Improv projects reach beyond the stage. They bring improvisation into schools, hospitals, workplaces, community centres and public spaces, and they measure what changes as a result. This article explains what an improv project is, the main types, how to plan and run one and how to think about its impact. It is written as a practical guide for people who want to start a project of their own.
What Are Improv Projects?
An improv project is a planned activity that uses improvisation to achieve a goal. The goal might be to build communication skills, to bring people together, to explore a social question or to create a performance with a community. Projects have a defined start and end, a group of participants and a way of checking whether they worked. They differ from one-off shows because they are designed around the needs of the people taking part.
Types of Projects
Common types include workshop series for a particular group, such as young people or older adults; training programmes for professionals who want to practise listening and quick thinking; community performances that bring local residents on stage; and creative residencies in which a group works with an organisation over several months. Each type needs a different plan, budget and set of facilitators.
Planning and Execution
A good plan starts with the people the project serves. Ask what they need and what they already know about improv. Define a small number of goals, choose the activities that serve those goals and agree on the schedule and the roles of each facilitator. Build in time for feedback during the project, not only at the end, so that you can change course if an activity does not work.
Measuring Impact
Impact can be measured in many ways. Participant surveys, short interviews, attendance records and observations by facilitators can all show what changed. It is useful to decide on the measures before the project begins and to be realistic about what they can prove. Small projects often show their value through stories and feedback rather than through large numbers.
Case Studies
Case studies describe a project in detail: its goals, its methods, its results and what the organisers would change next time. This page does not present a case study with invented results. Anyone who wants to learn from real projects can look for published reports from arts organisations and community groups, and read them critically.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start an improv project?
Begin by identifying the group you want to serve and a problem or interest you want to address. Talk to potential participants and partners, plan a small pilot and review the results before scaling up.
What resources are needed?
Most projects need a suitable space, facilitators with teaching experience, time for planning and reflection, and a modest budget for materials and travel. Consider accessibility, insurance and safeguarding requirements, especially when working with children or vulnerable adults.
