In today's professional landscape, success demands that we all become performers. Understanding narrative, communicating with the clarity and persuasion of an actor, and listening with genuine empathy are now foundational skills. How can we acquire these abilities? Through improv and applied improvisation classes tailored for the professional context.
My Journey: From Professor to Performative Educator
For over fifteen years, I was immersed in academia as a university professor. I began to view teaching as a form of collaborative performance, adopting an earnest approach to this role. After years of training in acting, improvisation, and directing, I realized the immense value these skills offered beyond the stage. Colleagues admired my approach, finding the incorporation of storytelling, empathetic listening, and vocal modulation into teaching profoundly impactful. The lesson was clear: mastering one's profession isn't just about knowledge; it's about performing your role with conviction.
The medical profession illustrates this perfectly. It's no longer sufficient to just 'be' a doctor; one must also 'perform' as a doctor—listening and responding empathetically within the confines of professionalism. The skills of a performer—active listening and honest reactions—are now essential tools for modern practitioners.
So how can i help?
Tell Your Story
Storytelling has intertwined with our daily narratives, transforming our identities through a myriad of personal stories. Social media has propelled us to curate our lives, transitioning from textual expressions on Twitter and Facebook to visual narratives on Instagram. New platforms like Vine, Snapchat, and TikTok have nudged us further into the spotlight, performing aspects of our lives for the world. This shift has not only changed how we see ourselves but also set new expectations for clarity and engagement in storytelling. Performers and improvisers, adept in narrative structures, navigate this new reality effortlessly.
Communicate Authentically Effectively
Efficiency in the workplace hinges on effective communication. Applied improvisation, merging acting techniques with real-world interactions, unveils our intrinsic humor, collaborative spirit, and authenticity—qualities highly valued in today's corporate world. In today’s world, authentic people are effective people. How, then, can we present ourselves more truthfully?
Embrace the Truth
Humor and empathy often spring from truth. Admitting vulnerabilities or acknowledging new challenges openly can foster a genuine sense of connection.
Develop a Sense of Truth
For actors, authenticity informs every decision, ensuring genuine responses. This principle applies equally to our daily interactions; our responses must be informed by attentive listening and a truthful assessment of situations.
Listening with Empathy
In the digital age, the art of listening has become skewed. Genuine communication demands real-time, empathetic listening, which improv classes excel at teaching.
The Performative Path to Authenticity
As performers in the grand stage of life, we must shift our focus from mere presentation to true connection. The Meisner technique teaches us that acting is about being truthful, even in imaginary circumstances. Performing, thus, is not about deception but about listening and understanding.
In an era where performance is intertwined with our identity, genuine connection is paramount. Taking an improv or acting class isn't just about enhancing your public persona; it's about enriching your interpersonal skills and embracing authenticity in every interaction.
Ready to Unleash Your Authentic Self?
Embark on a transformative journey with improv and acting classes. Discover the power of performance to unlock genuine connections and elevate your professional and personal life.
TAKE AN APPLIED IMPROV CLASS.
Starting now, you can get on our list for our Sept to June classes. Email us at swarmlabarts@gmail.com, and we will keep you informed of dates, times, and costs.
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