Performance of a Lifetime uses the metaphor of performance to help business people interact more effectively. After all, behavior is what counts and experiencing improv can help you act your role more effectively. Last month I attended a free afternoon-long session with Performance’s Maureen Kelly and Cathy Salit.
- We broke into pairs for an exercise where we tried to mimic one another’s moves. Then the same with sounds. Then swapping roles as storyteller and listener. This sensitizes one to paying attention to the other person. Holistically.
- Sitting in a circle, we improvised a story. At a given signal, storytelling shifted to the person on the right. The new storyteller always began with, “Yes, and…” This is welcoming. “Yes, but…” means no.
- The etiquette of improv is making “offers” (story hooks) that are best for the group.
I can imagine this working well in a group in transition, people looking for a foundation for how to act in an emerging culture. Spontaneity, empahty, looking out for the group, and models for what’s appropriate are a great place to begin.
Cathy Salit, founder
Related article: Improv Learning
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More on learning and improv, from Anecdote, “the 3 foundational skills of improv are Presence (showing up and being present, focus), Acceptance (remaining in the present) and Trust”:
http://www.anecdote.com.au/archives/2006/10/improv_and_stor.html
I’m new to the education blogospher and was checking out your site to see what’s happening and generate some ideas. I was pleasantly surprised to see my dear friend Cathy Salit and Performance of a Lifetime mentioned in your blog. I’ve known Cathy for years and share an office with Performance of a Lifetime. I’ve also just co-authored a book that’s evolved from the same methodology- life as performance. It’s a book for teachers on using improv in the classroom and has 114 games, some of which are old Performance of a Lifetime standards. I’d love it if you’d check out the blog (and the book) and give me some pointers.
http://www.unscriptedlearning.blogspot.com
Matthew Lundquist
Performance of a Lifetime is an effective tool. This was introduce by our teacher at the class.