Oxford and the wider field
We are based in Oxford and connected to the global field of Applied Improvisation.
Oxford gives our work a practical base, with local classes, shows, workshops and festivals, leading a growing community of improvisers. Through Awkward Actors, Improv in 6 Acts and the Oxford Improv Festival, we practise the same skills that support organisational work in public: attention, collaboration, timing, presence, confidence and response. The stage keeps the work immediate!
From performance to organisational life
Improvisation on stage is live and demanding: you have other people around you, limited information, changing offers and no script.
That is why it travels so well into leadership, facilitation, collaboration, communication and work under pressure.
In organisations, we use these skills practically:
Listening for what is emerging
Responding without over-controlling
Building from what is offered
Creating enough structure for action
Using uncertainty as working material
Taking the next useful step
The wider field of Applied Improvisation
It has developed across leadership, facilitation, education, coaching, healthcare, humanitarian work, innovation and organisational development.
Paul has been closely involved for many years, co-founding and leading the Applied Improvisation Network.
Related Links
Awkward Actors
An improv comedy group based in Oxford.
Improv in 6 Acts
Improv course run by Paul Z Jackson based in Oxford.
Oxford and the 3 Waves of Applied Improvisation
A short talk on three waves in the development of Applied Improvisation.
Applied Improvisation Network
The international network for people applying improvisation beyond performance.
Bring live practice into your organisation
Tell us what is happening in your team, event or leadership work, and what would count as useful progress.