Improv classes are where comedy theatres recruit players and creators to their theatres. Students are also inspired to create their own teams and performance groups out of their classes. Starting with consent-forward practices in classroom environments ensures that this work will be ongoing and will become the standard for creative comedy spaces. Click here to see a sample syllabus and lesson plan for a consent-forward beginning improv class.

Improv has the potential to be a truly democratic art form, with contributions from every single player given the same weight and respect. Training directors in consent-forward practices helps ensure that the artistic product - whether it is an improv show or format, sketch revue or play - is truly owned by everyone involved in the creative process. Here is a sample of a consent-forward direction workshop I proposed to The Second City in 2021.

Whether your theatre is comprised of multiple improv teams or one main ensemble, the dynamics within performance ensembles deserve some scrutiny. Having players create patterns for how they treat each other and how they treat players outside of their ensemble who want to be in that ensemble can help minimize exclusionary practices within performance groups without sacrificing quality. Here is a sample of a consent-forward ensemble workshop I will be teaching to Dad’s Garage Theatre Company.