Rev. Dr. Jade C. Angelica, UU Community Minister and author of Where Two Worlds Touch: The Spirit and Science of Alzheimer’s Caregiving (published by Skinner House Books), offers In Good Faith a reflection on how taking an improvisation class has informed her spiritually and helped her and her mother to experience joy and healing while she lived with Alzheimer’s Disease. Skinner House Books published the 10th anniversary of her book in November 2024, and it is available for purchase at the inSpirit bookstore or wherever books are sold. We thank Rev. Dr. Angelica for her thoughtful reflection on the relationship between the practices of improvisation and spiritual growth.
Coming face to face with the unknown can instill fear in the best of us. Because of this fear, we often try to deny unwanted realities or control what happens next in an attempt to know the future. Improvisation “Guru” and author of Impro: Improvisation and The Theatre, Keith Johnstone, calls us “no-sayers.” Through our efforts, he says, we experience more safety. Alternatively, “yes-sayers” – those who accept what is and are comfortable not knowing what will be – experience more adventure.
In the arena of improvisational theatre, Johnstone’s assessment reflects a primary truth. In the arena of real life, though, another, deeper truth about no-sayers and yes-sayers emerges. By saying “yes” to what is – accepting reality – and wondering about, rather than fearing the future, we can experience healing, even transformation.Johnstone proposes that we no-sayers can learn to say “yes,” and, thankfully, my own life is a hopeful testament to this possibility.
I discovered improvisation during a painful time. A committed relationship had abruptly ended and my suffering was evident to everyone. A wise friend suggested that, in addition to my therapy and support group, I might benefit from having some fun. She encouraged me to attend an improvisation class. Whatever motivated this no-sayer to say “yes” to improv remains a mystery – and a blessing.
At first, I was terrified. The other students were much younger extroverts with a knack for comedy. Many were actors interested in improving their performance skills. I, the only sad, frightened introvert seeking healing, cowered in the corner hoping the teacher wouldn’t call on me. He didn’t. After the third class, I heard a sarcastic voice inside declaring, “Well, you’re certainly getting your money’s worth out of this, aren’t you!?” That awareness propelled me into participating fully in the class; and as my friend predicted, it was FUN!
The camaraderie among classmates, the hilarity and cheek-aching laughter facilitated my first level of healing by raising my energy and resurrecting my joy. Soon, though, I noticed that the principles of improvisation embodied spiritual qualities I aspired to integrate into my life, such as:
- Expanding awareness and observation
- Attentive listening
- Being present in the moment
- Letting go of the need to control – or even know – what happens next
- Being open to noticing and receiving what the situation is offering
- Responding in a way that is supportive and promotes self-esteem (Making your scene partner look good!)
The reason improvisation surprises us with its healing potential is because we think this creative drama craft is about comedy and performance, and being outrageously clever or quick-witted. But it’s not. At its core, improvisation is about being obvious, saying or doing the next logical thing, and being authentic. My first teacher, David LaGraffe in Portland, Maine, moved away from improv comedy over his 20+ years of teaching to focus on “pure improv,” which he described as “an unconditional welcoming of the present moment.” From this perspective, improvisation is not so much inventive as it is revelatory.
Improvisation revealed to me my life-long patterns of resistance and control. In my no-saying life, I used will, skill, and power, trying to make situations fit my preferences. When resistance is implemented in an improv scene, it’s called “blocking the offer.” This is the realm of no-saying, where scared improvisers seek safety, and it inevitably leads to a very bad scene – on stage, and in real life.
Jade leads improv exercises for professional Alzheimer’s caregivers in Madison, WI
After coming face to face with my pattern of no-saying during a class exercise, I woke up, and my life changed. My mother’s life changed, too. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I discovered that being present with her and saying “yes” to her reality brought deep connection and joy to both of us.Following this discovery, I collaborated with Will Luera, my most inspiring teacher from ImprovBoston, to create Healing Moments for Alzheimer’s. Will knew, instinctively, that improv was about more than comedic entertainment, and thanks to his guidance, I’ve had the honor of sharing the improv way of communicating and connecting with thousands of Alzheimer’s caregivers over the past 18 years.
Over the past decade, improv for growth has gone mainstream. Members of the Applied Improv Network, offer global programming for businesses, schools, prisons, 12-Step groups, kids with Autism and their parents, neuro-divergent teens, people experiencing mental health challenges, and religious leaders.
Craig Price, co-leader for Healing Moments and Director of Community Enrichment at The Naples Players in Naples, FL, leads an Inclusive Improv Class.
In addition to my improv programming for Alzheimer’s, I’ve developed “Spirited Improv,” a class offering an opportunity to explore spiritual development in a joyous environment. Because the spiritual journey can feel hard, improv provides a unique path. It has the capacity to lead us into deep and transformative places while experiencing high-energy fun and laughter. I think of it as “travelling in the light.” I’ve also been known to slip improv exercises into spiritual direction sessions!
As for me, and my spiritual progress through improv: although I’m not yet “perfectly OK not knowing what in the @#$%! is going on” – as my diploma from ImprovBoston proclaims – this recovering no-sayer is now more curious than afraid about what is yet to be revealed in life.
Rev. Dr. Jade Angelica is a UU Community Minister, spiritual director, dementia educator, improvisation practitioner, author, and recovering “no-sayer.” Her newest book, Where Two World Touch: The Spirit and Science of Alzheimer’s Caregiving, includes guidance for implementing improv techniques with people living with Dementia.