DSN 41 — The Improv Playbook: Tools for Unlocking Creativity
Quarter: Winter
Instructor(s): Jessia Hoffman
Date(s): Feb 3—Mar 10
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Wednesdays
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Class Meeting Time: 6:00—7:30 pm (PT)
Tuition: $405
Refund Deadline: Feb 5
Unit(s): 0
Enrollment Limit: 30
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Winter
Day: Wednesdays
Duration: 6 weeks
Time: 6:00—7:30 pm (PT)
Date(s): Feb 3—Mar 10
Unit(s): 0
Tuition: $405
Refund Deadline: Feb 5
Instructor(s): Jessia Hoffman
Grade Restriction: NGR only; no credit/letter grade
Enrollment Limit: 30
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Registration opens Nov 30, 8:30 am (PT)
The most innovative thinkers in business and life don’t wait for inspiration—they create the conditions for original ideas to thrive. This interactive, research-informed course introduces improvisation techniques used to fuel creativity at places like IDEO, Google, Pixar, and Saturday Night Live. From generating innovative approaches to guiding quick pivots, these techniques have proven powerful across many high-stakes environments. Drawing on the work of Viola Spolin, Keith Johnstone, Stanford's Patricia Ryan Madson, and more, the course introduces core improvisation principles designed to drive creative thinking. Structured for beginners, it starts with fundamentals like building on ideas, reframing failure, and prioritizing connection. From there, we’ll boost mental agility, unlock creative flow, and strengthen your ability to respond in the moment using foundational improv techniques like idea chaining and collaborative scene work. Through instructor demos and hands-on exercises—including games from design studios and writers’ rooms—you’ll learn to use spontaneity as a powerful tool to break analysis paralysis and generate fresh thinking.