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Improv at Work
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Improv at Work

Remote-Friendly Improvisational Theatre Games for Teams in the Workplace
Elyssa Lakin

Benefits

Incorporating improv games at work can:
Enable trust and
psychological safety
⁠
🦺
Encourage a
“yes, and”
⁠
mentality ✅
Foster inclusivity and belonging 🤝
Serve as a status equalizer ☯️
Reinvigorate an overworked team 🍹
Promote teamwork and collaboration 🎉
Develop other desired competencies 💪
Practice
assumption of positive intent
⁠
👍
Reinforce the company’s core values 🧱️

Best Practices

To maximize the benefits above, strive to apply the following guidelines:
The moderator (or “emcee”) should not be a member of the team playing the game.
Ideally, the moderator should be from the People Team! Unless of course, the People Team is participating. In which case, a moderator from a different team is suggested if possible. 🎤
If the moderator will need to be from the team playing, aim to alternate moderators each session. ⏩
Create an equitable environment for play.
Ensure remote team members have working video and audio before starting. 🔊
Play the game at the start of a meeting, or at the return of a break.
Aim to keep game(s) about 5-7 minutes in length.
If a game runs short, feel free to play it again with a different input applied. 🔁
Do not allow observers.
When one or more person(s) are not participating, they may unintentionally counteract many of the
benefits
⁠
of the activity. 👎
Avoid categories and topics that invoke politics, religion, or other sensitive subjects.
The moderator has veto power! ❌

🏆 Pro tip: Meet with the manager of the team before the meeting to align on which exercise(s) will best serve their team that day.


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This doc is inspired by PIT comedian and writer Pete LePage & the Patient Advocacy team at Parachute Health.
Benefits
Best Practices
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