How Improv Comedy Made Me a Better Educator

When I was in my 30s, I ventured into stand-up comedy. Yes, I can be funny. . . or so I think.

For a while, I enjoyed the thrill of writing and delivering my own material, but eventually, I became bored with my own routine. That’s when I discovered improv comedy—and I was hooked.

Unlike stand-up, where every word is planned (and hopefully memorized), improv thrives on spontaneity, collaboration, and creativity. I later went on to teach improv classes with my wife (she's a social worker) for struggling couples called "Issues without Tissues," where we used the principles of improv to help couples in crisis connect, communicate, and work through their challenges in real-time. No risk there, right?

It was during these years in improv that I learned some of the most important lessons that would transform my work as an educator. These principles have made me more present, adaptable, and attuned to the needs of my students. Here are a few of the key lessons I’ve taken from improv and how they’ve shaped my approach to teaching.

The Eleven Commandments of Improv

One of the most impactful frameworks that guided my understanding of improv was Del Close’s Eleven Commandments of Improv. These principles are not just great guidelines for performers; they’re also invaluable for educators. Here’s how they apply to teaching:

1. You Are All Supporting Actors
   In improv, every actor’s role is to support the scene and their fellow performers. As an educator, I’ve adopted the same mindset. My role isn’t to be the star of the classroom but to support my students in their learning journey. I’ve learned to focus on creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to shine and contribute.
2. Always Check Your Impulses
   Improv requires you to be in control of your reactions, making thoughtful choices in the moment. As a teacher, this principle has taught me to pause before responding to students, ensuring that my actions and words foster a productive learning environment.
3. Never Enter a Scene Unless You Are NEEDED
   In improv, you don’t jump into a scene unless you’re adding value. Similarly, in the classroom, I’ve learned that sometimes stepping back and allowing students to figure things out on their own is the best approach. I intervene only when it’s necessary to guide them rather than micromanage every interaction.
4. Save Your Fellow Actor, Don’t Worry About the Piece
   In improv, the scene’s success hinges on the actors supporting each other. This principle translates to teaching as prioritizing the well-being of my students over sticking rigidly to the lesson plan. If a student is struggling, the plan can wait; their needs come first.
5. Your Prime Responsibility is to Support
   Teaching, like improv, is about support. It’s about being there for your students, offering guidance when needed, and helping them find their way. Whether it’s through listening to their concerns or encouraging them to push their boundaries, my goal is always to be a source of support.
6. Work at the Top of Your Brain at All Times
   In improv, you’re encouraged to bring your best ideas forward, to be sharp and creative. As an educator, I strive to challenge myself and my students to think critically, pushing beyond the obvious answers and engaging in deeper exploration of the material.
7. Never Underestimate or Condescend to Your Audience
   Respecting the intelligence and potential of your audience is key in improv, and the same goes for students. I’ve learned never to underestimate what my students are capable of. When we set high expectations and show that we believe in them, they often exceed those expectations.
8. No Jokes (Unless it’s Tipped in Front that it’s a Joke)
   This commandment reminds us that humor should be used wisely and in context. In teaching, humor can be a powerful tool (opens in a new tab), but it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t undermine the lesson or the students. It’s about finding the right balance and knowing when humor serves a purpose in the learning environment.
9. Trust… Trust Your Fellow Actors to Support You
   Trust is the foundation of both improv and education. I’ve learned to trust my students, to believe in their ability to rise to challenges and support each other. In turn, they’ve learned to trust me as someone who’s there to guide them without taking over.
10. Avoid Judging What Is Going Down
    In improv, judgment disrupts the flow. In the classroom, I’ve found that suspending judgment—whether of students’ ideas or their performance—creates a more open and encouraging environment. Instead of focusing on mistakes, we focus on what’s working and how we can build on that.
11. Listen
    This is perhaps the most important commandment of all. In improv, listening is everything. You have to be completely present, tuned into your fellow actors. As an educator, listening to my students has made me a more effective teacher. It allows me to respond to their needs, adjust my approach, and create a more dynamic learning experience.

The Power of “Yes, and…”

One of the core principles of improv is the idea of “Yes, and…,” where you accept and build upon whatever your scene partner offers. This principle has had a profound impact on how I approach teaching. Instead of shutting down ideas that seem off-track or unconventional, I try to work with them, expanding on my students' contributions and encouraging them to explore different perspectives. This creates a more open and creative classroom environment where students feel valued and heard. Very often, what I think is a student's off-base idea is really me NOT listening.

Teaching Couples Improv: “Issues Without Tissues”

In my improv classes for struggling couples, “Issues Without Tissues,” I used these same principles to help couples communicate more effectively. The idea was to get them to listen to each other, support one another’s ideas, and stop judging the situation in terms of right and wrong. These skills—listening, trust, and non-judgment—are just as essential in education. They help foster a more collaborative and compassionate classroom environment, where students are encouraged to take risks and learn from their mistakes.

The Dos and Don’ts of Improv and Teaching

Drawing from another great resource on improv, The Dos and Don’ts of Improv (opens in a new tab), I’ve found that these same guidelines apply to teaching. For example, don’t overthink or over-prepare to the point where you become rigid and inflexible. Allow room for spontaneity and creativity. Don’t steal the spotlight—let your students take the lead. And always be willing to adjust based on the needs of the moment.

Conclusion: Why Improv Makes Me a Better Educator

Ultimately, improv has made me a more adaptable, present, and compassionate educator. It has taught me to trust my students, to listen deeply, and to create an environment where everyone is a supporting actor in the collective learning process. The principles of improv—collaboration, spontaneity, and trust—are not just for the stage; they are essential tools for the classroom as well.

If you’re an educator looking for ways to bring more creativity, engagement, and support into your teaching practice, I encourage you to explore the world of improv. You might just find that, like me, it makes you a better educator.