Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Want to Know About Improv-Based Team Building
Choosing the right corporate training or team building experience is an important decision, and it is natural to have questions.
Below, Improv Asylum Co-Founder and CEO Norm Laviolette answers the questions we hear most often. Each question includes a short video and a written summary, so you can watch, read, or jump directly to the topics that matter most to your team.
What Is Improv?
When people hear the word improv, they usually picture comedians making up scenes on stage. That is certainly part of what we do at Improv Asylum, but it is only one application of a much larger skill set.
At its core, improvisation is about communication.
For more than 25 years, we have studied how professional improvisers listen, collaborate, solve problems, adapt to change, and build ideas together in real time. Those same skills happen to be some of the most valuable skills in today’s workplace.
That is why our corporate training and team building programs are not about teaching people to perform comedy. They are about helping teams become stronger communicators, more creative thinkers, better collaborators, and healthier workplace cultures.
Today, I describe myself less as a performer and more as a communicator, an ideator, and a culture builder. Improvisation is simply the framework that connects those three things.
Whether you are leading a team, presenting to clients, navigating change, or working across departments, the ability to listen, respond, adapt, and build on other people’s ideas is essential.
That is exactly what improvisation teaches.
Yes, our sessions are fun. Yes, there is plenty of laughter. But the humor is simply the vehicle. The real goal is helping people develop practical communication skills they can immediately apply back at work.
That is why organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies have trusted us to help their teams communicate better, think more creatively, and work together more effectively.
Do I Have to Be Funny?
This is probably the biggest concern people have before they attend one of our workshops.
“Am I going to have to be funny?”
The answer is simple: absolutely not.
There is no expectation that anyone in the room will be funny, tell jokes, perform comedy, or entertain their coworkers. In fact, we encourage participants not to try to be funny. That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself, and it’s completely unnecessary.
Our goal isn’t to teach comedy. Our goal is to teach communication.
The techniques professional improvisers use to create comedy are the same techniques that help people listen more effectively, collaborate more openly, think creatively, make decisions under pressure, and adapt when circumstances change. Those are the skills we’re developing throughout the session.
Will people laugh? Absolutely.
Humor naturally emerges anytime people are fully present, trying something new, and building ideas together. The laughter isn’t scripted, and nobody is responsible for creating it. It simply happens because people are interacting authentically in the moment.
That’s an important distinction. We’re not asking anyone to perform. We’re creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to experiment, communicate, and support one another. The fun is a byproduct of that experience, not the objective.
By the end of the workshop, most participants are surprised by how much they laughed. More importantly, they’re surprised by how much they learned about themselves, their teammates, and the way they communicate. They leave with practical skills they can immediately apply back at work, and they often forget they were ever worried about “having to be funny” in the first place.
Do I Have to Do Skits?
Not at all.
When most people hear the word improv, they picture actors creating scenes on stage or performing comedy in front of an audience. That’s a completely different type of improvisation than what we teach in our corporate workshops.
Our focus isn’t on performance. It’s on communication.
During our team building and corporate training programs, nobody is expected to perform a comedy sketch, play a character, or entertain the group. In fact, most of our exercises don’t resemble traditional improv scenes at all.
Instead, participants take part in a series of carefully designed activities that strengthen skills like active listening, collaboration, adaptability, creative thinking, and confident communication. The exercises are approachable, interactive, and designed so everyone can participate, regardless of experience or personality.
As the session progresses, there may be moments where participants work in pairs or small groups, build on one another’s ideas, or have short conversations in front of the room. Those activities can look a little like improvisation from the outside, but they’re never about putting on a performance. They’re simply opportunities to practice communicating in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
If you’re interested in learning theatrical improvisation, we absolutely teach that through the Improv Asylum Training Center. That’s where you’ll learn scene work, storytelling, character development, and performance techniques.
Our corporate workshops have a different goal. We’re helping people become more effective communicators, stronger collaborators, and more confident professionals. The skills come from improvisation, but the focus is on helping your team succeed at work, not on turning anyone into a performer.
How Do You Handle Introverts?
This is one of the most common questions we receive, and the short answer is: very intentionally.
Every organization has introverts and extroverts. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in healthcare, finance, technology, manufacturing, education, or marketing. Every team is made up of people with different personalities, communication styles, and comfort levels. That’s completely normal, and it’s something we design our programs around.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that introverts aren’t creative or aren’t comfortable communicating. That’s simply not true. Being an introvert doesn’t mean you have less to contribute. It usually means you prefer to process information differently and need an environment where you feel comfortable sharing your ideas.
That’s why our workshops are carefully structured to create psychological safety from the very beginning. We don’t ask participants to stand up and give speeches or perform comedy routines. In fact, during much of our core program, participants may only be asked to contribute a single word at a time. That isn’t because we’re lowering expectations. It’s because we’re building confidence one step at a time.
As participants become more comfortable, they naturally become more willing to engage, collaborate, and contribute. Nobody is forced into the spotlight before they’re ready.
Interestingly, this approach doesn’t just benefit introverts. It also helps create balance for the more outspoken personalities in the room. Everyone has likely been in a meeting where one or two people dominate the conversation. Our exercises are designed so every participant has an equal opportunity to contribute, ensuring every voice is heard and every idea has room to develop.
By creating an environment where everyone can participate comfortably, we unlock the collective creativity of the entire team. That’s when the best conversations happen, the strongest ideas emerge, and people begin communicating with one another in ways they often don’t during a typical workday.
What Are We Actually Doing During a Session?
One of the questions we hear most often is, “What are we actually going to be doing?”
It’s a fair question, and it’s surprisingly difficult to answer by simply listing the exercises. Unless you’ve studied improvisation, the names of the activities won’t mean much. More importantly, the individual exercises aren’t really the point.
Every session is intentionally designed as a progression. Each exercise builds on the one before it, gradually introducing new concepts and giving participants the opportunity to experience them firsthand. There’s a method behind every activity, and together they create a learning journey that feels natural, engaging, and fun.
We typically begin by creating energy while helping everyone become comfortable. Let’s face it: for many people, stepping into an improv-based workshop sounds intimidating. Rather than throwing participants into the deep end, we ease everyone into the experience with accessible activities that build confidence from the very beginning.
After each exercise, we pause to discuss what just happened and, more importantly, why it happened. For example, we might explore how your energy affects the way people receive your ideas, or how active listening changes the quality of collaboration. Every activity is connected to a practical workplace skill that participants can immediately recognize and apply.
As the session progresses, the concepts become deeper. We begin exploring communication, adaptability, collaboration, creativity, innovation, and how teams build stronger ideas together. Because participants have already experienced the earlier exercises, these more advanced conversations feel earned rather than theoretical.
Most importantly, our workshops are hands-on. We believe people learn far more by doing than by listening to a lecture. Instead of simply telling participants how to become better communicators, we create experiences that allow them to discover those lessons themselves.
By the end of the session, people often leave saying, “I thought I was a pretty good listener,” or, “I didn’t realize how much better our team could communicate.” Those moments of discovery are what make the experience so memorable and so valuable long after the workshop is over.
What Do You Focus On?
Every organization is different, so every workshop is tailored to the goals of the group we’re working with. That said, there are four core areas that form the foundation of nearly everything we do: communication, creativity, innovation, and culture.
Of those four, communication is the thread that ties everything together.
If a team communicates more effectively, it becomes easier to collaborate, solve problems, generate ideas, build trust, and navigate change. Strong communication isn’t just another workplace skill. It’s the foundation that everything else is built upon.
Sometimes we’re helping teams improve internal communication. Maybe departments aren’t collaborating as effectively as they could, or managers are looking for better ways to engage their teams. Other times, the focus is external. Sales teams, customer service professionals, executives, and client-facing employees all benefit from becoming more confident, adaptable communicators.
From there, we naturally expand into creativity and innovation.
As professional improvisers, creativity is what we do every single day. On stage, we create scenes, solve problems, and make decisions in real time without a script. To an audience, it looks effortless. Behind the scenes, however, there’s a sophisticated process taking place.
We’re listening carefully, accepting and building on one another’s ideas, making decisions together, adapting to unexpected changes, and moving forward without getting stuck. Those same skills are just as valuable in the workplace as they are on stage.
That’s why our workshops aren’t about teaching people to think like comedians. They’re about teaching people to think like great collaborators. Whether your team is brainstorming new ideas, leading meetings, navigating change, or working across departments, the ability to communicate clearly and build ideas together is what drives stronger performance.
Ultimately, that’s what we help organizations develop: teams that communicate more openly, collaborate more effectively, innovate more confidently, and build healthier workplace cultures.
What Are the Benefits?
Every organization wants stronger communication, better collaboration, and more engaged employees. The challenge is that those things are difficult to improve by simply talking about them. They improve when people experience them together.
That’s exactly what our workshops are designed to do.
Participants leave with practical communication tools they can begin using immediately. Through a series of carefully designed exercises, teams learn how to listen more actively, build on one another’s ideas, adapt to changing situations, and communicate with greater confidence and clarity.
One of the biggest takeaways is often a renewed appreciation for listening. Many people discover that effective communication isn’t simply about speaking clearly. It’s about understanding others, staying present in the moment, and responding thoughtfully rather than simply waiting for their turn to talk.
Teams also develop stronger collaboration skills. Instead of shutting down ideas or jumping to solutions too quickly, participants learn techniques that encourage curiosity, trust, and shared problem-solving. Simple concepts like “Yes, And…” become practical tools for moving conversations forward and creating an environment where innovation can thrive.
Perhaps the most noticeable benefit is the stronger connection participants build with one another. Stepping outside of everyday work routines and tackling new challenges together creates shared experiences that strengthen trust, break down barriers, and foster healthier team dynamics. Those relationships often continue to improve long after the workshop ends.
Many organizations also notice something less tangible but equally valuable: people become more willing to contribute ideas, take creative risks, and support one another. When individuals feel heard and respected, collaboration becomes easier, meetings become more productive, and communication becomes more authentic.
Yes, our workshops are fun, and yes, there’s plenty of laughter. But the real value isn’t simply that people enjoyed themselves. It’s that they leave with stronger communication habits, deeper connections with their colleagues, and practical skills they can apply in every meeting, presentation, brainstorming session, and workplace conversation that follows.
Is It Funny?
Absolutely. Humor is part of every workshop we facilitate, but not because we’re trying to put on a comedy show.
Laughter has a purpose.
When people laugh together, they relax. When they relax, they’re more open to new ideas, more willing to take creative risks, and more comfortable participating in conversations they might otherwise avoid. That creates the kind of environment where meaningful learning can happen.
The humor in our sessions isn’t scripted, and nobody is expected to be funny. Instead, it grows naturally from the interactions between participants. People surprise themselves, build on one another’s ideas, and experience moments they never expected. Those authentic moments are what create the laughter.
As professional improvisers, we know how to use humor to engage a room without making anyone the butt of the joke. Our facilitators create an atmosphere that is welcoming, supportive, and psychologically safe, allowing everyone to participate comfortably, regardless of their personality or experience.
For many teams, the laughter becomes one of the most memorable parts of the experience. It’s not unusual for participants to say they haven’t laughed that much with their coworkers in years. Those shared moments help break down barriers, strengthen relationships, and create a sense of connection that carries back into the workplace.
So yes, our workshops are fun. They’re energetic, engaging, and filled with laughter. But the humor is never the goal. It’s the catalyst that helps people communicate more openly, collaborate more effectively, and build stronger teams.
How Long Are Your Sessions?
Our signature workshop is typically two and a half hours, and we’ve found that’s the ideal length for most teams.
It gives participants enough time to become comfortable, fully engage in the experience, and walk away with meaningful insights and practical communication tools they can immediately apply back at work. It also fits easily into a morning or afternoon agenda without taking over the entire day.
Our sessions are intentionally designed as a progression. We begin with simple, low-pressure activities that help participants build confidence and get comfortable working together. From there, each exercise introduces new concepts and builds upon the previous one, allowing teams to naturally explore communication, collaboration, creativity, adaptability, and innovation.
By the end of the workshop, participants haven’t just talked about these skills—they’ve experienced them firsthand.
That said, every organization is different, which is why every program we deliver is customized. While our two-and-a-half-hour workshop is our most popular format, it’s far from the only option.
We regularly facilitate 60- and 90-minute conference sessions, half-day leadership workshops, full-day retreats, multi-day leadership programs, and keynote presentations for audiences ranging from small executive teams to thousands of attendees.
Rather than asking you to fit into a standard program, we design the experience around your goals, your schedule, and your audience. Whether you have an hour between meetings or an entire day dedicated to professional development, we’ll create a program that keeps participants engaged while delivering meaningful, lasting results.
Where Do You Hold Your Sessions?
The short answer is: wherever works best for your team.
We regularly facilitate workshops at our own venues, at our clients’ offices, in hotel conference centers, at retreat locations, and at meeting spaces across the country. Whether you’re planning a leadership retreat, an annual meeting, a conference, or an afternoon of team building, we’ll bring the experience to the location that best supports your goals.
If you’re visiting Boston or New York, many organizations choose to host their workshop at one of our theaters or training spaces. Getting your team out of the office and into a creative environment naturally encourages people to think differently, engage more openly, and step away from the distractions of their everyday routine.
At the same time, we understand that convenience is important. Many of our clients prefer to hold their workshop at their own office, conference venue, or off-site meeting location. Our facilitators regularly travel with everything needed to create a seamless experience, allowing your team to focus on learning while we handle the logistics.
Our work has taken us far beyond Boston and New York. We’ve facilitated programs throughout the United States and internationally, partnering with organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. No matter where your team is located, we’re happy to discuss the best way to bring the experience to you.
Ultimately, the location matters far less than creating the right environment. Whether we’re in one of our theaters, a corporate boardroom, a hotel ballroom, or a conference center, our goal is always the same: to create an engaging, interactive experience that helps your team communicate better, collaborate more effectively, and leave with practical skills they can use immediately.
Do You Offer Virtual or Hybrid Workshops?
Absolutely. While many teams enjoy the energy of an in-person workshop, we’ve also developed engaging virtual and hybrid programs that deliver the same core principles of communication, collaboration, creativity, and connection.
The reality is that today’s workplace isn’t confined to a single conference room. Teams collaborate across cities, countries, and time zones every day. Learning how to communicate effectively through a screen has become just as important as communicating in person.
That requires a different set of skills.
Virtual communication isn’t simply about turning on your camera and joining a meeting. It’s about knowing how to engage an audience, project confidence, listen actively, encourage participation, and build genuine connections when people aren’t sharing the same physical space.
Our virtual workshops are specifically designed for that environment. Rather than trying to recreate an in-person experience online, we use interactive exercises and facilitation techniques that take advantage of the virtual format, keeping participants engaged, involved, and connected throughout the session.
We also offer hybrid programs for organizations with employees participating both in person and remotely. These sessions are thoughtfully designed so everyone can contribute equally, regardless of where they’re joining from.
Whether your team is fully remote, fully in person, or somewhere in between, our goal remains the same: helping people communicate more effectively, collaborate with confidence, and build stronger relationships with their colleagues.
Wherever your team is working, we’ll design a program that meets them where they are and gives them practical skills they can use immediately.
How Can We Get the Most Out of Our Session?
One of the questions we often receive is how to make sure a workshop has the greatest possible impact. While every organization is different, we’ve found that a few simple things can make a tremendous difference.
First, encourage your team to come with an open mind. Many participants arrive wondering what “improv” is going to involve, and that’s completely normal. Once they realize the session is designed to be supportive, collaborative, and accessible, those initial nerves quickly disappear and people begin engaging more fully.
Second, whenever possible, hold the workshop somewhere other than your everyday workspace. A change of environment helps people shift their mindset and step away from the distractions of email, meetings, and their daily routines. Whether that’s one of our theaters, a conference venue, or an off-site retreat location, a fresh setting often leads to more creative thinking and stronger participation.
It’s also helpful to communicate the purpose of the workshop in advance. Let your team know this isn’t about performing comedy or putting anyone on the spot. It’s about developing practical communication, collaboration, and leadership skills in a fun and engaging environment. Setting those expectations helps participants arrive feeling more comfortable and ready to contribute.
Finally, give your team permission to fully participate. The more people are willing to listen, experiment, support one another, and embrace the experience, the more they’ll take away from it. Our facilitators create a safe environment where everyone can contribute at their own pace, so there is never pressure to perform or be someone you’re not.
When organizations approach the workshop with curiosity and a willingness to engage, the results can be remarkable. Teams leave with stronger communication, deeper connections, practical tools they can use immediately, and a shared experience they’ll continue talking about long after the session is over.
Still Unsure?
If you’ve made it this far, my guess is you’re intrigued. You’re probably thinking, “This sounds interesting, but I’m still not sure if it’s right for my team.”
That’s completely understandable.
For many people, the word improv comes with a lot of assumptions. Maybe you’re wondering whether your team will enjoy it, whether your quieter employees will participate, or whether this kind of experience will actually create meaningful results.
Those are exactly the kinds of conversations we have every day.
For more than 25 years, we’ve been studying, performing, and teaching improvisation. We’ve worked with organizations of every size, from small leadership teams to global companies, helping people communicate more effectively, collaborate more openly, and build stronger workplace cultures.
What you’ll quickly discover is that our workshops aren’t about putting people on the spot or making anyone feel uncomfortable. Quite the opposite. Our job is to create an environment where everyone feels supported, successful, and confident enough to participate at their own pace.
One of the guiding principles of improvisation is simple: make your partner look good. When everyone is focused on helping the people around them succeed, everyone succeeds. That philosophy is at the heart of every workshop we facilitate, and it’s one of the reasons organizations continue to invite us back year after year.
If you’re still wondering whether an improv-based workshop is the right fit, let’s have a conversation. We’d be happy to learn about your team, understand your goals, answer your questions, and recommend a program that’s right for your organization. Even if we determine we’re not the best fit, we’ll point you in the right direction.
We believe great communication starts with a conversation, and we’d love to have one with you.
Now, What Can We Do For Your Team?
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