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Improv Is a Community

 

Purple on Purpose

I've been blessed with many opportunities to practice improv with truly fabulous, sincere, and creative people all over the USA -- in New Jersey, Chicago, Michigan, Colorado, Pennsylvania -- all over. Each group brings their own spark and joy. One wonderful feature of participating in different improv groups is that it does not feel like we are competing with each other because improv is a community. 

That makes it just about a perfect model for improving communication, crossing polarized divides, and recognizing people for the marvelously complicated but at heart well-intentioned beings that they are.

Last week I participated in a wonderful and meaningful workshop with UnScripted Productions: Purple On Purpose. Skillfully facilitated by Will Dennis, the two-hour workshop explored practicing improv as a way to strengthen communication and conduct difficult conversations without creating enemies. "Everybody wins" I heard Will say. 

The evening was filled with flashes of inspiration. We did between ten and twelve exercises (or games) that built on each other creating a fun path toward connection, acceptance, and learning. 

I highly recommend UnScripted Productions and I look forward to working with them more in the future.

-- doug smith


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