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BUS 158 — Improv to Improve: Artful Skills to Build or Lead Your Business

Quarter: Spring
Instructor(s): Katie Rubin
Duration: 8 weeks
Format/Location: On-campus
Date(s): Apr 1—May 20
Class Recording Available: No
Class Meeting Day: Mondays
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Tuition: $655
   
Refund Deadline: Apr 3
 
Unit(s): 1
   
Enrollment Limit: 25
  
Status: Closed
 
Quarter: Spring
Day: Mondays
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:50 pm (PT)
Date(s): Apr 1—May 20
Unit(s): 1
Format/Location: On-campus
 
Tuition: $655
 
Refund Deadline: Apr 3
 
Instructor(s): Katie Rubin
 
Grade Restriction: No letter grade
 
Enrollment Limit: 25
 
Recording Available: No
 
Status: Closed
 
The tools of improvisational comedy, when applied to our work lives, can significantly increase productivity, improve communication both within and between companies, and dramatically increase workplace innovation and satisfaction. The process of improv draws on certain time-honored principles—“yes, and” being the first among them. Simply put, “yes, and” means that performers accept what their scene partners do or say as part of the reality of the scene. They then build on that reality with their own contributions. To effectively employ “yes, and,” performers must be present in the moment, listening carefully and contributing positively. In the work world, “yes, and” improves communication by reducing barriers and increasing acceptance between co-workers and across company lines. This is only one of the precepts of improv that we will cover in this course. Beyond “yes, and,” we will also explore many embodiment, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence-related techniques and practices for deepening and strengthening your connection to the present moment, your openness, and your receptivity. Each week, we will explore new and different improv-based, mindful tools and techniques you can use to see your life and business challenges in an entirely new way.

Due to the cumulative nature of the concepts in this course, students should not miss more than two class sessions. Students should also try to arrive on time each week.

KATIE RUBIN
Writer; Actor; Instructor

Kate Rubin has been a professional stage and commercial actress and touring improviser since 2005. She also tours nationally as a solo performer and comic. She acts and directs for professional theater companies, including the San Francisco Playhouse, Capital Stage, Sacramento Theatre Company, Playground, Elephant Stages, and the B Street Theatre. She teaches for A.C.T. in San Francisco and various other theaters nationally. Rubin also facilitates an online writing class for comics, solo artists, and writers of all kinds. She received an MFA in acting from UC Davis.

Textbooks for this course:

(Required) Patricia Ryan Madson, Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up (ISBN 978-1400081882)