Improv Comedy: Whose Transformative Learning Is It Anyway?
Conference Thread
Applying Transformative Learning in Teaching
Performing improv comedy, and teaching others how to perform improv comedy, are Transformative Learning experiences for both educators and students. Imagination, innovation, and artistry all play key roles in Transformative Learning. Studying improv comedy reminds teachers and students about the role of creativity in Transformative Learning, and encourages educators and learners to question the value they each place upon performance art; performing allows educators to reflect on their own fears and inhibitions about being on stage, and simultaneously demonstrates their own authenticity. Topics for this program on how to perform and teach improv include the history of improv comedy from the Age of Enlightenment; current research trends on the benefits of improv on cognition; and how local improv comedy troupes reflect community issues. Participants will learn about the importance of setting boundaries for this “punch up” type of comedy, and why “rules” are essential for performing and teaching improv comedy. Discussion also includes addressing the challenges relating to diversity and inclusion in contemporary improv. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, including how to perform improv effectively in difficult situations. In the last 10 minutes, participants will see the facilitator perform spontaneous improv, and learn the most basic way to begin performing and teaching improv: YES AND. If there is time, participants will learn some basic improv games.