Connection & Confidence Through Improv, presented by Richard Gottesman

This workshop is designed to help you feel more comfortable, present, and connected, both with others and with yourself.

No prior experience with improv is needed. Whether you’re new or have some experience, you’ll find the workshop both accessible and engaging. Many students come in feeling a little nervous or unsure, and quickly find themselves relaxing, laughing, and surprising themselves with what they’re able to do. As one participant shared, “I was nervous going in… and in no time, I learned to go with the flow… I left feeling lighter.”

We use simple, engaging improv exercises to practice core skills like listening, responding in the moment, and building off of what your partner offers. You’ll work on being present rather than overthinking, committing to your ideas, and staying flexible and open as things evolve.

The focus is not on being “funny” or performing perfectly, although there is a lot of laughing and getting laughs along the way. It’s about showing up, being yourself, and discovering that you can trust your instincts more than you might think.

The workshop is led by Dr. Richard Gottesman, a Ph.D. mathematician, comedian, educator, and tutor who brings both structure and playfulness to the learning process. Students often describe his classes as welcoming and engaging, “a space where I can be myself… every minute is fun and engaging.” Others highlight the experience itself, “We went for a date night to do something different… and still laugh to this day about how much fun we had.”

Registration is required but open to all. Please note each workshop has its own registration form.