Never Stop Growing! An Interview with Improvisational Artist, Teacher and Performer Shawn Kinley

Abstract

Abstract An interview with Shawn Kinley, teacher and performer of improvisational theatre, whose work has taken him to 52 countries across five continents over a 30-year career. His diverse teaching experience includes working with scientists, opera companies, the military, family therapists, and more. Shawn shares his thoughts about the need for the teacher to also be a student in the training experience. Examples of how to engage with improvisational teaching are described. As a performer and teacher of improvisational theatre for 30 years, Shawn Kinley has taught in 52 countries across five continents. He has worked with theatre groups, schools, opera companies, the military, and therapists. In the last few years, the teaching has expanded even further to include a United Nations project on equality for women in Dubai and working with scientists at the Weissman Institute in Israel on experiments ranging from pills for creativity to the science of human connection. He is based at the Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, Canada—established by improvisation pioneer Keith Johnstone—where he both performs and teaches. He is one of the main trainers in the International Improvisation School, which has run since 1989 teaching students from around world who come for 2 weeks of intensive training.