Business - Whatcom Business Notebook

POSTED: Friday, Oct. 16, 2009

New business workshop uses improv to increase communication

The Upfront Theatre, a Bellingham based live improv comedy theatre, has teamed up with The Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce to provide BizProv, a free hour-long improv-based, business focused workshops on Tuesday, Oct. 20th.

The BizProv workshops will have focused, specific improv games and exercises directly related to increasing success in business, according to a company press release. The workshops will be centered around using the principles and practices of improv to increase communication skills, creativity, confidence, adaptability, spontaneity and the ability to "think on your feet."

The workshops will be taught by Galen Emanuele, an improv instructor who for the last four years has taught many workshops, school programs, and corporate business training seminars at The Upfront. Emanuele is also a regular performer as well as the theatre's marketing and sales director.

There will be four free BizProv workshops available on Tuesday, Oct. 20th. They will take place from 9-10 a.m., 10:30-11:30 a.m., 1:30-2:30 p.m. and from 3-4 p.m. Spaces are limited so it is necessary to RSVP to reserve a spot.

The Upfront Theatre is a 95-seat cabaret style venue that offers live improv comedy every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 and 10 p.m. Established by Ryan Stiles in 2004 at 1208 Bay St, the theatre is also available for hire, on or off-site, to entertain any size event and for private corporate training. For more information visit theupfront.com or call 733-8855.