Creativity is a beautiful, amazing thing. It’s absolutely necessary for art, innovation, and problem-solving. But the world isn’t always conducive to creativity. We’re bombarded with “No,” “but,” “what if,” and constant, nagging interruptions. This kind of negativity harms the creative process, and often causes those with bubbling imaginations to clam up and keep their “outlandish” ideas to themselves.

But then how can we create?? Creativity, either through a single person’s thought process or a team of brains in a collaborative environment, requires the space to happen. A big, open space, free of judgement where thoughts and ideas can grow and change. A space… like the improv stage.

Improv only works when ideas are boldly suggested and then, even boldlier, added onto. In class, students are told the classroom is a safe space. They’re encouraged to support each other, regardless of what kind of scene the other person has started. Zookeepers on Mars? Awesome! A mother and daughter shoe shopping? Great! Aliens in an office? Love it!

After we practice these scenes and accept these ideas, we evaluate them. What worked, what didn’t, when did you laugh and why? Then, we go back at it!

Ultimately, improv keeps the mind moving, lets you express yourself in fun and innovative ways, and encourages putting out any and all ideas to see what happens. And isn’t that what creativity is all about?

Think you could use some improv in your life? Give your creativity a boost and sign up now!