PLAY is more than just fun and games. It is vital to our well-being. In fact, it is critical to the healthy growth and development of kids. As children, playing and pretending improves cognitive development, strengthens problem solving skills, and helps us become better at thinking about various possibilities.* According to a clinical report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is essential to our development because it contributes to cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being.” Thru play we learn how to share, resolve conflicts, make decisions, be assertive, and work in groups. **
But as we grow into adults and become increasingly weighed down by life’s countless responsibilities, stresses, and societal pressures, many of us lose touch with play. We lose connection with the child within us. We forget about the magic, joy, & limitless creativity that was once second nature to us as younglings. As adults, it is essential that we reconnect with play. Improv Playground exists to help individuals reconnect with their inner child. We do so by utilizing the phenomenal and proven techniques of improvisation. Our mission is to foster play, teamwork, and personal growth thru improvisational practices. *(UC Davis Cancer Center 12/06 ) ** PsyCentral
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1934 out of 1976 Americans are scared to fail.
These numbers are made up and totally fictitious, but the point being that "when we fear making a mistake or looking foolish, we are reluctant to take risks or try new things." Fear of failure holds us back. Does this sound like something you experience in your life (be it professionally, socially or creatively)? If so, improvisational play is a therapeutic path to walking through this block! Improv teaches us how to take risks & to respond confidently in the moment to whatever happens. Failure is inevitable and part of the human process, so it's important to learn to face the fear of failure & transform it into success. Some folks hear the word “Improv” and get a little scared. They think “I’m not funny” or “I’m not a performer”.
If you notice these fears popping up within you, just know that these thoughts are totally normal and chances are, also a strong indication that these workshops are probably absolutely PERFECT for you. Although plenty of “funny” people and “performers” are a part of our community, Improv Playground is not a workshop or community geared towards entertainers per say. Or even, being funny. The Improv Playground community has a unique approach. We use games, fun exercises and improvisational techniques as personal growth tools… as a way to change the way you think and show up in the world. Think of it like game night. A chance for adults to play. A place to tap into your inner child and be goofy again… all while developing amazing skills sets. We play together as a group in a safe container that provides the tools and resources that help you think quicker on your feet, increase self confidence and overcome challenges. In fact, we encourage you to make mistakes and discover the joy in doing so. Improv Playground provides a delightful haven where we reconnect with our silliness and playfully push our limits in fun and humorous ways. We work together to strengthen our abilities to think outside the box, communicate, listen... and most of all, TRUST ourselves! Think of it like working out our well-being (to get in top notch playful shape) :) Welcome to our Improv Playground community!!! I get asked often why I take the time to teach improv.
Yes, it is fun. Yes, it allows me to play and be silly (something, we often forget is vital for our well being) Yes, it nurtures my creativity. But perhaps, more importantly, improv has been one of my life’s greatest teachers. I have learned and continue to learn so much about myself thru this practice. It is truly a reflection of life (in ways that only an improviser can truly understand). The more I learn about life, the more I learn about improvisation… and the more I learn about improvisation, the more I learn about life. I see my habits, my loves, my challenges, my innocence, my areas for growth, my friendships, my relationships, my strengths, my patterns, my comfort zones all reflected back at me… and it’s done in such a playful, addictively fun way. It allows me to be a child again. It allows me to be free to make mistakes and move beyond my perfectionism. It allows me safety to PLAY. And within it all, improvisation always eventually unlocks the door to my next growth step. For me, it is a spiritual practice. The art of living in the moment. The art of facing my fears. The art of trusting myself. Trusting life. Trusting that no matter what I do next, it will be the perfect thing. The art of laughter. And this is what I like to facilitate for others. This is what I feel called to help you tap into. |
AuthorAdam Rudder. Long time reader, first time caller. Archives
July 2020
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