PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPROV COMEDY FOR TEACHERS – NYC DOE VENDOR

We have been presenting 5000+ shows & workshops for K-12 students for nearly 15 years. In that same time we have presented corporate team building programs for major companies like Louis Vuitton, Coach, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, Home Depot and 100s more. We have a new program that combines both elements into some amazing professional development for teachers. eightimprov@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS – THE FULL PACKAGE

This past spring we were commissioned to do a full package (week of workshops) of Professional Development at PS 346 Brooklyn and I think your school would love the program that included workshops and shows for students.

STEP 1) INTRODUCE PROGRAM TO SCHOOL

STEP 2) IMPROV MASTERCLASS FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF
STEP 3) IN CLASSROOM TRAINING WITH TEACHERS
STEP 4) FOLLOW UP TEACHER/STAFF WORKSHOP

STEP 1) INTRODUCE PROGRAM TO SCHOOL

Introduce Program to entire school via 1-2 shows (depending on school size) – start the school year off with some laughs.

IMPROV 4 KIDS / IMPROV 4 TEENS by EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH is a professional musical comedy show inprovised on the spot based on audience suggestions and participation.

Laughter alone makes school a fun place, lowers stress, blood pressure and more. The shows alone are great cultural arts, language arts and character building programming. Inspire the students and staff at your school to learn more about Improv.

STEP 2) IMPROV MASTERCLASS FOR TEACHERS AND STAFF

This same workshop has been taught to numerous teaching staff as well as corporate teams from many sectors – finance, sales, service, management.

We start with warm-up games that help break down walls of ego and insecurity while building strong communication skills and team bonds. In each game, we focus as we pass energy around a circle. This requires listening and eye contact to follow the flow of the game. When energy is passed to us (via sound, word(s) and/or gesture), we pass it on with projection and diction. We then play a number of performance style games. In each the team has to work together to develop original stories and scenes.

YES AND…
Listen & Respond
Who, Where, What – Story Telling elements
Be in the moment

All of these activities set the creative mind on fire. We engage creative writing and critical thinking. We build a strong sense of community (team communications, listening, respect, eye contact) and further develop leadership skills (Public Speaking, Self Confidence).

Since 2015, we discuss PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY, the concept proven by a 4 year study at GOOGLE to be the number one reason for why teams succeed. The concept is all about making sure every member on the team feels value. YES AND… – the number one rule in Improv – supports this concept. Society teaches to say NO to just about everything. It is a defense mechanism. It allows us to be mentally/emotionally lazy. But when everyone commits to giving every one a shot, the world changes for all.

We have introduced this concept into our workshops with students as well. Feeling mentally, emotionally and physically safe is imperative to learning. One cannot absorb valuable information when one lives in fear. For many that is simply fear of failure and embarrassment. Many others have real issues with abusive relationships at home and/or school with students, family etc.

We strive to create a psychologically safe space when we teach improv. This has to start with great leadership, demanding all treat others with respect and leading by example.

In order for this to work in your school….

– The Principal and Administration manages teaching and auxiliary staff using great communication skills and creating atmosphere conducive to education and collaboration. Great Managers lead by example. As leaders we are here to serve the needs of our staff making sure they have the tools, resources and support they need to succeed.

– Department heads continue that mentality and lead team meetings and development

– Teachers are the team leaders of their classrooms. Psychological Safety and Performance drive put students in the learning zone.

STEP 3) IN CLASSROOM TRAINING WITH TEACHERS

Our teachers go into every classroom to show your teachers how to use the games and teach the students some valuable life skills. We teach how to teach improv. With your teachers, our staff leads a number of games that warm-up the body and mind and team. All of these games focus on good communication – listening, eye contact, projection and diction. The games are so fun the shyest in the crowd will surprise you. The kids think they are just having fun, learning about comedy. the real goals are far more reaching.

Students not afraid to participate, participate more often and engage in their studies. The learn to listen and absorb concepts for life, rather than cram some information for the next test.

STEP 4) FOLLOW UP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS

We come together, review some games, learn a few more and discuss how to empower your staff, using improve games to help build morale, reduce stress before big tests and lectures, and develop better presentation skills. Also we encourage using Improv to role play characters form fiction and history, science etc.