 3, 2007 at 2:05am: Just posting on a whim. But I read this today about Grant Swift. It reminded me of conversations about broadening our reach to other areas of improv - whether it's tap dancing like this, or music. Can we keep that in mind for the programme?; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Missy Whitis on February 6, 2008 at 2:48pm: I often teach swing dance as a companion workshop with improv. In a way, they are the same thing. You need to have a rolodex of info in your head in order to work combinations, work off of momentum, read your partner (and their abilities), etc. Status is involved, body language, all of it.

If anyone would be interested, I would be more than happy to teach a swing workshop (and how it relates).; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Yael Schy on February 6, 2008 at 4:19pm: Hi Missy!

I am also a swing dancer and dance teacher. I use dance for teambuilding and communication skills. Maybe we could organize some sort of dance event in Chicago! -Yael Schy; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike Weaver on November 19, 2007 at 12:33pm: Any way we can include the folks at Second City and/or ImprovOlympic would be great. It may be simply an evening show at one of those places, or inviting some or one of their folks to offer a keynote or workshop. That would be fabulous.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Daniel Knutson-Bradac on November 18, 2007 at 6:38pm: I'd love to listen to an interview or attend a session with Charna Halpern.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dave Whalley on November 19, 2007 at 11:54am: There are plenty of options. I'm sure any of your "downtown" centers will be expensive. I'd offer our little theatre as a possible location, but it's a small 40 seat storefront.

I'm pretty sure a session with Charna would be possible if she's in the city. There are many brilliant improv minds in this city. I'm not sure how it would translate, but I did a workshop a few years back with a guy by the name of Jimmy Carrane called "The Art of Slow Comedy". It was amazing. You might be interested in seeing if he does anything in line with what you are looking for.

I have no idea what your conferences are like, having never been to one. I'm excited to finally attend one.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Dave Whalley on November 19, 2007 at 12:12pm: Oh, and a good resource for getting to know area improvisers and talent will be www.chicagoimprov.org

Folks on there are generally helpful and willing to point you in the right direction.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by David Matthew Prior on November 18, 2007 at 2:06pm: "POSSIBLE" CONFERENCE LOCATION in Chicago for 2008:
I met a woman (Consultant to Non-Profits with a speciaty in fundraising) at the Toronto Airport and told her about our group. She is from Chicago, and recommended a place outside of the airport that has a nice lodge-type atmosphere in somewhat of a nature setting that might bode well for us. It's owned by MacDonald's and is referred to locally at "Hamburger U". It's located in Evanston, Ilinois, and is a short cab ride from the airport. She said we could probably get a van transport into Chicago downtown from there should we be trekking into town for some fun and improv. She also recommended we check into Northwestern University in Evanston since she thought they might have some facilities for us. I don't know the area, but I think it might be worth checking out. Your thoughts, Chicagoens?
Improvisationally yours,
David; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Viv McWaters on November 18, 2007 at 1:51am: Paul, Andrew, Simo and I were brainstoriming ideas on the drive back to Calgary. The only one I can remember (!) was to invite Jonathan Fox and Jo Salas of Playback Theatre fame.; ▶ Reply to This