A Foo Walks Into a Bar: Programming Meets Improv by Dan Walmsley
Channel: Los Angeles Ruby
Date: 23/07/2013

As developers, we use practices like TDD, pairing, and agile methodologies to maintain focus and clarity while writing code. However, in some situations these practices are less effective; TDD-ing undefined solutions and pairing with other developers with different approaches and ways of thinking can be a major challenge.

The performance art known as Improvisational Theatre, or Improv, has a number of things to teach us about how to collaborate well and maintain momentum in the face of uncertainty and differences of approach or opinion. In this talk, Dan Walmsley draws on his 13 years' experience as an R&D developer and CTO as well as 17 years as a comedian and improvisor to show how we can have more fun and solve big challenges quickly by following just a few simple rules of engagement.

Dan Walmsley is VP of Engineering at NationBuilder, an online Community Organising System. Prior to working at NationBuilder he was CTO at Purpose, a consultancy that builds online social movements. He has also performed and directed improv, sketch and stand-up at festivals and comedy rooms in the US, UK and Australia since 1995.