I started these Jams as a way to learn about managing and facilitating improv exercises for a remote audience. This was a selfish act, as on May 14th, I facilitated a Collaborative Improv workshop for the IA Conference. I’m still working on that write up by the way.
So when I started, I was worried. How do I translate in person exercises to the digital realm? I had to start somewhere. I chose the Jams.
What is a Jam you ask? An improv jam is basically a musical jam session, but for improv. Players assemble and just have fun for an hour or two. No shows, no formula, just some activities and exercises. And NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
Wait, I keep missing these!
Previously, the Jams were held sudo-biweekly. With the workshop behind me, we are moving to the Second Thursday of each month. Our next session will is Thursday, June 11 at 8PM EDT. Register Here.
May 22 Jam Recap
We had six attendees last night and a quick recap of what we played:
- Sentence Waterfall
- Red Ball, Thank You
- Knife, Baby, Angry Cat
- Everybody Let’s
- Soundball (for order)
- Third Thought
- Premise Lawyer
- Party Planning (Yes And)
- *I am a Tree
- World’s Worst Disco
*Indicates a new activity
New Faces, New Activities
For anyone reading the last few months’ recaps, you have probably noticed I’ve found a groove of what activities I find work well in a group of digitally-connected individuals with a mixed level of improvisation experience.
Last night, in addition to my improv-team members joining, some other improv-educators came along for the fun. This was a great opportunity to spend the last 15-minutes opening the activities to anything anyone wanted to try.
One participant shared with us The Martha and I am a Tree, and how they adapted these for the online space. We even got to play I am a Tree! While I plan to practice and hone these activities with my own flavor (yes-anding and raising the stakes of what was shared) I am very grateful for the willingness of others to share their own perspectives, lessons, and experiences.
Want to Jam?
I plan to host a virtual Jam weekly as long as this social distancing is happening. To be the first to know, follow @Collab_Improv or @Dafark8 to see the announcements when registration goes live!
Our next session will be Thursday, June 11 at 8PM EDT. You can register here.
If you are part of a team, contact me and we can discuss a 30-45 minute session for your team. I want to offer Improv Jams for free (as much as that is feasible).
Be safe. Practice self care. We are in this together. Reach out to friends and colleagues if you are struggling.
And please, wash your hands.
