Video by Jefferson L. Morriss

Earlier this year, Galen Emanuele, sales and marketing director at the Upfront Theatre, began to see a connection between the skills being taught in improv classes at the theater and skills for business success. So he started a workshop called BizProv.

Today, businesses all over northwest Washington know the name and are learning the skills that can help them to become better communicators, gain more confidence, and have the ability to leave their comfort zone.

Emanuele said the misconception about improv is that you will be put on the spot and made to perform, but that is not the case.

“It’s not about being interesting or funny or clever,” Emanuele said. “It’s about supporting the other person and saying ‘yes’ and accepting people’s offers and their ideas.”