Sure, it's fun. It can help you with communication skills, working together as part of a team, learning to be in the moment, taking risks and all those other things I've mentioned in my oh-so-subtle way.
And, it turns it, it can help people with Alzheimer's. This NPR article explains that, although improv probably will not stop or slow the progression of dementia, it may offer patients a sense of accomplishment. And, since the focus of improv is all about being in the moment, it may alleviate the anxiety Alzheimer's patients feel when they try to remember the past or look to the future. For them, the present is a safe place to be, and improv provides that.
Many other studies have shown that keeping the mind active can help keep you more alert and more youthful, whatever your age. What better way to keep your brain active than by creating on-the-spot scenarios based on random suggestions?
We've got a bunch of H2G improv classes starting next week. Check out the website for more details, then sign up for a class and get those synapses firing!
By Sonnjea Blackwell
