1. What is improv?
  2. What's the history of improv?
  3. What are the benefits of improv?
  4. Do you perform improv yourself?
  5. What martial art do you study?
  6. Do you really get up at 4am? And why?
  7. Why do you call your work experiential and self-directed learning?
  8. What books do you recommend?
  9. Do you travel?

1. What is improv?

Improv is a term for Improvisation, an art form that brings people closer to themselves through eliciting freedom of creative expression. Improvisation frees one's imagination from conditioned responses that block self-awareness. This freedom results in personal insight of one's true self. Improvisation develops essential life skills at the individuals' own pace through fun creative activities and storytelling exercises in a safe learning environment.

2 What's the history of improvisation?

Improvisation is a centuries old art form that has been used mainly in the performing arts, the acting and music traditions. It has been developed through the ages and the three main pioneers of modern improvisation for the theatre in the 20th century are Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone and Del Close. From their work, improvisation has developed into a professional performed art form in its own right. Spolin and Johnstone are largely responsible for the modern short-form improvised performances, which has influenced television shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway and Close is recognised as the creator of the Harold, a style of long-form improvisation.

3 What are the benefits of improv?

There are many benefits. Improvisation that focuses on narrative is an art form that provides the opportunity for a person to develop themselves on many different levels. It's far more than just having the ability to jump up on stage with friends and make some entertaining stuff up. Read this for a more in-depth look at the benefits of improv.

4 Do you perform improv yourself?

Indeed I do. I perform with The Improv Bandits in the NZ International Comedy Festival every year in May plus other international festivals and local appearances. I also do corporate performances regularly.

5 What martial art do you study?

I study Koryu Uchinadi and have done since 1996. I gained my first two black belts in Shotokan Karate in Japan and have also crossed trained in Ryukyu Kempo, Jujutsu and Wing Chun Kung Fu.

6 Do you really get up at 4am? And why?

Yes, most mornings. I do it so I can fit more into my day. I like to read and it's a way I can do so. My time commitments make it hard to do it any other time. Understanding my circadian rhythm (body clock) allows me to get the most out of my sleep.

7 Why do you call your work experiential and self-directed learning?

The work is experiential as it's interactive. People are up and doing things as it's the best way human beings learn. I don't like just to give loads of information. I want people to walk away with tools and strategies they can use immediately. Self-directed simply means I don't tell people what to do but create experiences for them to discover the answers for themselves. There's no one right answer - people need to know what is best for them.

8 What books do you recommend?

I do have two books that I think everyone should read and that is Dr Suess' Oh the Place You'll Go and Helen Keller: A Life by Dorothy Hermann.

9 Do you travel?

Yes. I love travelling to new places and sharing my passion for this work.