Advanced Applied Improvisation Training
Netherlands 🇳🇱 | 22-26 February 2027
““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 February in the Netherlands at the cosy Hotel De Hoeve van Nunspeet, in National Park De Veluwe.
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.”
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).
Ted DesMaisons teaches at Stanford University and is a trained mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) instructor. He 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 popular 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)
Investment
The all-inclusive seminar tuition is € 1715,- 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
Location
We’ll be at the cosy Hotel De Hoeve van Nunspeet, in National Park De Veluwe. After registration, we will help you with travel options from Amsterdam airport (AMS).
accommodation
Guests will stay in single private bedrooms.
Dates 22 - 26 february 2027
Arrival: Monday 22nd check-in from 4pm, welcome dinner at 7:00pm
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 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 preferably 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, the hotel is excellent at catering for a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other special diets.
I've been to this programme before. Is it still worth coming again?
We think so. Many people have joined us more than once, some even four times. They consistently tell us that each programme deepens their skills, broadens their perspective, and gives them new ideas they can immediately apply. And, no two editions are the same. Every group brings different backgrounds, experiences, and learning goals, which shapes the conversations, exercises, and insights in unique ways. So even if you've attended before, you'll have a different experience each time.
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 National Park de Veluwe!
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.
National Park de Veluwe
