2024 Virtual Conference Schedule and Program

Welcome to the 2024 AIN Virtual Conference - Applied Improvisation: Against All Odds!

This is the official page for our schedule and program. Below you will find all of our keynotes, sessions, workshops, presentations, talks, and events. Please click on the link below the title of the session to learn more details and what to expect.

To join the sessions, please check your email. We have sent all registrants the links to join!

The schedule on this page is in the Eastern Time Zone. Check your emails for the official Google Calendar link! This calendar converts to your local time and has the links to join inside the descriptions.

Click here to visit the main virtual conference page.

Click here to check your AIN emails (via your profile).

Quick Access Links:

Stream One (November 20th sessions)

Stream Two (November 21st sessions)

Stream Three (November 22nd sessions)

Stream Four (November 23rd sessions)

Conference Program

Stream One

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 2024

EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST - New York, USA)

All links to join sessions are emailed to registrants! Check your email for the link to join.

Stream Two

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST, 2024

EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST - New York, USA)

All links to join sessions are emailed to registrants! Check your email for the link to join.

Stream Three

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND, 2024

EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST - New York, USA)

All links to join sessions are emailed to registrants! Check your email for the link to join.

Stream Four

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD, 2024

EASTERN STANDARD TIME (EST - New York, USA)

All links to join sessions are emailed to registrants! Check your email for the link to join.

2024 AIN Virtual Conference Program

Our Keynote Speakers 

Ingrid Broussillon

Keynote Session: AIN't You Tired Being Speechless in Front of Racism?
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 20th, 2024
11:30am - 1:30pm eastern time

Keynote Description: Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt there was an injustice but you didn't know what to say, how to react?? Either as a victim or a witness?  Yes, it can be challenging to speak up in the moment. Through this workshop, we will address racism and inclusion in a safe and supportive environment while being playful through interactive activities and role-playing exercises. Using improvisation and theatre of the oppressed format, participants will work together to come up with solutions to a problem.  And here's the best part: we'll make space for you if you are willing to share your own experiences and work through them together. If you're comfortable doing so, you can even replay a situation you've encountered and collaborate with others to find a more effective response. We are going to work together in order to share tools and strategies to navigate difficult situations. Let's speak up and promote inclusion... together!

Keynote Track: Social/Humanitarian

Ingrid's Biography: Ingrid, a Guadeloupean, is a true ball of energy who landed in Vancouver 7 years ago willing to improve her oral English. She quickly realized that traditional language courses were not for her and created Griottes Polyglottes, a super cool business that helps practice French and English through improv. She is an energetic and ambitious entrepreneur who has won several awards for her company, confirming her idea. Ingrid doesn't just use improv for language, she also uses it to address serious topics such as boosting confidence in expressing oneself in a second language, fighting against racism, and cultural inclusion in a playful format. Through Griottes Polyglottes, she:

• Facilitates and accelerates the integration of immigrants by helping them develop their oral confidence in French or English.
• Improves team cohesion by breaking down linguistic and cultural barriers within multicultural teams.
• Equips young people to combat racism in schools.

When she's not leading workshops, she gets lost in the mountains of BC to recharge. Ingrid is a hilarious, inspiring, and totally badass entrepreneur who proves that you can learn while having fun and making a difference in the world.

Learn more about Ingrid and visit her website: https://www.griottespolyglottes.com/ 

Brian Kapell

Keynote Session: Interrupt the Routine
Date and Time: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024
10am - 11:30am eastern time

Keynote Description: Memorable ‘Short-form Improv’ narratives contain a pearl of wisdom from Keith Johnstone’s teachings that can serve us in our lives when a 'stuckness' takes hold: improvised stories vibrate with renewed energy when the 'routines' are interrupted and the narrative is forced forward in cause-and-effect momentum. When the same-old pattern reveals itself, (ie: a verbal fight that no one will dare lose, or a mountain-climbing expedition that is going so smoothly that the challenge becomes ‘routine’), improvisers make an offer that breaks that pattern, and the entire story evolves in reaction to it. This ‘redirect’ of the 'same-old-pattern' requires awareness, flexibility and bravery so that the ‘plot-line’ (whether in improv, or in our lives), gathers itself and utilizes its powerful elements to persevere.

Routines track our real lives. We rely on our patterns to deal with uncertainty; however, sticking to routines can restrict our response to the crises in front of us. At times, we may routinely follow a path of suffering or inconvenience, accepting that way without recognizing and applying our options. Can we, with awareness and creativity, interrupt routines and accept–, nay: EMBRACE, the alternative path that the interruption entails? YES: It IS risky! However, we know that we grow through the challenges we accept, and it is often when we challenge predictable patterns, that the breakthroughs stretch our abilities and we discover the ‘new way’. Being vulnerable to the creative options we have is the path of improv.

This Keynote and Workshop will include actively participating in short-form exercises and games in Breakout-rooms, and includes an exploration into Johnstone's teachings and Caroline Myss's work with the embodying Archetypes which drive our point of view and affect the choices we make. We will explore how to shake up improv stories and our ‘everyday lives’ through the aware welcoming of the possibilities-unknown.
Interrupt the Routine, and lean into the opportunities that arise.

Keynote Track: Humor/Play

Brian's Biography: Brian Kapell has been performing, directing, producing and teaching improv comedy, ‘applied improv’ and theater for 39 years and is one of the founders of short-form improv comedy performance. He is a founding member of the performing groups ComedySportz, and ComedyShorts Berlin, and built and operated The Laughing Lizard comedy clubs in the USA and Germany, launching the careers of Dave Chappelle and many others. Brian worked with all of the professional Theaters of the Deaf in the USA, culminating in the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of the musical Big River in 2003. As a Berliner, Brian co-founded Spirit Yoga Berlin, founded Forever Now Festivals and Laughing Lizard Productions. He holds an MFA in Theater Management, a PGCEi in International Education, two BAs in Theater (Acting Specialist) and Communicative Disorders, the CELTA and is a certified Interpreter for the Deaf. He currently teaches Secondary Drama full-time, directs school musicals and teaches American Sign Language afterschool at the Berlin International School in Berlin, Germany.

Conference Presenters and Session Details

Please scroll to find more information about our presenters and their sessions. This section includes presenter biographies, session descriptions, session tracks, and more. The details and presenters are ordered chronologically based on the schedule.

John Puts

Biography: John is Facilitator, Speaker, Executive Coach and a Partner at Evolution. He is on a mission to help establish more human-centered, purpose driven and connected leaders, teams and workplaces. For the last 7 years he has been offering transformative and holistic leadership, team and culture development at some of the most iconic and forward thinking organizations in the world such as Google, L'Oréal, Vinted, PwC, GetYourGuide and at a multitude of VC-backed high growth startups.  Previously held product and leadership positions at Google, EY, GetYourGuide and Ahold. These experiences provide the backdrop for a deep understanding of today’s leaders and organizations and the challenges they face. His work is influenced by a variety of interests and study like improv theatre, Integral Theory, positive psychology, shadow work, (Wim Hof and holotropic) breath-work, non-duality and other contemplative traditions. 

Session Title: The Unscripted Connection Experience: Deep Bonds in 60 Minutes

Description: This workshop explores the power of spontaneity to create deep, meaningful connections in just 60 minutes. Participants will be guided through a series of connection exercises designed to bypass surface-level interactions and foster vulnerability, playfulness, and genuine presence. Through spontaneous responses to thought-provoking questions, you’ll experience the beauty of honest and unprepared answers, revealing unexpected connections with others. The session will culminate in a “hot seat” activity where participants take turns answering questions posed by their peers, choosing a level of personal depth (mild, medium, or spicy) that pushes their comfort zones.

This workshop demonstrates how improv principles can be used not just for performance but for real human connection, proving that even against the odds of distance and unfamiliarity, we can create spaces of authentic interaction. You’ll leave the session with a renewed sense of community and the tools to facilitate connection in your own work and life.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Humor/Play

Aneta Key

Biography: Aneta Key is the Founder of Aedea Partners LLC. She partners with senior executives to bring clarity and alignment on strategy, priorities, and execution through a blend of management consulting, workshop facilitation, and experiential leadership development programs.   

An authority on strategic decision-making, performance/cultural transformation, and enabling growth, Aneta has served established global leaders and hyper-growth challengers in financial services, health care, and technology and has been involved in complex merger transactions, digital transformation efforts, and the scaling of organizations. In short, Aneta helps innovative leaders confidently navigate growth, change, risk, and uncertainty.   

With advanced degrees in Systems Science and Business Administration, Aneta started off as a banker and then spent a decade with McKinsey & Co where she was a leader of the strategy, risk management, and organization practices of the firm. Aneta is on the advisory board of several AI/Data Science startups and mentors others. 

Session Title: Uncertainty: A nerdy digression

Description: Did you know that the term "uncertainty" actually means something very specific in decision making? And that "odds" is actually definitionally linked to a different term, risk? I just feel compelled to share the nerdy definitions and explore their pragmatic implications for AI practitioners! Why? 3 things:

1. I did write a thesis on the topic of decision-making under risk and uncertainty 

2. I do describe myself on LinkedIn as

"Improving the odds of innovative companies, by helping executives align on strategy, priorities, and execution, so they navigate complexity, change, risk, and uncertainty with clarity and conviction"

3. I am a nerd who loves AI

Track: Decision Making

Mike Perz

Biography: Mike has been doing improvised partner dance (Swing, Blues, Fusion) since the late 90s and has been taking improv classes for 10 years.  In 2017, he started doing weekly performances of The Harold with a troupe.  In 2014, Mike went to his first InterPlay retreat.  He noticed that although he could do the InterPlay improvisation forms technically well enough, there was something missing that many of the other participants brought to their "doing" of the forms.  Through more InterPlaying, he eventually realized that there was an authenticity that other InterPlayers were able to allow, that his trying to do the forms "right" got in the way of.  In May 2019, while at Keith Johnstone’s 8 day workshop, he learned how to improvise a story.  (Some of his Harold teachers had previously taught him that improvisation can only be used to create related sketch-like scenes.)  In August 2019, while participating Patti Stiles and Steen Haakon Hansen’s 8 day workshop, he saw that moving, dramatic stories could be improvised.  During the pandemic, he learned how to improvise dramatic plays while taking CORE and Conservatory classes at www.ImproTheatre.com and the Foundation classes at BATS Improv.  Because of this, he felt like he truly belonged when he took Patti Stiles and Steen Haakon Hansen’s 7 day workshop again in August 2022.  Mike is a collaborator.  His reliance on collaborating has gotten so bad that he can’t seem to get anything done unless he is collaborating with someone else.  During the day, Mike builds web applications.  His customer has had to learn how to be a computer programmer in order to support Mike’s collaborating.  (Or maybe it’s that Mike’s customer also likes to collaborate?)

Olaf Elander

Biography: Olaf became a certified InterPlay Leader in 2017. He believes that applied improvisation using InterPlay is to 21st Century spirituality what 12 Step has been to 20th Century spirituality.

Session Title: Learning through Noticing - creativity and inspiration by having your own experience

Description: In these uncertain times, we have to find our own paths. We can no longer rely on being told what to do. What do we notice? How are we impacted? How are others impacted? Where can we find wisdom?

Finding wisdom through Noticing, individuals learn for themselves what they need or want to learn. Learn to articulate your own experience of improvisation and let the “ah-ha” teach. Noticing comes from authenticity, is expressed with affirmation, and without judgment. Even if you cannot find words to describe or cannot understand fully, Noticing helps tag the experience within ourselves to choose what to take from the noticing.

The basic approach:

1. A Participant improvises voice and movement before witnesses.
2. Witnesses then use the format, “I noticed in my body” and tell their own body’s experience, striving to be authentic, looking for the good and affirming.
3. The Participant says “I noticed” what came up for them from experiencing the witnesses noticings (if they wish to share).
4. All participants celebrate!

Using spontaneous movement and storytelling with Noticing provides useful feedback without right or wrong, making space so that the participant can find what they need themselves.

“Noticing is the discovery of how the doing and witnessing of the form impacts me.” - Olaf

Track: Humor/Play

Matt Weinstein

Biography: Matt Weinstein is an internationally recognized authority on the use of fun and play in team building. Matt is the founder and “Emperor” of Playfair, Inc., an international consulting firm based in Northern California that facilitates more than 400 community-building events each year. Matt was elected to the Professional Speaker’s Hall of Fame by the National Speaker’s Association, and was honored by Successful Meetings Magazine as one of the “21 Top Speakers for the 21st Century.”

Co-Presenters: Bruce Honig, Staci Block, April Jaffe, Ellen Schnur, Bobbi Block, Marc Levine, and Tracy Shea-Porter

Session Title: Playtime With The Potatoes: A Spudfest of Fun Games

Description: Some games work best in person, and others work best online. But some games work well in both environments!

Come join the Potatoes to learn our favorite “hybrid” games that can be played both online and in person. Be prepared to have some serious fun! This session is co-facilitated by The Potatoes, an ongoing AIN Mastermind group whose members include Matt Weinstein, Bruce Honig, Staci Block, April Jaffe, Ellen Schnur, Bobbi Block, Marc Levine, and Tracy Shea-Porter.

Track: Humor/Play

Staci Block

Biography: Staci Block, MSW, LCSW is the coordinator and creator of Reflections; a teen improvisational theatre program that addresses adolescent issues. This program runs out of the Bergen County Division of Family Guidance, Department of Human Services in New Jersey. She has had 35 years of experience in providing interactive educational theatre performances for a variety of audiences on many different social issues. Staci wrote a chapter about Reflections in the following books: 1)Interactive & Improvisational Drama:  Varieties of Applied Theatre and Performance 2007 (Edited by) Adam Blatner, M.D. , with Daniel Wiener, Ph.D. Check out the website at http://interactiveimprov.com/    2)Days on the Lives of Social Workers – 62 Professionals Tell “Real Life” Stories from Social Work Practice - Fifth Edition 2019 (Edited by) Linda May Grobman)     Staci is an adjunct professor in the Sociology department at William Paterson University.  In addition, Staci is the director of Creative Interventions, a consulting business that provides interactive workshops on using applied improvisation in the work with clients and other kinds of groups. She also provides technical assistance in the development of interactive educational theatre programs for schools, peer leader groups, agencies and community groups. Staci is also an actress and a singer on the "side." 

Session Title: Empowering Teens and Beyond

Description: In this experiential workshop, participants will learn a variety of applied improvisational techniques, games, and exercises that are used “behind the scenes” by the Reflections teen theatre program to prepare their volunteer high school cast members to do interactive performances for schools, client groups, parent programs, conferences, staff in-services, and community events. You will get a taste of reality as the teens step into roles and dramatize scenarios about adolescent issues. They will remain in character, and they will dialogue with the audience to answer questions, accept suggestions, and generate alternative solutions. This will be followed by their coming out of character and we will explore how this creative, meaningful work is beneficial for both the cast members themselves and the audience

Track: Education

Max Schafer

Biography: Max Schafer is a  renowned worldwide theater educator. He studied with the mother of improvisation, Viola Spolin and theater pioneer, Paul Sills. He authored “Viola Spolin’s Theater Games for the Classroom” CD. He is also a California Credentialed teacher and teaches adults and children at the “Ed Asner Family Center” and the “Village Arts Theatre Camp”  in Valley Village, CA. 

Session Title: Theater Games for Teaching Visually Impaired and Blind Players

Description: This is a participation workshop demonstrating how to adapt theatre games for blind and visually impaired, live and on Zoom. You will learn strategies and games and fun singing improv games. Max has 40 years experience teaching improv all over the world and studied with Viola Spolin and Paul Sills. He is author of "Viola Spolin's Theater Games for the Classroom" multimedia CD.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Education, Humor/Play

Toby Butterfield

Biography: Toby is a Zoom genie that makes video calls interactive, human and fun. She's a helper of helpers. An applied improvisor, she's had almost 10 years as a grateful active AIN member, conference addict and now a volunteer with the Friday Open Space team. She draws from a background in counseling, personal growth, 3rd sector, and community activism. She's Bermudian, cares deeply about her Island Home, and is also in daily contact with change facilitators all over the world.  This world is full of possibility, but it is also systemically unfair. That's why through her organization Join the Call, she offers pro bono services to those addressing the unfairness and lifting up those with less power in Bermuda and everywhere. She believes that well designed and run virtual meetings will be an essential component of saving the climate and the humans who depend upon it.

Susan Snyder

Biography: Susan Snyder’s background in counseling psychology, disaster preparedness, and improvisational performance informs her unique approach to leadership education.  She is a Continuing Lecturer at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business where she teaches "Improvisational Leadership." Susan's coaching practice engages individuals and organizations in deepening interpersonal skills through growth focused conversations, with a special emphasis on community development and feedback practices. Susan has been deeply involved with the disaster preparedness community for over a decade, and teaches "Improvisational Leadership in Disasters" and "Disaster Mental Health" for the City of Berkeley's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program.

Session Title: Sandwich and Stories

Description: Picture it! Against all odds, a group of people who are spread across time zones with only applied improvisation in common, sit in their favourite chair and eat sandwiches together. They play the simple unplanned storytelling game called Portkey while they eat. They smile, chew, listen to personal stories and grow closer. It is human and it is real and it is what they say virtual can't be. See you and your sandwich there.

Track: Meal Time

Note: This session will be featured twice in the schedule!

Anna Gamboa

Biography: Anna recently graduated from the Asian Institute of Management with a Master of Innovation and Business (MIB), and credits her background in improv in how she secured a partial scholarship for MIB degree.

Anna recently graduated from the Asian Institute of Management with a Master of Innovation and Business (MIB), and credits her background in improv in how she secured a partial scholarship for MIB degree. 

Session Title: Bold choices: Reframing challenges with improv

Description: In the midst of 2022, Anna was informed by her then-employer that she would be made redundant. She was still undertaking her masteral degree, and faced the uncertainty of a predominantly third world job market employing  people in their early 50s. A graduate of Third World Improv and Improv College, she shares the lessons she employed in navigating her post-redundancy journey to create a short format show in 2024 skewering corporate life --and finding employment (in a new field) all over again.

Track: Education, Humor/Play

June Wang

Biography: June is a Senior Lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, where she adds a dash of creativity to leadership development module in the Human Resource Management Programme. Her research dives into the wonderful world of improv and its magical effects on individuals. Right now, she’s designing  a fresh leadership course that blends improv into the classroom, bringing spontaneity and flexibility to future leaders. In her artistic adventures, June is also exploring Playback Theatre, where stories come alive on stage, and in her spare time, you’ll find her singing her heart out with the Singapore Symphony Chorus.  

Session Title: Impact of Improv Training on Psychological Outcomes and Adaptability

Description: I will be doing a short presentation on my research where I explored the impact of improv training on psychological outcomes and adaptability. Below, is the abstract of my research project.

Improvisational theater (improv) training, popular since the 1960s, is now widespread, with notable figures like Tina Fey and business leaders crediting it for their success. Improv's key technique, "Yes, and...", promotes agreement and collaboration, fostering a creative environment. Although widely applied, empirical evidence on improv's benefits is limited. Some studies suggest it reduces anxiety and boosts creativity, but more rigorous experiments are needed.

This study investigates improv's impact on adaptability, need for closure, and need for structure in Singapore. Forty-six adults participated, with an improv group undergoing a 6-week course and a control group continuing daily life. Measures included established scales for adaptability, need for closure, and need for structure. Results showed that improv participants had significantly higher adaptability and lower needs for closure and structure compared to the control group. These findings suggest improv training enhances psychological flexibility and comfort with ambiguity, crucial in dynamic environments.

Track: Research

Jørgen Moltubak

Biography: Norwegian teacher, author and improviser 

Session Title: The improvising teacher - Be prepared to be unprepared

Description: We live in a time of rapid changes and significant challenges. This requires both individual teachers and the school system to adapt. Improvisation skills provide a toolkit for renewing our approach to teaching. In this workshop, we explore various aspects of 'the improvising teacher.' The workshop is relevant for those who work as teachers as well as others interested in the topic.

Track: Education

Paul Z Jackson

Biography: Co-founder and Past-President of AIN

Session Title: So what are the principles of Applied Improvisation? 

Description: Applied Improvisation is establishing itself against the odds. Those include the other AIs which feature more prominently in the news. And also against a performance-centric view of improv, which can easily lead us astray when it comes to real-world applications in teams, organisations and communities.

Here we'll discuss what AI principles should do, and have a go at proposing an agreed list.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Business, Education, Research

Andreas Benkwitz

Biography: M.A. in politics / sociology / psychology University Marburg. Improvisor since 1998 for Fast Forward Theatre / Marburg, Springmaus / Bonn and solo. Facilitator for Project Aufbruch / Marburg since 2010. Actor and Manager for "Immer dem Schnabel nach" School theatre since 2001. 3 kids, wife, dog, house. 

Session Title: overcoming resistance: connection beats content

Description: I once learned, that an expert is “someone with a big briefcase from outta town”. When I started to work with long term unemployed people, I came in with a very big improv briefcase, that was torn into little pieces within the first hour.  I wanted to be the hotshot from outta town only to learn coming back home the hard way in the next few years of working with wounded individuals.

To honour the title of the workshop, I will briefly start this session with just a few stories and fabulous namedropping stuff like “the 4 aces of improvisation” or “the big valley of hopeful desperation” and then we will get as soon as possible in connection with each other to find out, who is that “someone”, what the hell is “the briefcase” for and where on earth is “outta town”.

Track: Social/Humanitarian

Jan Keck

Biography: Jan Keck is a trainer, facilitator and experience designer.  He is driven by a simple belief: real, deep connection beats small talk, every single time.   

During the pandemic, Jan has taught thousands of trainers, facilitators and educators how to recreate the “magic” of in-person gatherings online  There’s nothing that breaks his heart more than witnessing individuals trapped in awkward icebreakers, feeling more isolated despite being in a group. This is why he is currently dedicating his time and energy into writing his first book “Ice Melters”, where he advocates to ditch traditional Ice Breakers and shares his framework to increase engagement, build trust and foster deep connections - without making people cringe.

Session Title: Stop BREAKING the Ice

Description: Imagine: It's the start of a meeting, workshop or training, and the dreaded phrase "Let's start with an icebreaker" is announced. You notice a collective cringe sweep the room. Perhaps you have even led the session, trying to generate enthusiasm for an activity that falls flat. Why does this scenario feel so familiar? We've all been victims of icebreakers gone wrong. Activities that are meant to be fun and bonding. But instead, feel forced and awkward, and are moving way too fast for our introverted friends. The ice is "broken" without consent from the participants, leaving them feeling *uncomfortable* rather than connected. And you know what? It doesn’t have to be this way! We can build trust, increase engagement and build deep connections in our groups - without making them cringe.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Business, Education, Humor/Play

AND 

Session Title: Remote Adventure Walk

Description: Near the end of lockdown, I went through a phase where ​I was all zoomed out, ready to quit facilitating virtually, but still wanted to connect with people.​So, I started to experiment with a facilitated audio-only Zoom experience where participants went on a walk in their own neighbourhood.​ 

Think of it as a live podcast where you'll debrief with other listeners and can interact with the host and walk away feeling more energized and connected than you've ever been on Zoom.

Materials Needed to participate in this session:

• Earbuds / Headphones
• Smartphone with the Zoom App installed
• Data Internet Connection

Track: Social/Humanitarian

Joel Veenstra

Biography: Joel teaches improvisation, stage management, and collaborative production at the University of California, Irvine. He collaborated with Cirque du Soleil, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Cornerstone Theatre Company, and Improbable (UK); served on the Applied Improvisation Network board and Stage Managers’ Association board; and co-created the Global Improvisation Initiative. He utilizes Applied Improvisation in business, healthcare, as well as cultural bridge building. 

Session Title: Improvising Life: Unexpected Gifts

Description: This presentation shows how improvisation builds resilience by embracing uncertainty, fostering creativity, and pushing beyond limits. Examples include overcoming budget challenges, adapting to identity shifts, and coping with death, highlighting how improvisation helps navigate seemingly adverse situations and considering the gifts within them.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Business, Education, Medical 

Maarten Joosen

Biography: Maarten Joosen makes it his life purpose to make organizations work better, to touch people in their lives, so that organizations, people and the world become better, faster and more fun. He does this by deploying different disciplines to surprise people with different perspectives and cross-pollination. This will help to navigate and find solutions in this increasingly complex world. The connecting characteristic in all those roles is his focus on communication and exchange of ideas.

Toby Butterfield

Biography: Toby is a Zoom genie that makes video calls interactive, human and fun. She's a helper of helpers. An applied improvisor, she's had almost 10 years as a grateful active AIN member, conference addict and now a volunteer with the Friday Open Space team. She draws from a background in counseling, personal growth, 3rd sector, and community activism. She's Bermudian, cares deeply about her Island Home, and is also in daily contact with change facilitators all over the world.  This world is full of possibility, but it is also systemically unfair. That's why through her organization Join the Call, she offers pro bono services to those addressing the unfairness and lifting up those with less power in Bermuda and everywhere. She believes that well designed and run virtual meetings will be an essential component of saving the climate and the humans who depend upon it.

Session Title: Parking Lot Treasures revisited

Description: Experience the best moments of the conference, right from your screen! Join us for interviews, interactive games, and lively discussions with fellow participants. At in-person events, the magic often happens in those casual parking lot conversations. Our session is the virtual coffee machine to meet fellow conference visitors. Share your favorite workshop highlights, catch up on the sessions you couldn't attend, and dive into engaging group games. The design will enable lots of cross-pollination between time zones, sessions, and topics. Come here to be part of that! This session is part of AIN’s ongoing tradition of innovating virtual spaces to bring more of our community together. Previous in-person highlights like conference reporting, buddy bingo, and AIN X talk watch parties have all been reimagined for the digital space.

AIN practitioners continue to lead the way in creating meaningful virtual connections, breaking accessibility barriers, and reducing travel needs. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking, sustainable movement that’s shaping the future against all odds!

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Humor/Play, Collaborating and sharing

Note: This session will be featured twice in the schedule! 

Stefano Iaboni

Biography: Stefano iaboni is the founder of Smile Solution LLC, a company that specializes in experiential training and team-building workshops designed to boost creativity, connection, and well-being through the power of laughter. With over 20 years of experience in comedy as a performer, director, and producer, Stefano has a unique ability to craft experiences that foster creativity, bonding, and innovation in teams. Stefano has performed in more than 15 countries and has become a sought-after facilitator for B2B tech companies, startups, and businesses that value well-being and innovation. Based in the Pacific Northwest,

Stefano blends humor, discovery, and fun to bring a fresh perspective to organizations, helping them unlock their full creative potential. 

Session Title: The Power of Laughter : how it boost creativity , bonding and well-being

Description: laughter isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool that unlocks creativity, strengthens team bonds, and enhances overall well-being. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in comedy and experiential training, I’ll show how humor can break down barriers, inspire fresh ideas, and create an energized environment where teams can thrive. Whether you’re looking to ignite creativity, build stronger connections, or foster a healthier work culture, this session will leave you laughing, learning, and ready to take on the world with a fresh perspective.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Business, Education

Jackie Gnepp

Biography: Jackie Gnepp, Ph.D.  HumanlyPossible.com  linkedin.com/in/JackieGnepp  [email protected]    Jackie Gnepp is a consultant, coach, and behavioral scientist.  She is also an improvisational performer and applied improvisation practitioner.   Her performance coaching centers on making leaders more confident, effective, and efficient, so they can move up in their organizations and achieve their goals.  Her organizational consulting centers on leadership and team development, organizational change, and innovation.  Jackie has been a student of theatrical improvisation for the past 20 years and finds that applying an improvisational mindset can be helpful to people developing new skills and better habits.  She uses applied improvisation techniques in executive education programs and for team workshops, communication workshops, and to teach presentation skills.  Jackie is an alumna of the Second City Conservatory Program in Chicago and a former member of the improvisation troupe, The Therapy Players. 

Session Title: Exploration and Exploitation in Applied Improv

Description: Woodland creatures can either venture forth in search of potential food supplies (exploration) or they can restrict themselves to a patch of forest in order to consume and protect their current food supply (exploitation).  This workshop invites participants to investigate how exploration and exploitation play out in their own work.  Applied improvisers have choices about how to allocate their time in workshops they lead, in skills they develop for themselves, and in business development.  They can choose to explore novel opportunities or exploit present ones.  There are trade-offs involved in seeking unknown but possibly better options vs. taking advantage of well-known options.  The risk of exploration is wasted time and effort with no guarantee of reward.  The risk of exploitation is finite or diminishing returns.  In a small time frame (e.g., a workshop), the more you explore, the less time you have to exploit, and vice versa.  In a large time frame (e.g., over the course of a career), exploration and exploitation might form two dimensions in which a person’s activities might be low or high on each dimension.  In break-out rooms, participants will play with these ideas as a way to grapple with the choices we all need to make.

Track: Business

Brent Darnell

Biography: I teach emotional intelligence and critical people skills to the construction industry with a focus on peak levels of mental, physical and emotional performance. 

Session Title: Think Like a Genius.  How to overcome yourself!

Description: We will explore the things that hold us back from being creative.  Then, we will learn the Stanford D School method and how it applies to solving problems and creating new stuff.  Then we will have a real world problem to apply it all.

Track: Business

Wieslaw Rocki

Biography: Meet Dr. Wieslaw "Wes" Rocki, MD, PhD.  I am a Polish American medical doctor, physiology scientist, pharmaceutical researcher and executive, hypnotherapist, and improviser. I have 45 years of medical practice covering three specialties: Obstetrics/Gynecology, Internal Medicine, and Clinical Pharmacology. I have also been trained in and practiced mainstream and holistic medicine, energy medicine, and spiritual healing. I volunteered for Hospice for five years, using my training in bodywork and Buddhist chaplaincy.    I have been involved in theatrical and applied improvisation for over ten years, receiving my training at the Second City, Northwestern University (medical improvisation), DC Improv, SAK (Orlando, FL), FST (Sarasota, FL). During the Covid years, I have trained on Zoom with most of the prominent global experts in improv. I have been teaching improvisation to hypnotherapists and psychotherapists for five years and recently started teaching improv to improvisers. My professional practice integrates medicine (mainstream and alternative) with improvisation and hypnotherapy in teaching self-healing care as a basic form of managing chronic life-threatening diseases. I direct this teaching to patients and caregivers, including healthcare workers.   I present that teaching in writing a book titled "Integrative Self-healing Care. Medicine and Intuitive Creativity in Healing with Cancer and Other Initiations" (to be published at the end of 2024). 

Session Title: Integrating Medical Improv with Self-Healing to Beat the Odds in Chronic Diseases

Description: Despite the advances in medical science, the odds of acquiring chronic diseases are high, while the odds of healing from chronic diseases are low. Yet there are also patients who, against ads, almost despite treatments, heal from diseases, including cancer. Let's explore this possibility using the improv principle: "Since this is true, what else is true?" These "special patients" likely support physiological healing through self-healing care. Natural improvisation by the mind-body continuum is one of the fundamental self-healing modalities. This natural, spontaneous, ever-present improvisation defines survival and resilience and contributes to evolution. Awareness of this natural improvisation allows us to apply theatrical and medical improv principles to augment self-healing care, and also teaches healthcare professionals to have a significant therapeutic impact with less time and less stress, resulting in less burnout and fewer medical mistakes.

In this experiential seminar, we will delve into the principles of medical improv and engage in games and scenes that explicitly support healing care.  The seminar will also include training for healthcare personnel, using role-playing and simulated scenarios. In addition, we will incorporate elements of hypnotherapy and neuro linguistic programming (NLP) into the seminar, which, in my view, further enriches the spectrum of medical improvisation.

Track: Medical 

Sandra Cavanaugh

Biography: Sandra Cavanaugh is a Creativity and Communication Specialist, Transformational Coach, Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Bestselling Author, and CEO of Spontaneous Brilliance ®.   Sandra is also an award winning, 35+ year veteran of the entertainment industry as a Writer, Director, Actress, Producer, Singer/Songwriter, Artistic Director, and Teacher of Acting and Improvisation.   In her internationally bestselling book, SPONTANEOUS BRILLIANCE, she illuminates the meta meaning of Shakespeare’s assertion “All the world’s a stage...” with her playful and powerful metaphorical, metaphysical guide to sharing your unique creative genius in this 24/7 improv on the great stage of life.  Sandra’s mission is to create a world where everyone’s unique creative genius is shared and respected regardless of their age, education, or perceived abilities. Through decades of working with children with special needs, Sandra developed her deep belief that, “Everyone is brilliant! We have no shortage of brilliance on this planet, just a reluctance to offer it and a resistance to accepting it.”  Sandra’s most important role is as the very proud mother of five remarkable daughters.  Her personal journey as a mother has made her a fierce advocate for children in foster care, adoption, children’s mental health, FASD, Autism, Neurodiversity, LGBTQ rights, and creativity in education. 

Session Title: IMPROVISATION - THE METAPHORICAL METAPHYSICAL GUIDE TO LIFE

Description: Shakespeare's assertion, “All the world's a stage,” is not just a pretty piece of poetry, but a literal guide to how we can most successfully play our role here on The Great Stage of Life. The key to playing our role is recognizing that life is a 24/7 improv. And in improv as in life, there are only 3 things we are ever doing: making an offer, accepting an offer, or blocking an offer. When we can learn to accept everything as an offer, embrace our obstacles, behave truthfully, find the love, and accept 100% responsibility for our performance, we are setting the stage for brilliant success.

Track: Social/Humanitarian

Luntu Masiza

Biography: Luntu Masiza is an Actor and Producer born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He moved to England at the age of ten where he lived for 13 years before returning home in 2014.

Luntu has just completed his master's degree at RADA (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London), which is recoginzed as the world's leading training institute for the Dramatic Arts, whilst also planning the release of a new film, (as both Producer and supporting role in), Blood is Black, directed by Dakalo Kwinda and Oarabile Ditsele, (Warehouse Production, 2024). He has also recently supported in the second season of the South African hit series, Reyka, due for release at the end of this year.

One of Luntu's greatest passions, is founding his company Changing Your Business Through Theatre, which focuses on facilitating workshops for businesses and organizations. His workshops aim to build staff confidence and develop interpersonal skills, through theatre and team-building techniques. He has worked with some of Africa's biggest brands such as Engen, Pick and Pay and has been invited as a keynote speaker for many independent businesses.

Session Title: Storytelling

Description: One hour long session based all around Storytelling! Join Luntu for an amazing hour and learn something new.

Track: Social/Humanitarian

Judit Fekete

Biography: Judit is a research fellow at the Faculty of Medicine of University of Pécs and co-leader of the Simulated Patient Education Programme led by the Department of Biomedical Languages and Communication. Besides teaching and research, she is a former actor, behaviour analyst, coach and facilitator. As a professionally trained actor, her teaching techniques and interests include improvisation, applied/medical improvisation for the experiential learning of medical students and medical and healthcare professionals. 

Session Title: Improv: the oddball in the field of medical education in Hungary

Description: This presentation shares the journey of introducing applied improvisation into the realm of medical education in Hungary. It explores the challenges of bridging cultural and academic differences while integrating improv concepts into the training of medical students, nurses, and doctors. The initiative began with workshops, games, and interactive exercises aimed at enhancing communication, teamwork, and adaptability in clinical environments. Overcoming initial skepticism, the process involved persistently advocating for the value of improv in various medical courses and clinics. Slowly, this approach won over academics and university leaders, one by one. The presentation highlights the impact of these efforts, demonstrating how improv-based learning enhances soft skills essential for healthcare professionals, fostering a more dynamic and empathetic clinical practice.

Track: Medical

Kat Koppett

Biography: Kat Koppett is the Eponymous Founder of "Koppett", a consultancy specializing in the use of improv and storytelling techniques to enhance individual and group performance. She is the author of Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership and Learning, and a contributor to The Applied Improvisation Mindset ed. Theresa Robbins Dudeck and Caitlin McClure. She has worked with diverse clients including Meta, Apple, Prezi, PwC, NASA, and the Clinton Global Initiative. In addition, Kat is the co-director and a performing member of the Mopco Improv Theatre. She is a founding member and the current vice-president of AIN.

Chris Esparza

Biography: Currently serving as Secretary on AIN’s Board of Directors, Chris is VP for Leadership and Culture at Koppett—a consultancy that uses improvisation and storytelling to build leadership, communication, teamwork, and creativity.  Prior to this role, Chris was the Director for Diversity, Inclusion, & Leadership Development at the University of Oregon’s School of Law.  Among the many highlights of his work, he particularly enjoys conversations with clients, peers, and colleagues that focus on ways we each can contribute to co-creating possibility.  Chris is constantly striving to embody his vision for a world that plays well together—learning and growing in ways that incite shared laughter, curiosity, flow, synergy, and the co-creation of something better.

Session Title: The Facilitation Advantage: The Power of Applied Improv Facilitation in These Crazy Times

Description: In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, leaders and teams are constantly navigating change, conflict, and unexpected challenges. Given the volatile and high-stakes concerns of our world, tapping into our work as applied improvisers to create generative space, and connect and support others is more important than ever. In this interactive session, we will explore the 10 key skills of great facilitators. Based on Kat’s latest book The Facilitation Advantage, and drawing from core principles of improvisation, this session empowers participants with techniques to foster open communication, embrace the unexpected, and transform group dynamics into productive, collaborative interactions. You’ll learn how to “hold space” for others, balance structure with spontaneity, and serve as the calming influence that teams need. The focus is on creating environments where innovation, resilience, and trust can flourish.

Together, we’ll dive into strategies that make navigating today’s unpredictable landscape not just possible but rewarding.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand how to apply improv to facilitation and how to facilitate applied improvisation work more adeptly.
• Learn to balance risk and safety to encourage creativity and openness in any group setting.
• Develop your presence to foster trust, clarity, and connection during times of stress or uncertainty.
• Gain actionable tools to transform meetings from mundane to meaningful, guiding others through the unexpected with ease.

Join us for The Facilitation Advantage and discover how facilitation can elevate your leadership and empower folks to thrive amid complexity.

Track: Business, Education, Social/Humanitarian

Bea Bincze

Biography: I am an executive coach and humor ambassador with extensive experience as a C-level executive in multinational companies and international NGOs. I use improv and humor in my training, speeches, and private life. I have spoken at numerous corporate and public events across Europe and the US and served as a speech coach for TEDx and Forbes conferences. I live in Budapest, Hungary. Fun fact: I have a perfect son because a teenage boy's main job is to drive his mother crazy, and he does that perfectly.

Gábor Salamon

Biography: Gábor Salamon has a 20+ year background in lecturing and presenting in corporate, academic, and non-profit world. What drives him is to help people better understand the world and each other so that everyone can freely reach their full potential and live a full life. With his 10+ years of leadership experience, his goal is not only to apply improvisation as a development tool for training and coaching but also to showcase the improvisation mindset itself and spread it so that leaders, employees, and humans become more flexible, resilient, creative, innovative, and adaptive. Humor and playfulness are his core resources. He is involved with theatrical and applied improvisation since 2018, and he learnt from about a dozen trainers from all around the world, what “YES, AND” really means in its core, and how it shows its real power fostering collaboration

Alice Müller

Biography: Born and raised in Germany, at Lake of Constance, I moved to Switzerland to study Performing Arts in Berne. After a decade in acting (mainly theatre) and freelance facilitating training, I moved into Learning and Development. I have been working for a multinational company in Leadership Development and Operations Training for ten years. My first formal introduction to improvisation was in contact dance before learning about the whole range of impro in the theatre world. Improvisation has enabled me to do things like playwriting or facilitation, and I truly enjoy the interactive part of it.

Session Title: Improv for Survival – Exploring Creativity through Constraints in a Business Environment

Description: When lives can be at risk, protocols, and checklists are essential in high-risk environments, like healthcare or aviation. But what happens in unexpected situations where no Procedure or Checklist is available? Improvisation and common sense become invaluable. Stakes can be high in every industry. How can we support our clients who are stuck because of the constraints and adversities?  This interactive workshop will explore applying Applied Improv techniques to help clients test their assumptions and make better decisions in a constrained environment. We’ll discover the balance between creativity and constraints. Then, we’ll simulate navigating unpredictable environments where even the best-laid plans can go awry.

We’ll examine how improv can complement rigid systems, enabling quick decision-making, adaptability, and effective collaboration under pressure. Whether dealing with business challenges or high-stakes environments, you'll learn how to integrate structured decision-making with the flexibility needed to handle crises and manage uncertainty.

By the end of the session, participants will step into the role of the director, designing a simulation to help their clients navigate change. The goal is to equip you with the tools to blend creativity, compliance, and agility in any environment, even when the unexpected happens.

Track: Business

Melissa Dinwiddie

Biography: Melissa Dinwiddie is an innovation strategist & keynote speaker who leverages her background as a professional artist, Juilliard-trained dancer, jazz singer, and improviser to help leaders and teams to Create the Impossible™. She's catalyzed transformation for clients like Google, Meta, and Salesforce. Melissa designs memorable experiences that strengthen connection, communication, and creativity while having fun. She holds degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Birmingham, England, and authored The Creative Sandbox Way™, called "an adventure packaged as a book" by Chris Guillebeau. When not transforming corporate cultures, Melissa can be found making art or attempting ukulele-and-bass duets with herself. 

Session Title: Improvising with (the Other) AI: Your New Strategic Business Partner

Description: Come behind the scenes with Melissa Dinwiddie, and learn how to integrate AI (artificial intelligence) tools into every facet of your applied improvisation business without losing your soul. From streamlining operations to sparking creativity, this session will lift the curtain to demonstrate how (the other) AI can be a game-changing strategic partner for AI (applied improv) practitioners. Participants will learn practical ways to harness AI's potential, overcome common challenges, and use these powerful tools to enhance your creative processes rather than replace them. This interactive session will blend Melissa’s own real-world experiences with hands-on exercises, allowing participants to explore AI's possibilities in a collaborative, improvisational spirit.

Track: Business

Josephine Sbrocca

Biography: MA Counseling Psychology LASAC Expressive Arts Therapy.  Works in a multitude of Mental health settings; Rehabs, Hospitals, etc.  Helping facilitate personal growth and well being through the Expressive Arts and Cognitive Behavioral therapies. 

Session Title: Mindful Play in my Ordinary Day.

Description: How can we play  more in our daily life? This workshop uses Mindfulness, performance art/ improvisation techniques,  and humor to bring play to our every day activities. This workshop gives you permission to be silly.

Track: Humor/Play

Izzy Gesell

Biography: Izzy Gesell M.ED, CSP  has been an AIN member since the first conference. A former special education teacher, restaurant owner and stand-up comedian, he is now an “organizational alchemist” who helps people navigate their internal logjams and emerge more confident, spontaneous and effective.   His work operates at the intersection of Improv, Facilitation and Coaching. Internationally recognized for his keynotes, workshops and coaching sessions, Izzy delivers meaningful material in an enjoyable way.   Among the first to use Improv Theater concepts as tools for personal and organizational learning, he is the author of “Playing Along: Group Learning Activities Borrowed From Improvisation Theater,”  “Instructional Moments: Facilitating with Applied Improv,” “The  Resilient Caregiver: A Path to Managing Stress & Change Through Humor & Play.” 

His LinkedIn Learning courses are “Humor in the Workplace” and “Building Your Team.”

Izzy has a BA in Psychology, an MS in Education and a P…. that’s 1/3 of a PhD. 

Session Title: The Gold Shines Most Brightly After the Game: Why, When & How to Debrief Any & All Improv Activities

Description: Discover the hidden magic behind Applied Improv as we delve into the art of debriefing. In this engaging workshop, we explore why debriefing is the golden key to unlocking learning and growth.

Why Debrief? Applied Improv thrives on risk-free decision-making. When participants engage in improv games, they step into a world where the consequences are observational, not real. This safety net allows audience members to authentically reveal their inner selves. Through debriefing, we extract valuable insights from these experiences.

When to Debrief? Whether it’s the beginning, middle, or end of your session, debriefing is essential. We’ll explore timing strategies and discover how to maximize learning moments.

How to Debrief? Learn practical techniques for facilitating impactful debriefs. From individual reflections to group dynamics, we’ll uncover the drivers behind successful debriefing.

Track: Business, Program Design

Diana Varco

Biography: Diana Varco is a critically acclaimed solo theatre artist, improviser, storyteller and actress – turned mental health advocate. In her solo show Shattered, Diana uses comedy to navigate tragedy, and create nuanced conversations on sexual agency, the power of Shame, post-traumatic growth and much more. With 10+ years in comedy, Diana co-created/co-produced Ladies' Night, a female/non-binary focused variety show, co-created/co-produced the improv-based web series Riding Buddies, and co-wrote the pilot Mom Circle. Current works in development are her new solo play series Rise and blog 'What X Taught Me About Y'. 

Session Title: Light in the Darkness - Finding a Sense of Play with Difficult Life Experiences

Description: Hello, I’m Diana Varco - an Upright Citizens and Groundlings trained improviser, solo theatre artist, and actress turned mental health advocate. In this 60-min session with Q&A, I’d like to give attendees a peek into my creative process to develop my solo play Shattered - a dark (dark) comedy one-woman show about resilience, sexual agency and assault, the power of Shame and more! (Yes, AND spoiler alert - Shame is a main character.) I’ll discuss the importance of improvisation and character work as a vehicle to write Shattered, how I discovered comedy, light and creative expression to bring conversations around consent to the stage, and – most importantly – stepping off the stage, the application of improv to respond and find relief from negative self-talk...again, Shame. Performance excerpts will be included in the presentation and a few improv principles too! Q&A will follow, so please come with your questions!

Content Awareness: Mature themes, this presentation mentions potentially distressing subject matter.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Humor/Play

Ulises Moreno-Serena

Biography: Mental Health Professional, Dramatherapist, Applied Theatre facilitator/trainer and Organizational Change through arts specialist carrying on the mission of generating wellness and wellbeing for individuals and groups through theatre and teaching others to do the same.

Fredy Pena

Biography: Founder of ImprOrganico which fusions 2 passions of mine: sales and theatrical improvisation. With 20 years of experience in sales performing different roles. Member of the AIN and ICF.

Buster Rojas

Biography: Buster Rojas is a Communication, Applied Improvisation, and Embodiment Coach with 28 years of experience, who empowers individuals to unlock their potential and foster meaningful connections.

Session Title: Building Improaplicantes: a space for Spanish speaking applied improvisers.

Description: What does it take to build a community? Through this presentation three of the improaplicantes community, a space for Spanish speaking applied improvisation practitioners, expose the experience of building a virtual community which aims to offer a space of generosity, gratitude and openness to possibilities in expanding applied improvisation for those Spanish speakers. Our goal in sharing this presentation is to offer a reflection about the process, barriers faced, ingredients needed, necessities this space attends, cultural differences and importance to sustain spaces that surpass language barriers while also having the capability to keep in touch with the international community.

Session will be given mainly in English with part of it in Spanish.

Track: Education

Vic Hogg

Biography: Vic and Paul, both based in the UK, met through a common love of improv comedy and decided to build an applied improvisation company together. They support corporate knowledge workers to reach their best success and wellbeing via joy, laughter and the power of play. Vic has a decade's experience in comedy facilitation and various forms of stagecraft; has a Masters in Applied Arts and founded the much-loved, decade-old, weekly improv jam called DDG. Paul is a professional speaker, long-standing corporate manager, and a stand-up and improviser who founded comedy performance group Comedy Shomedy. Together they are IMPROV Inc.

Paul Speirs

Biography: Vic and Paul, both based in the UK, met through a common love of improv comedy and decided to build an applied improvisation company together. They support corporate knowledge workers to reach their best success and wellbeing via joy, laughter and the power of play. Vic has a decade's experience in comedy facilitation and various forms of stagecraft; has a Masters in Applied Arts and founded the much-loved, decade-old, weekly improv jam called DDG. Paul is a professional speaker, long-standing corporate manager, and a stand-up and improviser who founded comedy performance group Comedy Shomedy. Together they are IMPROV Inc.

Session Title: Character Building: Find Your Optimal Persona Via Improv

Description: We all, at times, have to show up for ourselves and each other in situations that feel 'against the odds’. This can be having anxiety through inexperience or ‘other’ness, being in a setting that creates disquiet or discomfort, or dealing in subject matter that's hard to control. It’s at times like this that we wish we could tap into our ‘best selves’ and put on a persona that feels authentic yet armoured. On top of this, we often have to give a differing version of ourselves - a unique ‘mask’ - depending on the situation! From the stage to the team-talk to the nerve-wracking one-to-one, a new persona is needed each time. Join Vic and Paul and explore ways to bring out the bravest sides of you while still being honest, generous and kind.

Jennifer Schaupp

Biography: Jennifer Schaupp (she/her) is a Pittsburgh-based storyteller whose interests in poetry and plays have led to collaborations with local and (inter)national arts organizations. She also manages a standardized patient program at a university medical school. As a PhD candidate in Creativity, she is testing the intersection among applied theatre/comedy, language learning, mental health, and social justice. 

Session Title: When We Don't Know What To Say, We Make It Up Our Way

Description: In this workshop, we will improvise with the tone, shape, and meaning of the English language. We spend time talking to people with different dialects, accents, and languages. These can create barriers to our ability to share our common human traits. Improvising with language evens the playing field. We will play games that can be used in language-learning classrooms and other places where conversations among diverse people takes place.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Education, Humor/Play

Alex Leviton

Biography: For over 20 years, Alex Leviton’s wide-ranging career has centered around one single concept: Creativity changes the world. The author of Explore Every Day (and co-author of over two dozen travel, psychology and humor books), Alex has worked as a journalist, columnist, editorial director, start-up co-founder, stand-up comedian, poetry mentor in a juvenile psychiatric hospital, etc. She uses her background, knowledge and -- ahem -- very intimate knowledge of her Inner Critic to now facilitate and coach 'Creative Thinking for Critical Thinkers' through her Third Layer methodology. 

Session Title: APLOMB: Building Resilience with Creativity

Description: Accept. Prompt. Let. Open. Marinate. Blueprint. Six words, one simple method to access your creativity, even (especially) when times get difficult. Creativity is connected to some of the deepest, most intimate parts of our souls and our hearts, and the memories and emotions buried deep within our brains. But here's the thing about creativity: approached slowly and carefully, it can also be one of the most powerful tools we have to build resilience, and to grow and thrive. This workshop will give facilitators, instructors and just plain ol' creative folk (hint: that's everyone!) ideas on how to use creativity to Inner Critic-proof their own creative process, as well as ideas on how to gently encourage your clients and organizations how to take one step forward in their own.

Track: Creativity in general

Louis Wells

Biography: Louis Wells brings over 25 years of expertise in improvisation. He is the founder of El Enjambre Laboratorio de Improvisación Aplicada, where he teaches and performs improv. His performances span major cities, including New York, Madrid, Zaragoza, Paris, and Montreal. He was a founding member of The Heroes of Comedy in Austin, TX.  For 15 years, he served as the Artistic Coordinator of the Theatre Arts and Technology program at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where he developed a comprehensive improvisation curriculum and founded the Center for Applied Improvisation and Theatre. This center fostered collaborations with schools, theaters, and companies in the New York/New Jersey area and launched community programs like the Newark Improv Festival and the Newark Playwright Festival.  Wells has presented and published globally on the use of innovative technology in theater and the educational applications of improvisation. His collaborations extend to organizations such as Teach for America, Meta, Reddit, and NJIT ROTC. He also sits on the board of the Applied Improvisation Network and delivered a TEDx talk on the importance of improvisation. In 2018, Wells received NJIT’s Innovation in Teaching Award and holds an MFA from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.

Randy Fertel

Biography: Randy Fertel is the author of Winging It: Improv’s Power and Peril in the Time of Trump (Spring Publications, 2024), A Taste for Chaos: The Art of Literary Improvisation (Spring Publications, 2015) and The Gorilla Man and the Empress of Steak: A New Orleans Family Memoir (University Press of Mississippi, 2011). He is the co-founder of the Ridenhour Prizes for Courageous Truth-telling.

Fertel holds a Ph.D. in English and American literature from Harvard University. He has taught English at Harvard University, where he received a student-voted teaching award, Tulane University, LeMoyne College, and the New School for Social Research. He specializes in the literature of the Vietnam War and the literature of exile.

His work has been featured in People, Bloomberg, and Esquire and has contributed to The New York Times, NPR, Smithsonian, Kenyon Review, Creative Nonfiction, The Journal of Modern Literature, Modern Language Quarterly, Tikkun, New Orleans Review, and The Huffington Post.

In addition to his writing, Fertel is president of the Fertel Foundation and the Ruth U. Fertel Foundation, named for his mother Ruth Fertel, founder of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. He lives in New Orleans and New York.

Session Title: Winging It: Improv’s Power and Peril in the Time of Trump, a discussion of the book by Randy Fertel

Description: Join us for an engaging discussion with writer and public intellectual Randy Fertel as he explores the far-reaching power of improvisation beyond the stage. Fertel, head of the Fertel Foundation and the Ruth U. Fertel Foundation, offers a deep dive into how improvisation shapes art, education, and even political dynamics. Drawing from his latest work, he connects improv’s creative potential to real-world challenges, from jazz to vaccine development, and highlights its dangerous role in modern politics. Discover how the art of improvisation influences society in both constructive and perilous ways, and why its power should not be underestimated in today’s climate.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking session on the unexpected intersections of improv and life!

Track: Social/Humanitarian

Jude Treder-Wolff

Biography: Jude Treder-Wolff, LCSW, CPAI founded Lifestage in 1993 with her husband, Nicholas Wolff. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Practitioner of Applied Improvisation, and creative arts therapist, with 30 years experience as a clinician and trainer working in the field of mental health, addiction and wellness. She speaks and presents on topics related to creativity, creative/experiential methods, storytelling and Applied Improvisation in the process of learning and change for individuals, organizations and communities. She has designed and facilitated training workshops and classes about creativity in healing, learning, and professional development for The National Association Of Social Workers-New York State annual conferences, UC-Berkeley Continuing Education Program For Behavioral Sciences, SUNY-Buffalo Institute For Addiction Studies, The Psychotherapy Networker Symposium in Washington, D.C. and many other conferences and organizations around the country. She served as chair of the 2019 Applied Improvisation Network World Conference, in partnership with the Alan Alda Center For Communicating Science at Stony Brook University. She is published in the International Journal of Arts & Psychotherapy Special Issue on HIV/AIDS and International Journal of Arts & Psychotherapy Special Issue on Addiction, Music Therapy Perspectives, was editor of the Psychodrama Network News for 3 years, and writes articles about applications of improv and storytelling for medium.com 

Session Title: Curiosity, Creativity and Cognitive Shifts: Applied Improv In Mental Health And Personal Growth Work

Description: The tensions of change in our psychological, emotional and social life can trigger ambivalence and fear about what happens next at the very time decisions and actions can have great weight and high stakes. During periods of transition, when the old familiar is no longer available - or is toxic and harmful - and the new reality is still taking shape, a supportive, positive social-emotional environment is essential. Applied Improv facilitates this kind of learning environment while cultivating skills for navigating the new. Curiosity - defined as the desire to better understand the novel, the complex and/or uncertain situations that life presents - and creativity inspired by applied improv exercises provide an expanded model for continued growth as life unfolds. This workshop will focus on applied improvisation tools and techniques for shifting from anxiety to curiosity and from contraction to expansion in situations of tension and stress, grounded in research that will be cited and discussed. We will explore how applied improv exercises emphasize the value of creative process over outcome-focused thinking, how this intersects with mental health and personal growth work, and exercises for cognitive reframing.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Medical

Luke Perone

Biography: Luke Perone is a faculty member in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington Tacoma where he teaches courses in human development and life-span imaginative play. He is also an associate of The East Side Institute and is a long-standing builder of its international performance movement. His research, teaching, and activism include the power of imaginative play, improvisational theater, performance activism, social therapeutics, humanitarian clowning, and socially-engaged arts to create revolutionary opportunities for learning, development, and community building. He co-edited (with Carrie Lobman) Big Ideas and Revolutionary Activity: Selected Talks, Essays, and Articles by Lois Holzman and is the editor of the forthcoming book Improvising With and In Higher Education: All Together Now for the series Palgrave Studies in Play, Performance, Learning and Development. He received his doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Illinois Chicago and his training in social therapeutics from the East Side Institute.

Gwen Lowenheim

Biography: Gwen is on the faculty of the East Side Institute and Pace University. She offers improvisation, philosophical exploration, remix, and group play to support collaborative teams and language learning.

Amy Baldwin

Biography: Amy is a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership. She is a member of the Medical Improv Collaborative and provides improv instruction for medical students.

Session Title: Improvising With and In Higher Education: Creating Ensembles Everywhere

Description: In this interactive presentation, we aim to demonstrate and explore the learning and development possible using applied improv as a tool to foster emergent and co-created social and emotional growth such as community building, relationality, developmental learning, and new agentive activity with and beyond academic coursework in higher education.  Illustrations will emerge from the forthcoming book, Improvising With and In Higher Education: All Together Now. Presenters are the editor and contributors to the book.  Our presentation shares the power of building ensembles in higher education, and in our experience, building a community known amongst us (i.e., book contributors) as the “book ensemble.” We will share the examples of the processes and products of our book (e.g., its topics) and book-ensemble making activities (e.g., monthly gatherings of playing improv games and playful conversations), highlighting improv as a collective activity offering a holistic lens on human development and learning. This presentation serves as a catalyst for who we can collectively become by improvising with and in systems of higher education (and beyond) and invites the participants to consider how we all can (continue to) build ensembles with everyone, everywhere with the tools of applied improvisation.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Education, Post-Disciplinary

Jamie Clark

Biography: Jamie Clark is a dedicated public speaking coach with a unique approach that blends inner child work, body based practices, and improv techniques. Drawing from her own journey of overcoming shyness and communication challenges, she empowers individuals to confront their fears of public speaking and find their authentic voice. Through engaging workshops and personalized coaching, Jamie creates a safe space for participants to explore the emotional roots of their anxiety, develop self-compassion, and harness the spontaneity of improv. Her mission is to help others navigate the complexities of public speaking with confidence, creativity, and resilience. 

Session Title: Courage on Stage: Conquering Public Speaking Fears through Inner Child Work and Improv

Description: In this interactive 60-minute workshop, participants will explore how inner child work, somatic experiencing, and improv can help address the common fear of public speaking. Many struggle with anxiety rooted in deeper emotional issues, and this session creates a safe space to uncover those fears. As a former shy individual who faced significant challenges in communication, I know how it feels to want to run out the door rather than get on the stage. Through engaging and deeply rooted exercises, attendees will shift their focus from their heads to their bodies, building confidence and presence. By connecting with their inner child and harnessing the power of improvisation, participants will discover effective strategies to feel safe and express themselves authentically. Embrace the principles of improv to unlock your voice and navigate the challenges of public speaking with creativity and resilience.

Track: Public Speaking, Impact, Business, Humor/Play, Education

Joey Novick

Biography: Studied with Del Close, Keith Johnstone, Mick Napier, Armando Diaz, etc. been directing theatrical improv workshops for 30+ years. The past 15+ years have been focusing applied improv with lawyers, elected officials and [more recently] mediators. 

Session Title: Unthinking Certainty: An Applied Improvisation Journey—How What We Know That Isn’t So

Description: This workshop invites participants to explore the power of applied improvisation as a tool for unlearning entrenched beliefs and assumptions. Through engaging games and exercises, attendees will challenge their preconceived notions and embrace uncertainty in a safe, supportive environment. The focus will be on fostering creativity, spontaneity, and open-mindedness, allowing participants to discover new perspectives and ways of thinking.

This workshop will explore how to ‘unthink’: For example, dealing with opposing proverbs:

• Opposites attract vs. Birds of a feather flock together
• Clothes make the man vs. You cannot judge a book by its cover
• Familiarity breeds contempt vs.Great minds think alike.
• The early bird gets the worm vs. Haste makes waste:

In the context of applied improvisation, "unthinking" refers to the process of letting go of over-analysis and preconceived notions to engage more freely and authentically in the moment. It emphasizes spontaneity, creativity, and responsiveness rather than rigid planning or fixed ideas. By unthinking, participants can tap into their instincts and intuition, fostering a more open and collaborative environment that encourages exploration and innovation. This approach helps break down barriers, promotes playfulness, and enhances connection among individuals in group settings.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Education

Paul Marchegiani 

Biography: I'm a Los Angeles-based performance skills coach, law school lecturer, and Founder/CEO of Vox Vera, LLC, a consulting firm that teaches brilliant leaders and advocates the physical communication skills necessary to deliver a message, connect with others, and inhabit any space with confidence.   Prior to launching Vox Vera, I worked for over 15 years as a Hollywood dealmaker at Warner Bros., NBCUniversal, Miramax, and Amazon Studios, leading business & legal affairs teams, advising top producers, showrunners, and studio heads, and negotiating rights and talent deals for film and television stars, writers, directors, and producers. I began my legal career as a litigator at Orrick and Morrison & Foerster in San Francisco, after receiving a JD from Berkeley and a BA (History) and BMus (Voice & Opera) from Northwestern.  My performance skills work is rooted in decades of stage performance and training at the highest levels, with credits ranging from classical (LA Opera, SF Symphony Chorus, and Chicago Symphony Chorus), to jazz, theatre, and improvisation (with over fifteen years of combined study with Groundlings, UCB, Impro Theatre, and Studio ACT). I've studied acting at Northwestern, Juilliard's Summer Drama Intensive, and Studio ACT, and am the only U.S. lawyer and senior business executive to hold a teaching certification from world-renowned voice, presence, and Shakespeare coach Patsy Rodenburg.  In addition to my business, legal, and performance experience, I develop and teach popular public speaking and communication skills classes for top law schools, including Stanford, Berkeley, and the University of Chicago. 

Session Title: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Presence

Description: Taught by a performance skills coach, law school lecturer, and improvisor with decades of experience as a lawyer and dealmaker for Hollywood studios, this session offers practical tips for de-escalating conflict and building trust while navigating difficult conversations. We'll explore time-tested, breath, body, and presence techniques that can help you stay connected and manage conflict gracefully.

Track: Social/Humanitarian, Business, Education

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