Our motto at the Brave New Workshop Student Union (BNW SU) is “Improv for Everyone. Improv for Life. Improv for Good.” Some of you reading this right now might be saying to yourself, well not EVERYONE…not ME. I hear this a lot. When I hear these comments I always try to demystify the practice of improvisation and dispel the myth that it’s an art form reserved only for the young, funny and bold. It really...
I’m finally doing some of the creative things I’ve been curious about but haven’t made time for. Improv has been such a gift in my life and helps me explore other facets of myself that I’m now giving myself permission to express. I feel like I’m excavating and finding parts of me that got buried a little....
My life work is sharing the mindset and tools of improv with as many people as possible, because I believe it’s one of the most simple and powerful (and fun) practices on the planet. Perhaps the most common story thread I hear is: “Improvisation changed (or saved) my life. It is the single most healing thing I’ve done for myself.” ...
From my time in the managing anxiety class, I’ve been working on using improv skills to lessen the effect of anxiety taking ahold of me. I think that as we grow older it’s easy for us to either normalize and suppress our generalized anxiety or become more easily triggered by the little things....
Even from just these first few classes, I'm already noticing that I do more active listening. Being able to stay present with a scene partner when we're playing improv games has also helped me be more present in my relationships in other areas of my life....
As a solo entrepreneur and jewelry designer, I feel like the skills of improv have helped me to reframe many of the challenges that I face. When I am given something difficult or things don't go according to my plans, I try to see everything as a gift. This subtle shift has helped me become more effective in my communication style and career. ...
BNW Student Union co-founder and president, Jenni Lilledahl, sat down with Jim Robinson (instructor for our upcoming elective course "Managing Anxiety with Improv Skills") to talk about what students can expect from this fun and transformative four-week experience. Jim says that creating a non-judgmental space for improv is like taking a warm bath. Also it’s good to remember that this class is not therapy – it’s improv and it's fun!...
Meet Jeannie Farley, who uses improv to overcome anxiety by living in the moment. Improv has been an anchor for her as she navigates a career transition. ...
Meet Kyle Decker, a BNW SU student, who is applying his improv skills to create and develop new habits....
