In the Classroom
Improvisation as an art form is not about showing what you can do, but rather, it's about revealing your truth in each unfolding moment. And it's a practice for life. The earth opens, financial systems collapse, rugs get pulled out from under our feet. Improvisation allows us to see that any moment can soften into a thousand-thousand ways to go.
We inspire students to use their imaginations to open new pathways in their thinking and behaving, and to leave with a renewed zest for "doing the impossible" in their lives and in the world. Also, the skills of improvisation—risk-taking, listening, presence, imagination, and intuition—can be applied in all walks of life to bring more creativity, better decision-making, and expanded awareness to any setting.
With an emphasis on saying yes, leaning into difficult situations, and being flexible, improvisation provides the foundation necessary for strong interpersonal skills and productive teamwork.
In addition, all AMI classroom activities address New York State English Language Arts Standards 2 and 4 and The Arts Standard 1 with age-appropriate adjustments to methodologies, goals and student assessments. Older children’s activities address Career Development and Occupational Studies Standard 3.
- English Language Arts Standard 2: Language for Literary Response and Expression (Students will read, write, listen and speak for literary response and expressions.)
- English Language Arts Standard 4: Language for Social Interaction (Students will read, write, listen and speak for social interaction.)
- The Arts Standard 1: Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Arts (Students will actively engage in the processes that constitute creation and performance in the arts (dance, music, theatre, and visual arts) and participate in various roles in the arts.)
- Career Development and Occupational Studies Standard 3: Universal Foundation Skills (Students will demonstrate mastery of the foundation skills and competencies essential for success in the workplace.)