2019 AINx Talks - Elena And Martin Lichtenthaler: Improv for Life-Building Community Behind Bars
Channel: Applied Improvisation Network
Date: 2019-12-20

2019 World Conference at Stony Brook 
Can Applied Improvisation transform America’s prison system just as much as today’s business world? Yes, and with prisons being high-risk environments, the impact of Applied Improvisation is even more significant. In 2019, Elena and Martin R. Lichtenthaler designed and taught the course “Improv for Life” at San Quentin State Prison as part of the Prison University Project. Over the course of three months, they successfully led seventeen incarcerated students to explore, practice, and perform the core concepts of improvisational theatre. Through supporting each other, practicing generosity, and celebrating risk, students succeeded in building a trusting and safe environment, where they could show vulnerability, fail good naturedly, and expand their range of emotions. All while breaking down racial boundaries. Beyond the classroom, students found themselves able to listen with increased compassion, have more meaningful conversations, and better (re)connect with their families outside prison, ultimately taking important steps towards their rehabilitation. Studies of related programs show that practicing improvisation inside prisons leads to a reduction of behavioral infractions, and a cut in recidivism rates. Come to this talk to hear Elena and Martin share their experiences of teaching improvisation at San Quentin State Prison, and leave inspired to build community behind bars.