Application of improvisational methods in various fields
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]
Uses of applied improvisation
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
Dudeck, Theresa Robbins and McClure, Caitlin Applied Improvisation: Leading, Collaborating, and Creating Beyond the Theatre, Methuen Drama, 2018, ISBN 9781350014367
Koppett, Kat Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques forTrainers and Managers to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Learning, 2nd edition, Routledge, 2012, ISBN 1579225926
Leonard, Kelly and Yorton, Tom Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses "No, But" Thinking and Improves Creativity and Collaboration, Harper Business, 2015, ISBN 0062248545
Lowe, Robert Improvisation, Inc.: Harnessing Spontaneity to Engage People and Groups, Jossey-Bass / Pfeiffer, 2000, ISBN 0787951420
Madson, Patricia Ryan Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up, Bell Tower, 2005, ISBN 1400081882
Schinko-Fischli, Susanne Applied Improvisation for Coaches and Leaders: A Practical Guide for Creative Collaboration, Routledge, 2018, ISBN 9781138315266
^Biggs, Michael A. R.; Karlsson, Henrik, eds. (2012). The Routledge Companion to Research in the Arts. London: Routledge. ISBN9780415697941. OCLC751832557.
^"History of AIN". Applied Improvisation Network. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
^Sirkin, David; Ju, Wendy (2015). "Embodied Design Improvisation: A Method to Make Tacit Design Knowledge Explicit and Usable". Design Thinking Research. Understanding Innovation. Springer, Cham. pp. 195–209. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-06823-7_11. ISBN978-3-319-06822-0.
^van Bilsen, Gijs (2013). Yes and ... your business : the added value of improvisation in organisations. ISBN9789081950602. OCLC856568528.
^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. 35 (2): 303–325. doi:10.1002/tia2.20044. hdl:2027/spo.17063888.0035.206. ISSN2334-4822.
