Zip! Zap! Zoom! And away we go!
This zipping and zooming is the first exercise Galen Emanuele introduces improv newbies to when they venture into one of his BizProv classes at Bellingham’s Upfront Theatre.
“BizProv” is an eight-week class designed to give businesspeople new techniques for communicating and thinking on their feet.
Each hour-long session includes games and exercises to get participants thinking about their interactions with others and what effective communication looks like – all while getting to act a little, well, goofy.
Emanuele is an improv instructor, performer at the UpFront and the theater’s sales and marketing director, a position he started last year.
The sales and marketing position didn’t exist at the theater, so he made a pitch to create one. The job combines his sales and marketing acumen from working at a local business publication and his passion for improv. “This is what I’m good at and what I love,” he said.
The focus on marketing the theater has worked. Bookings for private parties are at an all-time high, and new programs such as BizProv have proven successful. A focus on giving back to the community is another priority. Most recently the Upfront players put on a show to raise funds for Whatcom Middle School after it was gutted by a fire. The effort raised $7,500.
I had the chance to experience BizProv for myself in November when Emanuele hosted a free workshop for folks to check it out. Most of us there weren’t quite sure what we were getting ourselves into, but the embarrassment level was close to nil.
Emanuele says that he seen greater confidence develop within the participants of BizProv’s inaugural class as they learn that in supporting the other guy, “ultimately it makes you look good.”
It’s also about trusting one’s spontaneous side, and learning not to censor our ideas, he notes. “We still have access to the creativity we had as kids.”
Want to check out BizProv for yourself? A free workshop is schedule for Tuesday, Feb. 23, from 10-11 a.m. at the Upfront. Spaces are limited so call to reserve a spot, 360.733.8855.
The new session of BizProv classes start March 2. Classes are an hour every Tuesday for eight weeks from 7:30-8:30 a.m. The cost is $100.