Chicago Style Improv Jam for Educators, Founders, & Creative Humans
About the event
“There’s no such thing as a good decision. Just make a decision and make it good.” —Charna Halpern, co-creator of long-form improv (she literally said this to your host, Kelly)
What does improv have to do with education and technology? A lot, actually.
Improv helps us become better listeners, more confident communicators, more adaptable collaborators, and more creative problem-solvers. It teaches us to make decisions without having every answer, build on other people’s ideas, recover when something doesn’t go as planned, and create environments where people feel safe enough to participate.
Those skills matter in classrooms, startups, creative teams—and nearly everywhere else.
But this isn’t a lecture about improv. We’re going to do it!!! Jump in and try. Learn skills in communication, negotiation, confidence, and leadership.
No audience. No stage. Everybody plays—including you!
This is a real Chicago-style improv jam, inspired by the kinds of jams held at iO, the Annoyance, and Playground Theater. We’ll warm up together, break into groups, jump into scenes, and perform.
You’ll learn by doing.
Never done improv? Great.
Been performing for years? Even better.
Educators, founders, technologists, facilitators, performers, and curious humans are all welcome. The only requirement is showing up ready to jump in, support your scene partners, and play.
You’re welcome to arrive as early as 3:30 p.m. to cowork, use the free Wi-Fi, enjoy the amazing views, meet people, or settle in before we begin. Please arrive before 6:00 p.m., when the building doors close.
About your host: Kelly Kirk studied improv acting at iO, the Annoyance, and Playground Theater in Chicago, along with theaters around the world.
She has trained under Charna Halpern, Bill Arnett, Curt Mabry, and many others.
Kelly is an internationally touring improviser, professional stage, film, and voice actress, ensemble performer, jam host, and educator with more than 12 years of experience. She has taught over 10,000 students and holds a 4.9/5 teacher rating.
When: Mondays, 5:30–7:00 p.m. Where: SURF Incubator, 999 Third Avenue, Suite 700, Downtown Seattle Cost: Pick your price—$5 to $25 per week
Free for current SURF and SWELL members
No commitment. No prerequisites. Just show up and get ready to perform.
Come have fun, take a creative risk, and grow your confidence, communication skills, adaptability, and community—one scene at a time.
