Using Long-Form Improvisational Theatre Training and Techniques to Build Stronger Group Connection and Empower Egalitarian Leadership

Through my work in both ensemble theatre (play making and producing) and improvisation, I have experienced moments where the group syncs in such a way that each person seems to connect to a greater whole. In improvisation, the term Group Mind is used to describe this moment. In these moments, there is a strong communion between the players and leadership shifts between them in such a way that the group seems to become completely egalitarian: a leaderless ensemble. This research project observes and analyzes techniques of long-form improvisation to promote shared leadership so the group may work together faster, more efficiently, and lead to strong group creativity.

In long-form improvisation, leaderless groups are quite common. Decisions in the group about direction, rehearsal times, production dates and the like are decided by consensus, without a designated leader; however, the process of improvising provides a platform for which egalitarianism can flourish. In the creation of long-form improvisation scenes the group works to build scenes by shifting leadership between the players. There is no designated leader in the process of building a long-form improv scene.

This research project sets up a series of workshops in long-form improvisation with two separate working groups. Through the practice and experimentation of long-form improvisation techniques, this project shows that it is possible to create a platform with which ensembles may be able to build stronger group connections and form a leaderless ensemble. Through connections made in long-form improvisation, the group began to work as leaderless ensemble. Hopefully,Perhaps the findings of this project may be used by other groups to achieve strong group connection and create a shared leadership (egalitarian) ensemble.