Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. David Givens

Second Advisor

Dr. John Caputo

Abstract

Improvisational games have grown outside the scope of performance to become tools to enhance, creativity, and communication. Recently, people have begun to use these games in a variety of fields including psychology, public speaking, corporate businesses, medicine, and education. Improvisational games help people learn through play. It shows that the use of these games can create an environment that opens communication to achieve learning and innovation. It is a positive tool in promoting confidence, empathy, listening skills, self-awareness, group awareness, quick thought and focus in the moment. While research on the benefit of improvisation does exist, few concentrate on the benefits improvisational training can bring to communication. Improvisation has been strictly viewed as a theatrical tool for years. As we continue to experiment and improvise, we find that improvisational training may benefit many additional fields outside of theatre, especially communication. Improvisation can be used as a communication tool alongside existing expertise in organizations. This thesis project will focus on how improvisational games, impacts interpersonal communication. What are the specific elements of improvisational games that positively affect interpersonal and small group communication? This thesis sets out to define the smoke and mirrors that make improvisation happen communicatively.

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