Improvisation versus scripted theater
Why don't you just work with scripted theater in companies? Why is it still so open what exactly you are going to play?
We get these kinds of questions on a regular basis. Or rather got, because the added value and popularity of improvisation in bringing themes through theater is already well established in organizations. This is bobbing along on the waves of participation, participation, personal leadership and the process-oriented. Improvisational theater fits nicely into society's evolution from top-down handover to working with collective wisdom.
So the answer to those questions is, "Because scripted theater is not our business, but also because we are just singling out the added value of improvisation in corporate theater in our approach."
We increase involvement, learning and engagement, by getting to work on what really matters to that audience, in that moment.
On the one hand, we play illustrative pieces, where we bring information to life through theater.
On the other hand, there are exploratory pieces, where our play is a mirror of questions and viewpoints from the audience. This is never an ordinary mirror. Like in a hall of mirrors, we are going to stretch and invert the input. After all, we also listen for the undertones, and for what is just not being said. That is then fodder for further reflection.
In the latter case, improvisation is obvious. In the former case, it also adds value because information "lands" differently with each audience. Speakers and teachers know this all too well. And we just work on how something lands so that there is enough recognition and meaning to let it resonate. Not only through the head, but also through the emotions, the laughter, and the connection created between players and audience, and among spectators.
The beginning of TIM XL
In 2017, Leen De Koker and I were hiking and talking about something that often concerned us. About how by working with so much input from the audience, you actually uncover what really resonates with people. And so that's not always the theme the client chose. So it could be that we played a show about gender inequality in the workplace, but then it turned out that what was really needed was general transparency and appreciation from management. In some cases, we even felt that we were sometimes unintentionally collaborating in running away from what really mattered.
We decided that we actually wanted to play Thematic Improvisational Theater without a predetermined theme. By the end of the walk, we had a rough draft for a new concept. TIM XL was born! XL was the Extra Large open space in which a group could let what occupied them come to life. We would still play ourselves but give the scene much more to the audience.
At the time, I was in the middle of a training I was taking with Fanny Mattheusen in Belgium and with Human Dimensions in the Netherlands: Deep Democracy. That methodology for multi-voiced and inclusive decision-making in groups offered the perfect structure and a lot of inspiration. In addition, we explored even more than we already did elements of playback theater and forum theater - where the "deeper" stories from the audience are essential. Sarah Avci gave us fascinating workshops on this.
After a few pilot projects, TIM XL was on track in 2018. It is the crème de la crème in our offerings. Booking TIM XL for a client is very exciting and also courageous. As a group of executives, it requires a lot of openness to look in the mirror together with a large group while letting go of all control. However, this happens within a firm framework of agreements with clear "rules of the game" for the audience.
"It was really great! We were all impressed with the acting and improvisations, which were really relevant and reflected what is happening with us. We will remember it fondly for a long time! Up to us now to continue the exercise..."
Nelly Hassan, Comeos
What always warms my heart is how onlookers report that this activity is very unifying. Viewpoints and topics that, in the busy daily workplace, very quickly create an us-versus-them atmosphere, suddenly turn out to have considerable common ground in just a few hours. Differences are suddenly less a source of annoyance and arouse curiosity and mildness. And there is also laughter at the many things that should not be such an issue, but which we with our small-mindedness get caught up in. The really important things then float to the surface and lead to new wishes and ideas. Sometimes big actions and campaigns, but especially personal resolutions. Things you can start doing differently from the next day because you have started to see things differently.
The bottom line of corporate theater
Elements from TIM XL are also in certain other Thematic Performances. These are performances that leave a lot of room for different content. Such a TIM consists of an alternation of play and facilitated conversations and reflections with and between spectators. This happens both in plenary and in small groups.
Always with the intention of sharpening and broadening perspectives, and beginning to embrace and see differences in viewpoints as sources of solutions or direction for new paths.
With TIM Theater, we want to have the conversations that really matter. Even in large groups. And with the light and depth that the magic of theater can offer at the same time.
"I found TIM theater extremely engaging, educational and entertaining. The morning flew by and I almost felt something of disappointment when it was done."
One of the performances in which we take a solid dive below the waterline is Together Together (but different). In it we explore the meaning of inclusion and dealing with difference.
Would you like to experience this performance yourself? You can do so on Thursday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in Leuven. Tickets available from September 22, more info here.