“Are you creative?”
It’s a tricky question. For many, it feels like a yes-or-no judgment. A better question might be: “When and where are you most creative?” Or “What was the last creative thing you did?”
Creativity isn’t an all-or-nothing trait; it’s a skill we can develop and apply in various contexts – usually by appreciating and applying our improvisational instincts.
We all improvise every day, often without thinking about it. Most of the time, it’s so ordinary that it goes unnoticed. We navigate around a puddle, choose a different route home, adjust our tone to fit the flow of the conversation.
Improvisation becomes noteworthy only when it helps us solve problems, adapt to surprises or create something new. In these contexts it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. When the unexpected happens, it turns obstacles into opportunities. If a road is suddenly flooded and you use a suitcase as a canoe, that’s the improvisation that we mention.
Many professions rely on unacknowledged improvisation: surgeons, firefighters and military teams often work with incomplete information, adapting as they go. In everyday life too, approaching situations with a flexible mindset can make us more effective and resilient.
An improv stance encourages to draw on our strengths and resources to navigate challenges. We come up in the moment with small, meaningful steps – trying something, seeing what works and adjusting as needed.
If you’re ready to explore your creative side and unlock your improvisational skills, join us for an Improvisation for Life workshop at the Oxford Improv Fest. Together, we’ll practice turning uncertainty into possibility and discover new ways to thrive in an ever-changing world.
https://oldfirestation.org.uk/whats-on/improvisation-for-life-workshop/