Jan 24 2025 26 mins
🎭 Background of Will Dennis
12th-grade teacher at a private all-girls school.
Owner of an improv company, Unscripted Productions, focusing on applied improvisation.
🤔 Journey into Teaching and Improv
Initially uncertain about career path; influenced by strong educators and theater participation in high school.
Transitioned from professional acting to teaching after discovering love for teaching through improv classes.
🌱 Improv in Education
Improv creates a safe space for all students, promoting social-emotional learning and growth mindset.
Focuses on accepting mistakes as opportunities for growth, fostering a supportive classroom environment.
🔑 Key Philosophy: Yes, and...
The phrase "Yes, and..." emphasizes radical acceptance and contribution, vital for effective communication with teenagers.
Encourages parents to validate their child's feelings while contributing positively to discussions.
🎉 Classroom Activities
Start with trust-building exercises to ease students into improv.
Use games like Epic Rock, Paper, Scissors to foster teamwork and support.
Incorporate content review through fun improv activities that celebrate learning through mistakes.
💡 Advice for Parents
Engage teenagers using the Yes, and... mindset to enhance communication and understanding.
Explore creative thinking exercises together to validate their ideas and feelings.
🛠️ Improv's Impact on Students
Helps students manage pressure and anxiety by recognizing that imperfection is acceptable.
Allows students to take risks and build confidence in a supportive environment.
📬 Contact Information
Connect with Shellee Howard:
Email: [email protected]
Connect with Will Dennis:
Email: [email protected]