What exactly do we do in the "through laughter" program?
Improvisers have known for a long time that their improv training has profound positive benefits to their offstage lives. The THROUGH LAUGHTER program brings these benefits to you using carefully selected, easy-to-learn improvisation exercises as tools for deepening learning in your professional and personal lives. This program is not a performance experience, and participants won’t ever be “on stage.” THROUGH LAUGHTER workshops are completed in a whole-group circle or in pairs, so key ideas are immediately put into active practice for immediately applicable skills building. Exercises are interspersed with guided debriefing discussions in order to apply the learning to participants' professional and personal lives. The THROUGH LAUGHTER program is about much, much more than bringing humor to the workplace, but we often happen to have A LOT OF FUN along the way too!
What is Improv comedy?
Improv comedy is a script-free art form where everything - characters, lines of dialogue, plot - is discovered on the spot. Inspired by the audience suggestions and the truth of the moment, improv comedy showcases an exciting form of theater where the show is being revealed as its being played out. TV shows such as as "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" have popularized one branch of improv comedy, and you can find improv comedy theaters in nearly every big city and college campus, including in Hadley, Massachusetts at the Happier Valley Comedy Theater. THROUGH LAUGHTER is an applied improvisation program which uses the tools of improv training and apply it to professional and personal growth.
What is applied improvisation?
According to the Applied Improv Network, "Applied improvisation uses the principles, tools, practices, skills and mind-sets developed in comedy, jazz and theatre and utilises them for non-theatrical or performance purposes." (By the way, Pam Victor has facilitated workshops at the Applied Improv Network world conferences in Montreal, Canada and Oxford, England.)
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How can improv bring professional growth?
The tenets of improvisation just so happen to parallel those of excellent work and life practices. For example, the main tenet of improv is to say “Yes, and…” That is, to accept the reality of the moment and move forward together with positivity … which is a great way to approach work too, don’t you think? Enhanced communication, team work, and risk-taking all begin with saying yes first. That is just one of the muscles we strengthen in the THROUGH LAUGHTER program.
Improvisers also are taught - and spend many years practicing - these key skills:
is there any proof applied improv works?Neil Curran's 2018 research study entitled Improvisation as a Training Method to Develop Effective Teams in the Workplace with a Focus on Promoting Confidence, Interpersonal Skills and Relationship Building found that improv training has significant benefits for team effectiveness; in addition, "participants considered it to be the most positive team development training or team building undertaken."
Here's another one: Ninety-five percent of students anonymously evaluating medical improv seminars from 2002 to 2010 agreed with the statement, “studying improv could make me a better doctor,” and 100% agreed with the statement, “I would recommend this class to other medical students,” according to “Serious Play: Teaching Medical Skills with Improvisational Theater Techniques” in Academic Medicine, the journal of the Assoc. of American Medical Colleges. |
Forbes Magazine:"Improv’s low-stakes training increases the likelihood that team members will feel comfortable communicating in a variety of work situations. 'Yes, and' is the key."
"Why Improv Training is Great Business Training" Slate Magazine:“Through improv...we can work on anything from leadership, to influence, to adaptability, to crisis management. We can help people’s communication skills. We can show them how to stay focused, in the present moment, at a very high level.”
"Getting to 'Yes, And...'How Improv Comedy Skills Became a Must-Have for Entrepreneurs" Entrepreneur Magazine:"Improv can improve teamwork, collaboration and innovation in a workplace. Use of the "Yes, and” technique means team players build on the thoughts of others, rather than shutting down the ideas of their peers by presenting problems and roadblocks."
"How Improv Comedy Can Seriously Grow Your Business" |
Can I do this program if I'm a shy introvert?
Pam Victor's superpower is making everyone on the introvert-extrovert spectrum feel successful at improv. Afraid of being in the spotlight? Please put your mind at ease. That’s not our style in the THROUGH LAUGHTER, which is a gentle, positive, affirming environment of non-judgment. All exercises are conducted in a circle or pairs and are totally voluntary. Though hams are welcome, this is not a program for aspiring performers. (If you're interested in learning improv as a performance art, might we suggest the Happier Valley Comedy Training Center?)
Do I have to be funny to take this program?
Funny not required; in fact, it’s besides the point. We will laugh a lot together, but THROUGH LAUGHTER is not about making jokes or forcing ourselves to laugh. Laughter is a healthy side effect of this practice, but not the goal we work to achieve. You don't have to be funny. You are enough just as you are.
I don't want to embarrass myself!
That's not a question, but we'll answer it anyway. The culture of all THROUGH LAUGHTER programs is one of abundant positivity, uncompromising support, and joyful acceptance. Furthermore, all activities are 100% voluntary. You will gain from observing them until you're ready to join in.
What are the benefits of the "Through Laughter" pROGRAM?
That’s a crazy long list of fantabulousness! Here are just a small selection of the many benefits:
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Don't believe us?
According to Entrepreneur Magazine, the benefits of improvisation include:
Overcoming fear, getting comfortable with chaos, trusting others,
honing your authentic, honest voice,
improving communication and self-confidence,
promoting positive team work,
enhancing your ability to get out of your own way,
plus so much more.
According to Entrepreneur Magazine, the benefits of improvisation include:
Overcoming fear, getting comfortable with chaos, trusting others,
honing your authentic, honest voice,
improving communication and self-confidence,
promoting positive team work,
enhancing your ability to get out of your own way,
plus so much more.
can i see a through laughter event in action?
what's the story behind the through laughter program?
one last question. how can i book a through laughter event?
We thought you'd never ask!
Contact Happier Valley Comedy's President/Founder Pam Victor to bringing learning THROUGH LAUGHTER to you.
Contact Happier Valley Comedy's President/Founder Pam Victor to bringing learning THROUGH LAUGHTER to you.