WHAT
WE DO
PROGRAMS
We offer a variety of programs, custom tailored to meet your institution's needs, schedule, classroom availability, and yard-readiness.
10-week Improv Foundations
Our 10-week introduction to improv program transforms the individual from being closed-off, uncertain, and withdrawn to trusting, vulnerable, and able to reconnect with the human spirit.
We strengthen to build confidence, self-confidence, teamwork & collaboration, trust, and most importantly, reconnecting with themselves and their community.
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It's the magic of improv and the exploration and application of "yes, and."
5-day Intensive
Our 5-day intensive takes participants into the improv pool, starting from the shallow side to being comfortable diving into the deep end. Everything we do strives to give the skills to support the individual's rehabilitation.
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10-week Improv Advanced Topics
Our 10-week program continues with advanced topics. We rotate concentrations to ensure participants are constantly challenging themselves.
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Themes include: character development, raising stakes, story creation, commitment, long form, and narrative.
MISSION
We give incarcerated people the skills to aid them in their rehabilitation and their (re)turn to human connection.
Our curriculum combined with adult-learning theory allows our improvisation activities to build the skills required to communicate effectively, build confidence and self-esteem, collaborate as a team, foster trust, and most importantly, connect with themselves and others.
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We start by collectively creating a safety net of acceptance that is free of judgement. The beauty of improv is that there is no such thing as being wrong. There are no mistakes, only offers. We celebrate everyone with everything we do.
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It’s truly the magic of comedy improv: it has the power to transform the human spirit.
California Institute for Men
"I've seen more people let down their emotional defenses in this class than I've seen in any other class I've attended in prison."
California Institute for Men
“Since improv, I’ve learned to drop my guard and open up to be the best me. When I video chat with my loved ones, I make eye contact – something you taught me to do. I am able to express myself better. To not be scared of interactions. I used to be isolated and very much to myself. I am now able to smile again. I find myself laughing a lot. My friends and family say they see a change in me.”
California Institute for Men
""I feel more open. In prison you are expected to act a certain way by other inmates and staff. Being able to play again has opened me back up to all the other possibilities."
ANNUAL REPORTS
2024
TBD