The Applied Improvisation Network

Spreading the Transforming Power of Improvisation

Geoff Brown
  • Male
  • Aireys Inlet, Victoria
  • Australia
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Using Improv with songwriting and guitar
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Started this discussion. Last reply by Geoff Brown Feb. 7, 2008.

 

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Latest Activity

Wonderful!!!
on Tuesday
Geoff - awesome meddley! Well done! Bx
on Monday
This is so fun, Geoff! Thank you!
on Sunday
That's exactly how it was! Psychedelic turnip and all!
November 19
Sweet as Geoff!
November 19
Really fun collage of pictures and videos Geoff, thanks for putting that together :)
November 18
Geoff Brown added a video
Here's a mix of the conference and our night out in Portland. Rock on guys and gals!
November 18
Whoo-hooooo! That's exactly how the spa is, whales and all!
November 17

Profile Information

Where do you live and work? (City)
Aireys Inlet, Victoria, Australia
Professional Skills
Facilitation ... current life
Occupational Therpay ... previous life
Tennis Coach ... distant life
What is your main interest in this network?
Social, Networking, Improv Resources
What kind of person are you?
Morning
What kinds of improv-related services are you involved in?
Teambuilding, Creativity, Problem Solving, Leadership
Share a favorite 'improv epiphany'
… through a bit of improv I managed to reframe a very negative mindset this morning. I had Kinder duty and months ago agreed to come in and play some kiddy songs for the group. Woke this morning with a very croaky voice and unable to sing. Ingrid suggested I pull the pin but decided to “accept the offer” … “throw out the plan” … just do something.

At 11am Sue (Kinder Teacher) assembled the mob of 4 year olds on the mat and introduced me with my guitar. I said “Hi Kids … I lost my singing voice last night and it’s time have some fun! At that point I had no idea what I was going to do next … so I just “did something”.

I drew on some inspiration from the Wiggles, last week’s Crowded House concert and my trust in be spontaneous. Here’s what I did:

1st … I asked the group if anyone had seen my pet Dinosaur? “No!” they all shrieked. After some banter and laughter I convinced them that it was hiding inside my guitar.

2nd … I said “We had better wake him up and to do this we all need to sing … can you help me out?” … “Yeesss!” they all cheered. At this point I was away and had them in the palm of my hand.

Every step (for the next 15 minutes) was completely improvised and spontaneous. I was completely present … responded to all offers … and when faced with the unknown I just trusted my instincts and “did something”. I also “let go” of where the gig might end up and celebrated my many mistakes (including poems that didn’t rhyme and stories that made no sense) with the kids. In fact the mistakes ended up being the funniest moments.

As for the dinosaur inside my guitar, one child asked “Is your pet dinosaur awake?” I had no idea how to respond so I pretended to fall asleep myself. I began to snore. The kids were wondering what to do. The Kinder teacher finally “got it” and said to the kids “I think we better wake Geoff up” … 1 … 2… 3… “Wake up Geoff!”

As in Open Space … it’s over when it’s over. They applauded … I took a bow.
More about you: (Short Bio or any other details you'd like people to know)
Important Stuff
I am a lovinghusband and father of 3 boys aged b/w 8 weeks and 5 years. My wife and I live in Aireys Inlet and whilst I type it has started to rain ... a rare event in these days of climate change :-(

I love playing guitar and singing ... and love jamming (impro style) with the brother in law and whoever else wants to join in.

My garden is my sanctuary and provides reflective time ... I have to get dirt under my finger nails to "think creatively".
Work Stuff
I specialise in group facilitation, community engagement and in the design and delivery of community change programs.

My passion for community development and environmental sustainability has inspired him to work as a facilitator in the natural resource management, community development and sustainability arenas over the past 5 years.

Geoff designs and facilitates workshops to help organisations and teams with communication, teamwork and leadership, strategic and business planning, community development and in evaluation.

Geoff's approach to workshop facilitation enables participant creativity, involvement and relationship building. His workshops promote a sense of fun and create ownership and commitment to action.

In the development of community change programs, Geoff applies numerous approaches including the principles of Community Based Social Marketing and Participatory Action Research.

Prior to starting his own business, Geoff worked for 10 years as a trainer and facilitator in the occupational health and safety field. Geoff has also worked as an Occupational Therapist in numerous community health programs.
I need help with...
Keeping up with the washing ... housework ... enabling my children to embrace the Improv philosophy.
Work Website
http://www.tangentconsulting.com.au
Blog or other personal website
http://www.yesandspace.com.au
Skype Name (Skype.com is the most popular free internet audio/text chat and more)
geoffbrown3231
Twitter Name (Twitter.com is the most popular 'hyper blog' client, enabling instant updates)
GeoffBrown3231
Other contact info (Your choice for phone, email, facebook, myspace, etc.)
0403763660
How did you hear about this network?
Viv McWaters

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Geoff Brown

Right Here and Now

Ssssshhhh


All 3 boys are asleep ... my wife is "out on the town" with some others local mums ... Viv has just invited me to this Applied Improv Network! And then I receive a message from Paul Z Jackson (welcoming me) after I used his Solution Focus stuff at a workshop yesterday. Spooky stuff.


Anyway, hello to you all ... hope the recent conference was enoyable ... glad to feel connected to a community and a topic for which I share some real passion :-)


Cheers


Geoff

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Posted on November 17, 2007 at 1:56am —

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At 12:46pm on February 18, 2008, Geoff Brown said…
Hi Colleen
I will check out those websites you sent to me. Thanks for your comments :-)

No, I haven't studied with Keith (although I am reading his Improv book at the moment). I have just discovered Improv via my facilitation buddy Viv McWaters.

My aim is introduce my own kids to the world of Improv so they too can go through life happy little campers.

Warmest Regards

Geoff
At 7:21am on February 18, 2008, Colleen Laliberte said…
Dear Geoff,
Welcome aboard AIN! I must say it was a delight and a joy to read your story about the 4 year olds, and your wonderful use of improv to teach them. I have worked with The WEolf Trap Institute's Early Learning Through the Arts program out of Washington DC since 1985 and you sound like a true Wolf Trap colleague! I continue to work as a "Teaching Artist" and my children now are grown and are also artists ...check out www.zachlaliberte.com (My son is Zach Laliberte, is an improviser, and a song writer and now lives and works in Chicago IL. I think you guys have a lot in common...congrats on the dinosaur in your guitar....absolutely brilliant and lovely!
I am actually very anxious to continue this discussion, am forwarding your info to Zach...(he also has toured with Kelly Jean in a show called" The adventures of Plip and Groog...clowns around the world"....but must close for today...I have 3 horses, 3 donkeys and 3 hungry cats demanding my attention!

colleen

ps...have you studied with Keith Johnstone? When? We have been trekking to Calgary since 1993 and can't stop...there are certainly worse things to be addicted to...

colleen
At 3:05pm on February 6, 2008, Geoff Brown said…
My wife insisted on naming our (recently born) third boy "Hamish" ... Ingrid and you can compare notes :-)
Geoff
At 2:56pm on February 6, 2008, Missy Whitis said…
Nice to meet you! And I see you're from Australia! My love of music was completely enhanced when I met Tim Minchin! Brilliant and bold! He will be in the states next month! Can't wait!!! And Tripod did an interview for me for the book I am working on. And I think Hamish Blake is a hottie! And....and....and....On and on....... ;) I am hoping to attend the MICF this year!!!
At 3:50pm on December 18, 2007, Ed Reggi said…
Hey Geoff - thanks for greeting - hope you are having a great December! Hope to chat with ya soon!
At 7:07am on December 6, 2007, Paul Z Jackson said…
Looking forward to meeting you. Working in Shanghai this week, which is amazing and disorienting. Cheers for now.
At 1:32am on November 17, 2007, Paul Z Jackson said…
Hello Geoff, welcome to the network. Your kid's group sounds like some of the sessions we have in the AIN, and just occasionally in the clients' workplaces!
I'll be making my first visit to Australia in January (for a workshop on change management with Solutions Focus), and maybe we can link up with Andrew Rixon and others there.
 
 

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