Advanced Applied Improvisation Seminar
Costa Brava - Spain 🌴🌞😎 | 12-16 October 2026
““It’s radically counterintuitive: When life or work gets scariest, the right answer is often to let go of control. Instead, we try to plan more, squeeze harder, find the rule that cracks the code - but that only tightens the knot. That’s why I love teaching Applied Improvisation. It creates another way out: take the next, average step. Tune into what changes and repeat.”
A few video testimonials from previous trainings (and proud of them!)
welcome
In our time, connection is fraying: employees disengage, Artificial Intelligence reshapes roles and relationships, and most of us spend more time with screens than with the people around us.
The result is a yearning – both personal and professional - for something screens can't deliver: real contact, attention, responsiveness, and a sense of belonging.
Applied Improvisation offers exactly that.
This program is for you if you are:
a team leader wanting to improve your team’s performance
a manager navigating uncertainty and disruption
a facilitator or trainer seeking deeper connection and impact in your workshop
a professional looking for new approaches to self-care and resilience
an experienced Applied Improvisation practitioner ready to deepen your practice
Applied Improvisation is a proven approach to leadership, facilitation, and resilience - and a powerful source of energy, joy, and connection, especially in challenging times. This course is designed for both newcomers and experienced practitioners.
Join us in October on the Spanish Mediterranean coast at the 4-star Hotel Barcarola.
What alumni say
“Four days that change your professional life. Deep insights, powerful practice and real time feedback. Tons of motivation and inspiration.”
“I’ve been an Applied Improv trainer for 30 years, and this was the best training I ever had”
“Both inspiring and humbling. These trainers are the real deal - skilled, authentic, and generous with their expertise.”
“Best professional development I’ve ever taken.”
“I recommend this program. We all need to slow down and smell the roses as we navigate these chaotic times. This work/ play will teach you how.”
This training will take place at the Spanish mediterranean coast at the beautiful 4-star hotel, right in the week before the AIN conference in Italy.
About the program
what you’ll get
the opportunity to discover, explore and utilize the improvisational mindset and skills for yourself
the experience of employing the powerful improvisation exercises to solve the challenges of workplaces, be it in your team/organization/workshop or your personal health
an overview on how Applied Improvisation can be helpful for different subjects like leadership, collaboration, presentation skills, and in different areas like humanitarian aid, coaching, facilitation, project management and more
clear feedback on your facilitation style and a unique chance to learn from others
relevant models and concepts that apply to your own collaboration/leadership/facilitation style. These include sharper side coaching, more insight in status transactions, group energy management, and stronger debriefing
if you are already an Applied Improvisation facilitator: marketing tips for your business to help you show the value and relevance of Applied Improvisation to your clients and/ or to your organisation
an international group of colleagues who also recognize the value of Applied Improvisation and are ready to develop the next steps with you!
in this program, we will …
dedicate ourselves to your individual learning goals and work context
offer you a host of new ready-to-use activities, exercises and tools to level up your next sessions
provide the opportunity for individual coaching after the course
especially for Applied Improv Trainers - help you to generate more work, with the use of easy concepts to explain the value and necessity of improv to your clients
your LEAD facilitators
Raymond van Driel, MSc., M.A. is a Dutch corporate trainer, keynote speaker, executive coach, author and academic teacher. He has been performing improv since 1994 and won the Dutch Improv Champion title four times. He started with corporate improvisation in 2000, is responsible for several academic leadership programs and delivers Training of Trainers and keynotes about Applied Improvisation and Playfulness worldwide.
From 2009 to 2011, Raymond hosted Applied Improvisation courses at Stockholm University where business students engaged with improvisation for 3 months, 20 hours a week.
In 2016, Raymond received a government grant to do a full year of Applied Improvisation with the faculty and students of Vlerick Business School in Brussels and St Petersburg.
From 2008-2018, Raymond was a Board Member of the global Applied Improvisation Network (AIN, 9600 members), serving as Board Secretary and he has delivered the introductory programs at five AIN conferences. (LinkedIn profile).
Ralf Wetzel, Prof. Dr., is a seasoned and awarded leadership development expert. During his engagement at top-tier European business schools, he has been developing an aesthetic, art-based leadership development approach, relying heavily on performing arts like improvisation theatre, red-nose-clown, mask work and social dance. He’s also a internationally renowned theatre performer. By combining Applied Arts with organization theory, Ralf inspires and prepares for high-speed and high-quality decision making in times of volatility. (LinkedIn profile)
Guest facilitators
Ted DesMaisons teaches at Stanford University and has studied, taught, and performed improvisation internationally for over 35 years. He served on the board of BATS Improv in San Francisco for six years and has led more than a dozen workshops for annual conferences of the global Applied Improvisation Network. Ted received an MBA from Stanford (Creativity and Leadership) and an MTh from Harvard (Ritual, Education and Spirituality).
He’s also a certified Patsy Rodenburg Associate and we’re excited that Ted will offer a workshop on personal presence based on the Second Circle method, a physical and attitudinal way of being that generates greater charisma, amplified power, authentic connection and skillful teamwork.
Ted is the author of Playful Mindfulness and co-host of the well-known Monster Baby podcast. (LinkedIn profile)
Jana Dörfelt, MA., MSc is an interdisciplinary artist, facilitator, and somatic coach with nearly 20 years of experience working across business, public institutions, and the arts. She combines somatic practice with arts-based methods to strengthen presence, awareness, and collaboration in groups. Her work complements improvisation-based learning by helping participants deepen how they embody and apply what they practice. She also brings in elements of visual facilitation to make group processes and insights more tangible and accessible. (LinkedIn profile)
We’re very much looking forward to Jana’s session on working with body, breath and attention to increase clarity, trust and impact when for example dealing with groups. Through simple, practical exercises, participants learn to recognize their patterns and shift how they show up and relate to others.
Simo Routarinne is one of Finland's leading applied improvisation practitioners and an internationally respected expert on status behaviour, psychological safety and interaction. His work combines improvisation, behavioural science and practical facilitation methods to help people communicate with greater awareness, confidence and impact.
We're delighted that Simo will share one of his most successful workshop designs during the seminar: how to turn your keynote into experiential learning - creating real engagement with little time and a complex topic. We'll explore how to create psychological safety, engage skeptical audiences, and find the experiential entry point that makes learning stick.
Ame-Lia Tamburrini, BSc, MSc is a Canada-based facilitator, coach, and speaker with over two decades of experience working across leadership, conflict, and human connection. She helps leaders and teams navigate complexity, repair harm, and build durable relationships. Her work draws on wisdom from Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, the Arctic, Mongolia, Africa, and India.
We're very much looking forward to Ame-Lia's session on intuitive communication - using body awareness and trust to help leaders navigate conflict with clarity and kindness. (LinkedIn profile)
Leif Hansen is an international speaker, applied improvisation facilitator and transformational coach. For more than twenty years, he has helped leaders, facilitators, and change-makers develop creativity, courage, and authentic connection through improvisation, structured play, and transformational learning. Leif’s recent work explores the intersection of applied improvisation and artificial intelligence.
Leifs session is about how AI can strengthen your work as a facilitator and manager. We'll explore AI as a creative partner for facilitation, coaching, and workshop design. Through practical experiments and discussion, we'll discover where AI excels—and where presence, authentic connection, and human improvisation remain essential.
support
Evelien Korf is a workplace happiness trainer and helps teams develop their growth mindset. With playfulness, humor, and a healthy dose of courage she helps people discover for themselves what is going on, why they get stuck, and how they can strengthen their own resilience and adaptability. That way, teams can keep thinking and acting in possibilities together, even when reality doesn’t go according to plan. (LinkedIn profile)
Evelien will provide logistical support during the training, support the group and resolve any issues that might arise.
Investment
The all-inclusive seminar tuition is € 1.725,- and includes the course, 4 nights accommodation (Monday to Friday), all meals, materials and snacks.
Please note:
Excluding 21% VAT for EU residents
The price excludes the extra drinks in the evening
Let us know if you’d like extra nights before or after the course (100 euro/ night)
Location
We’ll be at the beautiful 4-star hotel Barcarola, in the Catalonian village Sant Feliu de Guixols and right at the Mediterrean Sea. After registration, we will help you with travel options from Gerona airport (GRO, 25 minute drive) or Barcelona airport (BCN, 1 hour drive) and possible ride shares.
accommodation
Guests will stay in single private bedrooms.
Dates 12 - 16 October 2026
Arrival: Monday 12th check-in from 4pm, welcome drink at 7:00pm, dinner at 8:00pm
Course: Tuesday to Friday afternoon
On Monday evening we’ll start with a welcome drink, dinner and introductory warming up-activities.
After your registration we will provide you with more practical details and travel options.
Frequently asked questions
I’m also attending the AIN Conference in Italy. Can I combine the two?
Absolutely—we'll be there too! That's exactly why we scheduled the seminar for the week before the conference. From Barcelona, it's just a short and inexpensive flight to Bologna, making it easy to travel on to the Conference.
I already have a lot of applied improv experience. Is it still worthwhile?
Definitely. We challenge every participant at their own level and help you work on your individual learning goals and personal challenges. Many very experienced improvisers have joined us before and found the week highly rewarding.
How ‘advanced’ is the course? Do I have enough experience?
You’ll need to have experience in facilitating/ leading groups. The program is designed for people who have led workshops and teams and preferrably have already experienced the value of the improvisational mindset and skills in practice.
You don't need to be an expert. But the more experience you bring, the more you'll get out of the course.
And if you’re in doubt, let’s talk about it!
What kind of people usually attend?
All kinds! Our participants have included trainers, coaches, managers, mayors, teachers, entrepreneurs, therapists, students, and many others. And then there's the community. Over the years, this program has sparked lasting friendships, business collaborations and new career opportunities.
What flexibility is there with food?
In our experience, Hotel Barcarola is excellent at catering for a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets.
Is it really as much fun and valuable as it looks?
Oh yes. 🙂 And if you're still unsure, we're happy to answer any questions or to put you in touch with previous participants.
Ready?
Join us for a unique, fun-filled, intense and impactful training at the beautiful Costa Brava!
Be part of an international group of motivated, inspired, warm, fun-loving and professional colleagues who appreciate openness, spontaneity and connection.
Register or do let us know if you have any questions.
San Feliu de Guixols
