Improv For Gifted Adults Come unmasked. Discover yourself in community and in play. Transform perfectionism through spontaneity. Transcend social defenses through trust in your actual peers. Feel an unusual-to-you sense of attunement in a group of neuro-atypical people like you. Improv is a unique and hilariously effective avenue for gifted self-development. It’s a place for gifted people to show up openly – laughing together and supporting each other. It’s a place where you’ll be accurately mirrored, where you can feel secure. Learn More

From Amazon: “The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual is a comprehensive guide to the UCB style of long form comedy improvisation. Written by UCB founding members Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh, the manual covers everything from the basics of two person scene work (with a heavy emphasis on finding “the game” of the scene), to the complexities of working within an ensemble to perform long form structures, such as “The Harold” and “The Movie”. A practical “how to” book, the guide provides exercises throughout to help the reader master each new concept and technique introduced. While the manual is written to be understood by beginners with no previous exposure to improvisational comedy, experienced improvisors will find it to be an excellent resource for honing their skills, clarifying concepts, and generally taking their work to a higher level.”

Sean’s Take: The book changed my life in a profound way. I was looking for a better way to collaborate with my fellow actors and I found a way of life. This book is what prompted me to make the ACT SOCIAL film.

The visual aids and fun comics in the book went a long way to increasing my memory of all important improv comedy concepts like YES AND and IF, THEN. If you’re serious about learning to make people laugh with improv or simply wanting to understanding how to have a better sense of humor in life: order this book today from our affiliate link below!

The Improv Therapy Group is offering a series of videos containing leadership lectures about Mental Health and Applied Improv.  The first video is titled: Play Your Way Sane: Applying Improv Principles to Our Own Mental Health Journeys.  

The host, Clay Drinko, is an educator and author of “Play Your Way Sane: 120 Impro-Inspired Exercises to Help Your Calm Down, Stop Spiraling, and Embrace Uncertainty (2021 Simon & Schuster). 

The video link is here: https://youtu.be/6Pp3sM-kemY

More information about Clay’s research is available at  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play-your-way-sane/202008/new-study-improvisation-and-stress-reduction

If you haven’t checked out Margot’s podcast on Apple Podcasts or Soundcloud, do it now! She talks to many of the most prominent minds in improv and applied improv.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mary-de-michele-9-30-21-9-25-am/id1488265586?i=1000537115602

This… Is… Microphone YOU!
Learn Freestyle From FLS

Ever wanted to try freestyling but don’t know how to start? Freestyle Love Supreme Academy was created by FLS cast members and has brought people together from around the world to play, laugh, and share their stories. New virtual classes start Jan 29th!

Try a two-day workshop in beatboxing, improv, and freestyle and meet an incredible, supportive community. Or take the full 7-week course that participants call “life-changing,” including a class showcase for friends. Scholarships available. Click here to learn more!

Improvisation Professionals: We Want to Blog about Your Shows, Classes and Publications

If you are using improv to better the world, we want to write about it here at the Act Social Club. Send your news in blog format to williamnieporte@gmail.com and Bill review it for publication on our blog/newsletter!

The “Improv Therapy Group” is offering a course titled: Interfaith Clergy Improv Class (for all religious traditions)

This course is designed to provide clergy a safe space to engage in self-care and well-being with other ministers. These troubled times have generated additional stress for clergy members, and there is little opportunity for relief. Improv games have their roots in social work, as far back as the 1930s. The exercises make us laugh but the sense of community, empathy, and trust they build among participants is profound. Improv Therapy Group has developed a curriculum specifically for members of the clergy. 

The class uses improv to explore emotional intelligence, resilience, and increased creativity. The concepts will assist with their work with congregants as well as co-workers.

All classes are held via Zoom.  

Improv For Clergy – LEVEL ONE

Virginia Commonwealth University Lecture: The Power of Improv

Elizabeth Byland (EB), the Head of Improv Performance at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU); the Head of Applied Improv at the school, and Affiliate Faculty at the VCU School of Medicine and the VCU Department of Theatre, https://www.elizabethbyland.com/ offers an online lecture, titled “The Power of Improv” which can be view free here:

Note from Sean: Bill Nieport has graciously volunteered to provide this type content for this newsletter on a weekly basis! Enjoy—and if you have suggestions for posts, please email them to info@exubs.com!

Improv For Self-care

Are you feeling anxious or out of control these days? Do you wish there was a healthy way to practice letting go of perfection, of stress and more? 

The current state of the world is uncertain, leaving many with feelings of anxiety and few options for an outlet to practice managing these emotions.

There is no script in improv. Improv principles include: following fears, managing the unknown, supporting one another, allowing ourselves to receive support, learning to manage stress at the moment, embracing imperfection, and letting go of control.

Improv For Self-care

Act Social Film holiday deal! Download the feature film and get the 15-Hour Act Social Master Class ($100 value) for FREE! Offer expires 1/6/2022! If this is a gift for a special improviser in your life, mention that in the order notes and include their email. Download now at: https://actsocialfilm.com/product/holidayspecial/