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Improvisation Games for Teens

Facilitating Music and Theatre Games at Onward Willow



Improvisation games from both music and theatre offer a fun, inclusive and dynamic way to foster creativity, self-expression and social skills among teens. At this page, you’ll find plenty of resources for designing your own workshop!

This page profiles a project by students and professors at the University of Guelph working in partnership with Onward Willow-Better Beginnings, Better Futures. We describe a university course in which we designed and led improvisation workshops during a teen drop-in night. In the video, Dr. Ellen Waterman and Dr. Rebecca Caines introduce you to the project and talk about its impact. You can read and download a Guide written by Waterman, Caines and the participating students that offers practical tips, many games, a workshop template, and 5 sample two-hour workshop plans. Dr. Caines has also written a short essay reflecting on her experience in this rewarding project.


Links:

A Guide to Leading Music and Theatre Improvisation Games for Teens

A Critical Reflection on Playing Across Disciplines

Onward Willow Better Beginnings Website

Musical improvisation is a crucial model for political, cultural, and ethical dialogue and action.

– Ajay Heble