In our second hour with Dr. Steph we explore her improv journey, starting as a musical director at Chicago theatre such as IO, Comedy Sports and Second City. We shared our Love of the “mother of improv” Viola Spolin and discussed the myriad improv schools and forms that we see today.
She studied musical improv with, Mike Descouteaux, legendary founder of the celebrated Music Program at The Second City Training Center in Chicago. That was where she really heightened her playing and working with improvisers.
Dr. Steph describes the art of improv and how much it is now a global phenomena.
And starting January 4 she is teaching an online class at And, Also Improv and there is still space available at https://andalsoimprov.culmas.io/class/2ynoy17uHUk2FLDfnuqZ?from=component-api
After working as a clinical social worker for over 30 years, I discovered the joy of Improvisational Theatre Games. Before that I presented classes and workshops on "The Healing Power of Laughter and Play" throughout the US and abroad. Since the 1970's I was trained as a New Games Referee from the New Games Foundation. But when I had my first class in improv I realized how therapeutic it is and began using improv in my clinical practice and special groups such as Improv for Anxiety and Improv for people with Parkinson's disease. In addition, I created class for several National Association for Social Workers (NASW) conference such as Fl. NASW, NJ NASW, OK NASW and corporations. There is viable research showing that improv helps with cognitive functioning, memory, decrease of anxiety and socialization. I'm delighted to teach folks of all ages this wonderful way to chase the blues away!
