The Skills for Life Project

How did I celebrate Halloween? By conducting two more workshops for these great high school students in the Minnetonka High School VANTAGE program for professional development. These young adults learned to quickly pivot their thinking based on external input, e.g. when a client changes direction at the last minute. How did we do it? Improv that Works!

What could be better than a workshop for the Twin Cities Young Professionals Summit? Each year, the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce sponsors a full day of training for professionals in the early years of their careers. My session was to teach professional networking skills. How did we learn to make instant connections and create great impressions? Improv that Works!

Ever since Stevie Ray's Improv Company opened in 1989, we have wanted to make our training available to everyone, regardless of background, experience or reason for learning. This photo is from 1991, when our Nicollet Avenue theater was still under construction. We offered free improv classes to seniors from the Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly organization to help keep their aging brains sharp.
You can see the back half of Stevie Ray behind the post. The students ranged in age from 70-93. The oldest, Gladys, was funnier than any troupe member yet. The Nicollet Avenue theater didn't last long for us, but we hope the experience was a lasting memory for these older, wiser, and witty improvisors.

As much as I love working with seasoned professionals, there is nothing like teaching professional skills to those who are soon to enter the workforce. Minnetonka High School's VANTAGE program teaches vital skills to students in various professional tracks. This Design & Marketing Group learned networking and brainstorming skills. How did we do that? Improv that Works!

What could be better than another great workshop for Minnetonka High School's VANTAGE program? This program teaches skills to high school students in various professional tracks. This was the Global Business Group. We used improv skills to teach networking and presentation skills. Honestly, after working with some of these young adults, I would trust them in the business world already!

What could be better than a workshop with students at Minnetonka High School’s VANTAGE program? The program allows students to learn professional skills in one of thirteen tracks-medical, education, marketing, public service, and the like. This group of marketing students learned how improv skills can help with delivering professional presentations in the workplace. I wish they had this at my old high school!

What could be better than a workshop with students at Minnetonka High School’s VANTAGE program? The program allows students to learn professional skills in one of thirteen tracks-medical, education, marketing, public service, and the like. This group included students from the education track as well as the computer science track. What could these two diverse professions have in common? The need to present themselves professionally, work well with others, and deliver information in a compelling way. How did they learn it? Through improv skills!

Two great workshops for Eden Prairie High School's Capstone program, where students learn how to engage with business leaders and mentors to further their career goals. Some days you feel really old and newly young at the same time!