How is this different than traditional group therapy or improv?
Living Improv mixes active improv games and scene work with a seated group process. We select improv activities designed to increase self-awareness and teach skills for dealing with challenging life situations. After we play, we come together as a group to share emotional experiences that arose and to learn more about ourselves and our relationships through group discussion.
Do I need to have prior improv or acting experience?
Nope. You do not need to have any prior improv or acting experience. The improv exercises we will be doing will be basic and great for beginners. No former experience needed! If you do have some improv or acting background, that’s cool. But it’s not necessary.
Do I have to be funny or clever?
Absolutely not. There’s a saying in improv - “dare to be dull” meaning that it’s best to just be run of the mill and not try to be witty. You will be celebrated for being you and for participating!
Will I have to perform in front of others?
We will never pressure you to do something you do not feel comfortable doing. Living Improv is not about entertainment or performance, but rather focused on self-growth and building life and relationship skills. We will begin the group with group exercises, and as the sessions progress, we will introduce some scene exercises in front of the group, but there is a variety of ways that people can participate. There is no final show or public performance.
Do I have to come to all the group sessions?
For the group to work best- both for you and for your fellow group members- we ask that you commit to attending the full course of the group. Of course, we understand that life happens. People get sick, you have to go to a wedding or bar mitzvah. Please just let us know as soon as possible if you know that you will need to miss a session or two due to illness or other plans.
Can I pay on a pro-rated basis (only for the sessions I am able to attend)?
We hold a spot for you in the group even when you are not there and so we can not give refunds for missed individual sessions.
Are Living Improv sessions confidential?
One of the group agreements is that all members will protect the anonymity of the other group members and keep each other's confidentiality.
Living Improv mixes active improv games and scene work with a seated group process. We select improv activities designed to increase self-awareness and teach skills for dealing with challenging life situations. After we play, we come together as a group to share emotional experiences that arose and to learn more about ourselves and our relationships through group discussion.
Do I need to have prior improv or acting experience?
Nope. You do not need to have any prior improv or acting experience. The improv exercises we will be doing will be basic and great for beginners. No former experience needed! If you do have some improv or acting background, that’s cool. But it’s not necessary.
Do I have to be funny or clever?
Absolutely not. There’s a saying in improv - “dare to be dull” meaning that it’s best to just be run of the mill and not try to be witty. You will be celebrated for being you and for participating!
Will I have to perform in front of others?
We will never pressure you to do something you do not feel comfortable doing. Living Improv is not about entertainment or performance, but rather focused on self-growth and building life and relationship skills. We will begin the group with group exercises, and as the sessions progress, we will introduce some scene exercises in front of the group, but there is a variety of ways that people can participate. There is no final show or public performance.
Do I have to come to all the group sessions?
For the group to work best- both for you and for your fellow group members- we ask that you commit to attending the full course of the group. Of course, we understand that life happens. People get sick, you have to go to a wedding or bar mitzvah. Please just let us know as soon as possible if you know that you will need to miss a session or two due to illness or other plans.
Can I pay on a pro-rated basis (only for the sessions I am able to attend)?
We hold a spot for you in the group even when you are not there and so we can not give refunds for missed individual sessions.
Are Living Improv sessions confidential?
One of the group agreements is that all members will protect the anonymity of the other group members and keep each other's confidentiality.