Method - Rehearsal for Life

THE URBAN IMPROV METHOD

Urban Improv uses structured theater improvisation to teach:

Empathy
Self-awareness
Impulse control
Cooperation
Conflict resolution

Our professional actor-educators lead interactive workshops that offer students the opportunity to explore their own solutions to challenging, real-life situations.

Each workshop begins with an original song based on the theme of the workshop. Urban Improv programs are led by a professional actor/educator ensemble. Each workshop teaches young people self-awareness, empathy, impulse control and responsible decision-making by presenting realistic scenes around current social issues and highlighting the skills young people need to navigate them.

Opening Song

The actors then move into a prepared scene on the topic of the day. As the scene develops, the director pauses the action, inviting the class to discuss what they are observing, and what the characters might be feeling.

Setting the Scene

The scene develops and reaches a point of conflict. At the height of the tension, the director freezes the action.

Freeze!

At the height of the scene’s conflict, students are invited to jump in and use their minds, bodies and creativity to resolve the conflict, experiencing the consequences of their choices firsthand.

Students Step In

The student, now playing the role of a central character, takes control of the scene, making pivotal decisions that affect the outcome of events. The Urban Improv actors continue to keep the drama “real,” as the student confronts the injustice she has witnessed, and chooses to address it.

Addressing the Conflict

After several students take turns stepping into the scene, a discussion with the class follows about the choices made, the consequences, and alternative options. Participants are encouraged to share experiences from their own lives and experiences they have had when faced with similar situations.

Circle Discussion

Workshops often conclude with students creating and performing their own scenes on the workshop topic, as an Urban Improv actor/educator works with them to help guide the scenes and facilitate discussion.

Everyone Participates

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