Respecting Limits, Igniting Creativity: Safety in Improv

Content Warning: mentions of CSA (childhood sexual abuse)

Today, I want to delve into a topic that lies at the core of our improv philosophy: safety. Improv is about embracing the unknown, pushing boundaries, and committing to the scene, but it should never come at the expense of our well-being. At The Playful Stage, we believe in establishing a culture where every improviser feels safe, respected, and empowered.

One of the most important rules in improv is our commitment to the scene, but let's remember that this commitment should never compromise our personal safety. That's why I have made boundary setting an essential part of every improv class I teach. We prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of our students above all else, ensuring a space where they can explore and create without fear.

To illustrate the significance of this approach, let me share a personal experience from my own improv journey. I was once in an improv class where the topic of childhood sexual abuse emerged within a scene, being played for laughs and receiving a mostly positive response from the audience and the instructor. However, as an improviser, I felt an immense discomfort. The comedic treatment of a subject that had deeply affected me in a negative way left me feeling trapped and obligated to commit to a scene that compromised my emotional safety. What made this experience even more challenging was the lack of acknowledgment from the instructor that this was a sensitive topic and shouldn’t be played for laughs, which made me question whether I was overreacting or if nothing should be off-limits in improv, leading me to remain silent.

At The Playful Stage, I am committed to empowering my students to prioritize their well-being above all else. I understand the importance of creating a safe space where concerns are heard and addressed, where personal experiences matter, and where everyone's boundaries are respected. We actively encourage open dialogue, fostering an environment where no topic is taboo and where the emotional safety of our improvisers takes precedence.

We understand that improv is an evolving art form in an evolving world, and at The Playful Stage, rather than holding onto an outdated culture of comedy, we believe in adapting and creating a safer environment for all

Resources

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) - https://www.rainn.org/

The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) - https://www.nami.org/