Creating positive, playful connections within a group motivates and energizes a class to collaborate with trust. Improv Comedy is based on principles of "group-mind" where everyone works and plays together under an agreed-upon set of rules. This workshop involves actively playing a selection of "easy-to-learn, easy-to-teach" exercises inspired by the comedy improv mindset that can be used in the classroom to create rapport, challenge focusing skills and enliven the playful connections between students. These Ice-breakers and Group Exercises can be used (with adaptations) with students of all ages. Based on Viola Spolin´s seminal exercises in the classroom, theories of Applied Improv and "Short-form Improvisational Comedy"performance techniques, these games thrive on soft-skill communication techniques that encourage risk-taking and creative play where there is no "right" or "wrong"; it´s a recognition of the creative child within us who still wants to play and of the teacher´s task of empowering students to connect to each other in non-judgemental ways. Brian will introduce a different set of exercises than those from the 2024 Conference, and expand on games that strongly resonated with participants.
Secondary Drama Teacher, Berlin International School
Before teaching Secondary School Drama at Berlin International School, Brian had a long history in professional theater and comedy improvisation performance and production. As a founding member of ComedySportz in 1985, he co-created 'short-form' improvisational comedy format that... Read More →
Sunday September 28, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 CEST TBAAm Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471 Potsdam
