APPLIED IMPROV
Applied improvisation is the use of improvisational theater techniques and principles in non-theatrical settings such as professional and community settings to strengthen communication, collaboration, and adaptability. It’s application is in helping people respond to the situations with curiosity, connection, and creativity.
We offer:
•Interactive keynotes
•Full-team retreats
•Multi-session professional development series
•Custom workshops
Case Studies
Below are examples of how organizations have used applied improv to improve teamwork and leadership.
Cornell Institute of Biotechnology
Collaboration Skills Program
Cornell’s Biotech CoLab invited Ithaca Improv to design a multi-session program to help scientists and research staff work more collaboratively across roles.
A six-session applied improv–based leadership arc focused on real-world collaboration under pressure, integrating behavioral skill practice, reflective leadership coaching, peer-to-peer accountability, and immediate workplace application between sessions.
Outcomes:
•Participants actively applied collaboration tools in live team situations between sessions
•Increased trust, presence, and ability to influence across roles without authority
•Internal reflection explicitly shifted toward long-term culture change and systems thinking
Building Trust and Agility in High-Pressure Labs
Team Retreat for Colgate University Women's Hockey Team
Colgate’s coaching staff wanted their athletes to embody their team mantra “Play Free” by building trust, removing ego, and strengthening connection ahead of the season.
We designed a custom applied improv session focused on attunement, communication under pressure, risk-taking, and making each other look good through shared play and embodied trust.
Outcomes:
• Players experienced freedom to be fully themselves - silliness, vulnerability, and presence
• Coaches reported immediately referencing improv principles daily throughout the season
“We ALWAYS reference what we learned from you. It still shapes how we coach.”
- Greg Fargo, Head Women’s Ice Hockey Coach
Social Skills Program
Racker wanted a program to help teens build real-world social communication and relationship skills in a supportive environment especially around connection, confidence, and belonging.
Over four days, participants explored applied improvisation to practice listening, emotional flexibility, and supporting one another in real time.
Outcomes:
•Participants actively supported each other and gained confidence in play-based collaboration
•Visible relational trust and joy within the group by Day 4
•Final performance brought family and staff into the experience
“The group works together beautifully, supports each other. Everyone feels successful and appreciated.”
Statewide E-MDT Conference- Opening Keynote and Closing Session
The statewide E-MDT network brought together leaders from law enforcement, aging services, and advocacy organizations facing rapid change in funding, staffing, and team structures. Conference organizers wanted to ignite connection, psychological safety, and collaboration across diverse disciplines from the start of the day and help participants leave aligned on purpose and next steps.
We co-created an interactive 90-minute keynote and a 40-minute closing session that used research on team performance and the principles of improvisational theater to build trust, communication, and adaptive thinking. Participants experienced connection-focused activities and reflected on how these skills apply to their interdisciplinary work with vulnerable populations.
Outcomes:
•Participants reported feeling energized and connected after months of remote and regional work.
•Real examples of immediate application emerged in closing shares (e.g., teams planning to revisit case files with new learning lens).
•The program modeled how statewide systems can practice collaboration through presence, listening, and “making each other look brilliant.”
“I was hired two weeks ago and I feel so welcomed and supported.”
~ Participant reflection from closing session
CCE Leadership Development Series
CCE leaders were navigating uncertainty and rapid organizational change. They needed a shared language for collaboration and a renewed sense of connection across counties. The state office commissioned us to create an interactive learning series that would build trust and leadership agility through experiential practice.
We designed a six-session virtual program that used principles from improvisational theater to develop skills in presence, adaptability, and collaboration. Each session combined research-based frameworks (psychological safety and team learning) with light interactive exercises and structured reflection. Participants met in application groups to turn insights into specific leadership actions and shared those commitments through a state-wide learning portal.
Outcomes:
•Participants reported greater confidence in adapting to change and communicating across teams.
•Over 80 insight/action entries documented applied behavioral changes in local offices.
•Leaders adopted CCE-wide language around “Yes, And” and “Making Your Partner Look Brilliant."
“I’m surprised how quickly I felt connected with colleagues I’d never met before.”
~ Participant, CCE Leadership Series