Advanced Applied Improvisation Courses
“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. ”
Welcome
In our time connection is thinning: employee engagement is low, Artificial Intelligence is reshaping roles, and communication is increasingly screen-based.
In order to meet these challenges we need lived experiences: 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.
A few testimonials from previous trainings (and proud of them!)
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.”
“This Applied Improv courses with Ted and Raymond were one of the most immersive and inspiring programs I’ve ever attended - twice.”
“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.”
Join us on one of our programs around the world!
Click below to get more information.
Coming up
(Click on the photo)
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
LEAD facilitators
Raymond van Driel 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 and now 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. He has delivered the introductory programs at five conferences. (LinkedIn profile).
Ted DesMaisons is a trained mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) instructor and has studied, taught, and performed improvisation internationally for over 35 years. He has worked intensively with world-renowned voice and presence coach Patsy Rodenburg. He is also the author of Playful Mindfulness and co-host of the Monster Baby Podcast (“a curious romp through the worlds of mindfulness and improvisation”). 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. DesMaisons received an MBA from Stanford (Creativity and Leadership) and an MTh from Harvard (Ritual, Education and Spirituality). He lives in California and now teaches through Stanford University’s Continuing Studies program. (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)
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.
Paul Z Jackson has been/ will be co-hosting during our courses in Kent, UK and Spain. Paul is a pioneer in Applied Improvisation as well as Solutions Focus – an approach to change that’s quietly transforming coaching, consulting and leadership in organisations all over the world.
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)
EXAMPLE OF PREVIOUS guest facilitators
Traditionally, we have invited other outstanding guest facilitators to offer further perspective, insight, and experience. Previous guest facilitators have included Patricia Ryan Madson, Nancee Moes, Denise Jacobs and Joshua Raoul Brody.
Investment
The course tuition is very reasonably priced, since we’re on a mission to bring more improvisation in the world! See the course website (click on the photos) for more information per edition.
ready?
Be part of an international group of motivated, inspired, warm, fun-loving and professional colleagues who appreciate openness, spontaneity and connection.
Join us for a fun-filled, intense and impactful training! Choose one of the courses above to get more information or let us know if you’re interested and we’ll keep you up to date.
