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Icebreaker science, and new online improv jams! - #53

Newsletter #53: A resource that will help you make your icebreakers more beneficial using science -- and Jam with Keri and Jenice!

November 21, 2024

Gradient text that reads hello improvisers!

Greetings improv friends! 

Can you believe we are 53 newsletters deep into this improv community project? It’s hard to believe. And here we are approaching the end of another year of comedy and online improv.

There are some brand new online improv jams for you to check out, new resources, and more. FUN!

If you’d like to connect on Bluesky, please click here to sync up. If you identify as a neurodivergent performer, get added to a starter pack by responding to this post! This will help you find, follow, and get followed by other improvisers and comedians in the space. Respond! Share! Haaaaalp! I need seven of us to make one, haha.

In this week's newsletter you will find:

  • Does science support icebreaker games?

  • Online Improv jams with Keri and Jenice on Dec 6th.

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Improv resources & shows

Resources, episodes, and shows: 

Does science support running icebreakers before your class, team rehearsal, or jam? Even in diverse groups with different personalities and neurotypes? Here is the science that supports using icebreakers to make spaces more comfortable, and some tips for developing effective ones. Article.

Neurodivergent Minds in Comedy logo above article title text Science of Warming up with Icebreakers on dark blue gradient background
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Improv Jams & Events

Improv Jams and Events: These are a fun way to get in reps, have fun, and meet new friends! They are online and free, so no matter where you are, you can attend.

Online Improv Jams

Check out these great online improv jams from the community! These jams are organized by their respective hosts, so please contact them with any questions. Click the links provided to find out more information about each jam and sign up!

  • December 6 11am PT - Improv Jam with Keri [Register with Keri on Eventbrite]

Ongoing Community Jams

  • Audio Online Improv Jams: Mondays 4-6pm PT and Saturdays 2pm-4pm PT on oozebear.com . Open to all!

Want to list your free online improv jam or workshop here? Just reply or comment with a link to the details and I'll add your jam here! Do it!

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Improv & Comedy Livestreams

Comedy Livestreams that I think look pretty cool that happen to be coming up soon or available right now (no affiliation):

  • Nov 16-23rd: Time to Kill: A Sketch Comedy Show [Livestream]

  • Nov 24th: Fuck This Month & Holy Shit Improv [Livestream]

  • Nov 26-Dec 3: Fiasco LIVE! [Livestream]

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Fact or Word of the Week

As per usual, here's yet another fact or word of the week…. this week we have a word.

WORD: Apricate. This word means “to bask in the sunshine.” Which is a word that seems apt in the wind and rain storm that is currently battering the area.

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Subscribe to the StereoForest newsletter for updates and links to improv and comedy podcasts and other creative shows, BONUS content, and opportunities to be a guest.

Subscribe to Neurodivergent Minds in Comedy podcast for episodes about being autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent and doing improv, performance, acting, and more. Or subscribe to the Neurodiversity in Improv newsletter HERE for writings in this space. The focus is on learning, diversity, and inclusion in the comedy community, so it is relevant to everyone in this space.

Thanks for reading Improv Update: A newsletter about improv comedy! This post is public so feel free to share it.

my warmest of regards and salutations,

Jen deHaan

BONUS SONG RECOMMENDATION:  - Oscar Winning Tears by RAYE

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