Advanced Applied Improvisation Retreat | Costa Brava Spain
30 September - 3 October 2025

welcome

Are you a coach, trainer, HR manager, learning & development specialist or group leader?

Are you familiar with the value and power of Applied Improvisation and now want to take it to the next level?

Do you want to stay on top of the latest in training design, delivery and evaluation?

Then this Advanced Applied Improvisation course is for you!

We designed this retreat especially for you and other professionals who already recognize the value of using Improvisation in their work - and who are ready to learn more.

This training will take place at the Spanish mediterranean coast at the beautiful 4-star hotel Barcarola.

Join us for this unique event this September!

- A few testimonials of previous trainings (and proud of them!)

what you’ll get

an invitation and challenge to use the improvisational mindset and skills for yourself, practicing what we preach
better ability to link powerful improvisation exercises to the challenges your clients face including leadership, collaboration, presentation skills, humanitarian work and many other areas.
powerful improvisation exercises to practice and enhance your skills in challenging stakeholder management and lateral leadership to navigate difficult situations
clear feedback on your facilitation style and a unique chance to learn from others
models and concepts that apply to your own individual facilitation style and to the challenges of your clients. These include direct side coaching, status transactions, group energy management, deeper debriefing and the design success track
marketing tips for your business to help you show the value and relevance of Applied Improvisation to your clients (using dedicated models directly related to Applied Improvisation, eg. Improfit model, the PLAY! model and other useful frameworks)
an international group of colleagues who also recognize the value of Applied Improvisation and are ready to take the next step!

in this program, we will …

dedicate ourselves to your individual learning goals and work context
help you to generate more work with Applied Improvisation training, with the use of easy concepts to explain the value of improv to your clients
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

LEAD facilitators

Raymond van Driel, MSc, MA 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, 8700 members), serving as Board Secretary and he has delivered the introductory programs at five conferences. (LinkedIn profile).

Roberto Hirche is a dedicated coach, facilitator, and improviser with over two decades of experience in inspiring growth and transformation. As the founder and director of Improtheater Konstanz since 2005, Roberto has performed on international stages, collaborating with international artists, and continues to use the power of improvisation to connect people.

Roberto has performed at multiple international improv festivals, including events in Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, collaborating with renowned international artists.

In addition to his passion for improv, Roberto is deeply committed to leadership development and systemic coaching.

He has designed and led programs for universities and organizations across Germany and Switzerland, focusing on need-based leadership, nonviolent communication (NVC), and experiential learning.
A proud father and partner, Roberto blends his personal values with his professional expertise, creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.

guest facilitators

Paul Z Jackson We are thrilled to have Paul as our guest facilitator and co-host! You may know Paul is a pioneer in Solutions Focus – an approach to change that’s quietly transforming coaching, consulting and leadership in organisations all over the world. In his mini session we’ll explore how it powerfully and simply amplifies our Applied Improvisation skills.

Following early careers as a journalist and BBC comedy producer, Paul has consulted with clients ranging from big finance to humanitarian agencies; facilitated conferences and training courses; written (or co-authored) 6 best-selling business books; co-founded and led the development of the Applied Improvisation Network, and is currently director of the Oxford Improv Festival. (LinkedIn profile)

Victoria Hogg (UK) is a dynamic facilitator and coach who helps people communicate with more confidence, creativity and authenticity. With a background in applied theatre, decades of improv experience, and credentials from the Applied Improvisation Network, she brings warmth, humour and depth to her work.

Vic’s mini session will explore how unconscious bias—both our own and others’—shapes group dynamics. She’ll guide us in recognizing how cultural context, for example, can create tension without us even realizing it, and how to deal with that as a leader. A powerful step towards deeper self-awareness, stronger facilitation, and true Presence. (LinkedIn profile)

Aija Iesalniece from Latvia is a leadership trainer, business coach, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in improvisational theatre and 15+ years in international corporate leadership. Since 2019, she has integrated applied improvisation into her daily practice, combining her expertise with a Master's in Business Psychology. Her academic research focuses on developing improv-based methods for coaching and supervision. Aija helps individuals and teams navigate uncertainty and foster collaboration that goes beyond the sum of its parts.

Aijas mini session: how can applied improvisation support individuals feeling stuck or seeking growth? This interactive session introduces research-backed improv tools tailored for 1:1 coaching and supervision. Whether your client is aiming for career development or struggling with everyday challenges, you'll leave with practical methods to bring clarity, movement, and playfulness into the process. (LinkedIn profile)

Jonathan Hughes is an applied improvisation facilitator and communication strategist with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations craft messages that resonate. He specializes in transforming complex ideas into compelling narratives that engage and inspire. Jonathan's approach is rooted in the principles of applied improvisation, encouraging adaptability, active listening, and authentic connection. He has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, from startups to established institutions, delivering workshops and talks that emphasize the power of storytelling and clear communication.

Jonathan’s mini session offers us practical tools to attract more clients through effective marketing, clear communication, and presenting yourself as a compelling, authentic brand. (LinkedIn profile)

Steven Schiemann is a professor of music education at the University of Music and Theatre Rostock, Germany, and a certified systemic coach and Applied Improv facilitator. His research focuses on music teacher development, video-based interaction analysis, and diversity-oriented teaching. He explores how Applied Improv can foster futures literacies and the future skills (4C’s) in primary music education.

Stevens workshop offers practical ways to develop the future skills 4Cs - communication, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking - through engaging in music-making, movement, mindfulness and improvisational games. The session blends hands-on activities with reflection on educational and professional applications.

Investment

The all-inclusive retreat tuition includes the course, 4 nights accommodation (Monday to Friday), all meals, materials and snacks.

Pick Your Price Point:

✨ Very Early Bird – € 2.475,-.
Deadline: 20 June 2025
→ For the planners, the preppers, and the early "heck yes!" folks

🐦 Early Bird – € 2.675,-.
Deadline: 15 August 2025
→ For the thoughtful yes-but-let-me-check-my-calendar crowd

👀 Regular – € 2.875,-
→ For those who move at their own pace and make great decisions anyway

Please note: excluding 21% VAT for EU residents and the price excludes the extra drinks in the evening.

Location

We’ll be at the beautiful 4-star hotel Barcarola, in the Catalonian village Sant Feliu de Guixols at the Mediterrean Sea. After registration, we will help you with travel options from Girona (GRO) or Barcelona (BCN) airport and possible ride shares.

accommodation

Guests will stay in single private bedrooms.

Dates 30 september - 3 October 2025

Arrival: Monday 29th check-in from 4pm, dinner at 7:00pm
Course: Tuesday to Friday

ready?

Join us for a 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.

Registration

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questions?