Melissa Livingston – Visiting Prof. Improv for Entrepreneurs: Think Fast, Pitch Boldly
The Dyer Center recently buzzed with laughter and creative energy as Lafayette students dove into “Intro to Improv for Entrepreneurs,” a dynamic workshop led by Visiting Professor Melissa Livingston. Beyond the immediate fun, participants discovered a powerful toolkit for entrepreneurial success.
Livingston began by guiding students through the history of improv, then launched into interactive games like “One-Word Story,” “Freeze Tag,” and “Emotion Party.” Central to the entire experience was the “Yes, and…” principle. This philosophy of affirming and building upon others’ ideas is not just a comedy rule; it’s a foundation for strong collaboration and spontaneity. This core tenet directly translates to the entrepreneurial mindset, where adaptability and open-mindedness are crucial for navigating unpredictability and pivoting strategies.
While the games sparked plenty of laughter, Livingston emphasized the deep underlying skill development. Participants actively honed several essential traits for successful entrepreneurs: they strengthened their ability to actively listen to teammates and customers, learned to collaborate effectively to build a collective idea, practiced taking calculated risks by stepping outside their comfort zone quickly, and embraced resilience by adapting to unexpected turns without losing momentum. Improv demands quick thinking and the ability to adapt to unexpected scenarios, perfectly mirroring the real-world challenges faced by those launching and running businesses.
“I really enjoyed working with the students at The Dyer Center,” Livingston shared. “They were attentive, enthusiastic, and creative. I was excited to work with them because theater and improv help increase vital skills for young entrepreneurs.”
By embracing the “Yes, and…” mindset, students learned to cultivate a flexible, innovative approach, essential for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Improv, it turns out, is more than just fun and games; it’s a powerful tool for building the entrepreneurial spirit.