Applied improvisation explained

Applied improvisation is the application of improvisational theatrical methods in various non-theatrical fields, including consulting, training, and teaching. It is known to be used as an experiential educational approach which enables participants to explore and improve their leadership, management and interpersonal capabilities in several fields, which include collaboration, communications, creativity, and team-building.

History

Applied improvisation began in the late 1990s with the performative turn in social science.^[1] The increased focus on performance and improvisation led to the application of improvisational methods in non-theatrical fields.^[2] In 2002, the Applied Improvisation Network was founded, a non-profit organization of people committed to using applied improvisation.^[3]

Applied improvisation sees use in consulting and corporate training, particularly in the areas of sales and leadership.^{[4] [5]} Applied improvisation is also often used in design thinking, service design, and UX design.^{[6] [7] [8]}

In addition to the business world, applied improvisation sees use in disaster readiness training, drama therapy, medicine, and education.^{[9] [10] [11] [12]}

Further reading

• Landgraf, Edgar. 2014. Improvisation as Art: Conceptual Challenges, Historical Perspectives. Bloomsbury Academic.
• Sawyer, Keith. 2011. Structure and Improvisation in Creative Teaching. Cambridge University Press.
• Schinko-Fischli, Susanne, 2018, Applied Improvisation for Coaches and Leaders: A Practical Guide for Creative Collaboration, Routledge. ISBN 9781138315266
• Dudeck, Theresa Robbins and McClure, Caitlin, 2018, Applied Improvisation: Leading, Collaborating, and Creating Beyond the Theatre, Methuen Drama. ISBN 9781350014367
• Dudeck, Theresa Robbins and McClure, Caitlin, 2021, The Applied Improvisation Mindset: Tools for Transforming Organizations and Communities, Methuen Drama. ISBN 978-1350143616

External links

• Applied Improvisation Network
• Medical improvisation literature

Notes and References

1. Haseman. Brad. 2006-02-01. A Manifesto for Performative Research. Media International Australia Incorporating Culture and Policy. en. 118. 1. 98–106. 10.1177/1329878X0611800113 . free . 145271889 . free . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240101050307/https://eprints.qut.edu.au/3999/1/3999_1.pdf . Jan 1, 2024 .
2. Book: The Routledge Companion to Research in the Arts . Routledge . Biggs . Michael A. R. . Karlsson . Henrik. 9780415697941. London. 751832557. 2012.
3. Web site: History of AIN . Applied Improvisation Network . 14 February 2022.
4. Book: Design Thinking Research. Sirkin. David. Ju. Wendy. 2015. Springer, Cham. 195–209. en. 10.1007/978-3-319-06823-7_11. Embodied Design Improvisation: A Method to Make Tacit Design Knowledge Explicit and Usable. Understanding Innovation. 978-3-319-06822-0.
5. Book: van Bilsen, Gijs. Yes and ... your business : the added value of improvisation in organisations. 2013. 9789081950602. 856568528.
6. News: Why Improv Training Is Great Business Training. Forbes. 2017-08-12.
7. Web site: The Politics and Theatre of Service Design (PDF Download Available). ResearchGate. en. 2017-08-12.
8. News: The Creative Impact of Improvisation. 2014-01-07. 2017-08-12. en-US.
9. Tint. Barbara S.. McWaters. Viv. van Driel. Raymond. 2015-04-07. Applied improvisation training for disaster readiness and response. Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management. en. 5. 1. 73–94. 10.1108/JHLSCM-12-2013-0043. 2042-6747.
10. Web site: Improvisation: Yes and Psychotherapy! Adler Graduate School. alfredadler.edu. en. 2017-08-12.
11. Rossing. Jonathan P.. Hoffmann-Longtin. Krista. 2016-06-01. Improv(ing) the Academy: Applied Improvisation as a Strategy for Educational Development. To Improve the Academy. en. 35. 2. 303–325. 10.1002/tia2.20044. 2334-4822. 2027/spo.17063888.0035.206. free.
12. Web site: Whose Classroom Is It, Anyway? Improvisation as a Teaching Tool (PDF Download Available). ResearchGate. en. 2017-08-12.