IRL:
Improv for Real Life
Improv for Real Life is a joyful experience full of laughter, play, and genuine connection.
Rather than being an awkward happy hour or network event where you have the same surface-level conversations over and over, Improv for Real Life is a facilitated experience rooted in improv and personal storytelling, designed to help you turn neighbors into friends.
This workshop is for you if:
You want to build community with new people and go deeper than surface-level chats
You’re curious about improv but feel intimidated by the pressure to be funny or original (no such pressure exists here!)
You’re open to laughing, playing, and taking small risks with kind strangers
Upcoming events
We offer workshops focused on improv and true, personal storytelling.
In our improv workshops, you’ll build community by practicing the improv mindset, playing fun games with a community of other people who are willing to put themselves out there, and get in touch with your silly side.
In our storytelling workshops, you’ll go deeper and have meaningful conversations with others. You’ll build your confidence in speaking off-the-cuff and sharing what matters to you. If you’re a fan of programs like The Moth or Stories from the Stage and want to learn how to tell stories like those to connect more authentically with others, this workshop is for you.
Hi! I’m Saya.
I’m a theatre educator, team building facilitator, and a recent Seattle transplant.
Making friends as an adult can be hard. I know: as someone who’s moved to new cities several times, I’ve experienced how challenging it can be to build a community from scratch.
In my 10+ years as a theatre educator and team building facilitator, I’ve learned a lot about how to help folks cut through the small talk and develop friendships that will last. In this workshop, you’ll join other folks who want to make friends IRL with people in their local community. I’ll lead you through exercises rooted in improv and personal storytelling that will help you find your people.
Why should I try a workshop for building friendships?
A third of Americans report that they don’t know any of their neighbors (Pew Research Center). And a nearly 90-year longitudinal study conducted at Harvard found that the quality of a person’s relationships is the number one factor that predicts whether someone will have a happy and healthy life, more than exercise, income, or sleep.
We all know we need friends. We lived through a pandemic where we experienced the alienating jolt of being cut off from in-person interaction. But just because we value friendship doesn’t mean it’s easy to foster, especially in a new city.
In this workshop, we’ll cut through the awkward, repetitive small talk and get right to the fun.
Why improv?
There’s a lot of research out there that indicates that improv, and that playing in general, helps us cope with stress and lead happier lives. A 2020 study found that participating in improv improves well-being, creativity, and an ability to tolerate unpredictability. Similarly, a 2019 study found that participating in improv increased hope, creativity, and willingness to take risks, even among people with social phobias.
I’ve personally experienced all these positive effects of improv. I used to have bad social anxiety, and to be honest, sometimes it still rears its ugly head. But the habits of mind that improv has allowed me to practice has had a huge impact on my ability to enter social situations with curiosity and excitement rather than fear.
Beginners are enthusiastically encouraged to attend! Being “good at improv” is not the point -- think of improv as being a means to an end, where friendship is the end goal. While I firmly believe that everyone is inherently creative, you don’t need to identify as a “creative type” to get a lot out of this experience.
Zero experience necessary.
What folks are saying:
Testimonials from past participants
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“It was my first improv experience but the session was very inclusive and accessible to all, while at the same time full of fun and learning. Highly recommended not just for beginners but also for experienced people!
Biggest learning for me: I've read/heard about creating a safe culture and not being afraid of failure, but it was the first time that I actually realized in real-life how big of an impact that can mean to how I think and what I do.”
- Satoru A.
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“Improv can be a fun and creative environment which would draw a certain type of person. As a recluse, I was happy to get out of my apartment and make an effort to meet the world. The activities at the event made it easier to open up to people.
Saya is a good leader who was capable of creating a safe space and I was happy to push myself in an uncomfortable environment and challenge myself.”
- Anonymous Participant
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“The workshop at University Heights Center on July 17 was even better than what I expected. IRL Improv is wonderfully relaxed, open, and fun. And the best part is that the leaders, Saya and Abbie, structure the evening so that everybody can share about themselves and also feel safe.
The stakes are low and the opportunities to meet people and make friends are great. It’s a low-risk opportunity to be your real self. I recommend it highly. It was delightful.”
- Bob W.
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