Life is improvised! The principles that help actors create scenes and stories are the same principles that help people create fulfilling connections with others and live their lives with grace and joy. The tools of improv can be applied to our daily lives to help us be more in the moment, let go of old patterns, and feel more connected and confident.
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Hi! Thanks for your interest in Living Improv.
If you'd like to sign up for the mailing list so you can find out about upcoming groups, you can do so below.
If you'd like to try out Living Improv, consider trying a drop-in session.
The next drop-ins will be 12/10/24 and 1/14/25. Click the date to register.
If you'd like to sign up for the mailing list so you can find out about upcoming groups, you can do so below.
If you'd like to try out Living Improv, consider trying a drop-in session.
The next drop-ins will be 12/10/24 and 1/14/25. Click the date to register.
Photo Credit: Antonius Ferret
Pssst... we are now on Instagram! Follow us @livingimprovgroups for updates on groups and drop-ins!
Current and Upcoming Groups/Drop-Ins:
Click here to learn more about groups
Improv For Growth
10 Weeks
Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:30pm
The Next Series Begins February 4th, 2025
Equal parts-improv class and process group, this 10-week group facilitates self-growth in an environment that is both playful and supportive.
No prior improv experience necessary!
This group will meet in-person at a studio space that is walking distance from Rockridge BART.
Space is limited. Please reach out if you are interested in this group, or sign up here for a free 20 minute consultation to find out more.
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Improv For Growth Drop-Ins
Interested in Improv For Growth but want to try a session first?
Drop-in sessions give participants a taste of the Improv For Growth series without the pressure to join a longer group.
Next Drop Ins:
December 10th, 2024
Click here to sign up
January 14th, 2025
Click here to sign up
Drop-ins meet in-person at a studio space that is walking distance from Rockridge BART. Plenty of street parking.
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Playful Process
Wednesdays 5:30pm - 7:10pm
Ongoing Group
(No Current Openings)
Each session of this ongoing process group begins with a guided playful somatic exercise. The playful body-based experience is intended to help participants connect with themselves and each other more deeply during the process group. Great for alumnae of Living Improv groups who want to explore the process part in more depth, or for anyone interested in group therapy.
Space is very limited. Please contact us if you are interested in this group, or sign up here for a free 20 minute consultation to find out more.
Please contact us if you are interested in joining one of these groups.
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Mixed Gender Process Groups
4 Groups (virtual and in-person):
Wednesdays 840-10am
Wednesdays 4:15pm - 5:45pm
Tuesdays 5:00pm - 6:20pm
Thursdays 9-10:20am
These ongoing groups incorporate the principles of improv into a talk therapy group format. Over time, group members learn they can be more fully themselves with others and gain confidence and capacity for more satisfying connections. Process groups give us an opportunity to understand our patterns in relationship and receive valuable feedback. Additionally, hearing from others who have dealt with similar issues can help us understand our own predicaments; and having an opportunity to tell our stories can empower us to find our voice.
These groups are facilitated by Ali Kimmell, LCSW, CGP. Please see Ali's updated group therapy website to read more about these groups and inquire about current openings.
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(t) 510.473.2320
(e) [email protected]
Click here to learn about all of our upcoming groups and workshops!
What is Living Improv℠?
Living Improv offers an approach to healing and personal growth that is at once fun and therapeutic. At its base, improv is about play. Research has found that adults who play are more likely to lead authentic lives, rich with growth and creativity. (Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection. Minnesota: Hazelden, 2010. 100-101). At Living Improv participants will be able to apply the tools of improv to enhance aspects of everyday life -- personal relationships, family, career, or school.
By engaging in structured but creative improvisation routines, we can learn more about our thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns of relating to others and experiment with new roles and ways of interacting. But without support and group discussion, many areas of rich learning go untapped. In Living Improv, we pair improv techniques with facilitated group discussion to help participants explore these patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives.
Improv is an incredible space for healing and self-growth. Playing improv games connects us with others, increases feelings of joy, helps us become more self-aware, and strengthens our ability to be in the present moment. Improv techniques are also powerful tools for our lives. They can increase our ability to roll with whatever life brings, boost our capacity for spontaneity, help us take risks and let go of perfectionism, and increase our confidence.
All sessions will be facilitated by Elizabeth Ehrenberg, LCSW or Ali Kimmell, LCSW. We are Licensed Clinical Social Workers in California, practicing psychotherapy in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together we bring a strong background in improv and theater as well as advanced training and experience in group psychotherapy.
By engaging in structured but creative improvisation routines, we can learn more about our thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns of relating to others and experiment with new roles and ways of interacting. But without support and group discussion, many areas of rich learning go untapped. In Living Improv, we pair improv techniques with facilitated group discussion to help participants explore these patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives.
Improv is an incredible space for healing and self-growth. Playing improv games connects us with others, increases feelings of joy, helps us become more self-aware, and strengthens our ability to be in the present moment. Improv techniques are also powerful tools for our lives. They can increase our ability to roll with whatever life brings, boost our capacity for spontaneity, help us take risks and let go of perfectionism, and increase our confidence.
All sessions will be facilitated by Elizabeth Ehrenberg, LCSW or Ali Kimmell, LCSW. We are Licensed Clinical Social Workers in California, practicing psychotherapy in the San Francisco Bay Area. Together we bring a strong background in improv and theater as well as advanced training and experience in group psychotherapy.
Who is it for?Would you like to learn more about yourself?
Do you want to increase your capacity for spontaneity? Are you interested in experimenting with new more fulfilling ways of connecting to those around you? Are you dealing with anxiety, depression or feeling plagued by self-criticism, guilt or perfectionism? Or are you just looking for a supportive environment to play and connect with those around you? If so, we invite you to come play with us! We will create an inclusive group environment welcoming to adults of all ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and any level of performance experience! |
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How do I get started?
Space is limited. Please contact us to answer any questions about our groups and see if they are a good fit for your needs.
Improv For Growth: Part-improv class, part-process group, these sessions facilitate self-growth in an environment that is playful and supportive. Groups meet weekly for 10 or 12 weeks at a time. This group is accepting new members for September 2024. Space is limited. Please contact us to answer any questions about the group and see if it is a good fit for your needs.
Drop-Ins: These sessions are a great way to try out Living Improv and see if the groups are right for you. There's no pressure or commitment to join an ongoing group. Next Drop-In: September 3rd, 2024
Half-Day Workshops: Don't have the time in your schedule for a weekly group? No problem! This workshop will give you an immersive, in-depth experience of Living Improv in a single afternoon. Next half-day workshop: TBD. Please sign up for our mailing list (below) to find out when the next half-day workshop will be happening.
Process Groups: These groups are perfect for Living Improv group or workshop alumni or the general public who are interested in exploring the process group aspect of the Living Improv experience in more depth. In process groups members can explore their patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives. There are four groups available: Wednesdays 8:30-9:50am, Wednesdays 5:30pm-7:10pm, Wednesdays 5pm-6:30pm or Tuesdays 5pm-6:30pm in Oakland. These are ongoing groups that will ask for an initial commitment of 3 months.
All Improv For Growth groups are held at 5390 Miles Ave. in Oakland (just 4 blocks from the Rockridge BART). To inquire about upcoming workshops and groups, please e-mail us at [email protected].
If the time or location of current Living Improv groups does not work for you, but you are interested, contact us anyway because we'd love to hear from you and new groups may be forming soon!
Improv For Growth: Part-improv class, part-process group, these sessions facilitate self-growth in an environment that is playful and supportive. Groups meet weekly for 10 or 12 weeks at a time. This group is accepting new members for September 2024. Space is limited. Please contact us to answer any questions about the group and see if it is a good fit for your needs.
Drop-Ins: These sessions are a great way to try out Living Improv and see if the groups are right for you. There's no pressure or commitment to join an ongoing group. Next Drop-In: September 3rd, 2024
Half-Day Workshops: Don't have the time in your schedule for a weekly group? No problem! This workshop will give you an immersive, in-depth experience of Living Improv in a single afternoon. Next half-day workshop: TBD. Please sign up for our mailing list (below) to find out when the next half-day workshop will be happening.
Process Groups: These groups are perfect for Living Improv group or workshop alumni or the general public who are interested in exploring the process group aspect of the Living Improv experience in more depth. In process groups members can explore their patterns as they arise, receive mutual feedback and support, and ultimately transform this learning into increased fulfillment in our selves, our relationships and our lives. There are four groups available: Wednesdays 8:30-9:50am, Wednesdays 5:30pm-7:10pm, Wednesdays 5pm-6:30pm or Tuesdays 5pm-6:30pm in Oakland. These are ongoing groups that will ask for an initial commitment of 3 months.
All Improv For Growth groups are held at 5390 Miles Ave. in Oakland (just 4 blocks from the Rockridge BART). To inquire about upcoming workshops and groups, please e-mail us at [email protected].
If the time or location of current Living Improv groups does not work for you, but you are interested, contact us anyway because we'd love to hear from you and new groups may be forming soon!