The Improvaneer Method
A ground-breaking and game-changing program that improves skills in ways never thought possible before…oh, and did we mention it’s done through games and a lot of laughter!
“How amazing! How many of your sons and daughters with Down syndrome have tried improv? What a great way to exercise the brain! Bravo, The Improvaneer Method!”
— Dr. Brian Skotko – Renown Geneticist and Co-Director Mass General Down Syndrome Program.
The Improvaneer Method…
Is a program that uses improvisation to build and improve skills that will greatly increase social and workplace opportunities in those with developmental disabilities.
What skills you ask? Well, some pretty crucial ones that help us in life.
Eye Contact- Voice Projection- Problem Solving. Adaption to Change- Listening- Focus- Quick Thinking- Creative Thinking- Character Development
And let’s throw in a giant does of SELF CONFIDENCE while we’re at it. Sounds pretty incredible, hug? Well, clearly you don’t have to take our word for it, but we’d love for you to check out the amazing reviews from those who participate in the program.
How it works…
For over 2 years we studied and tested this program with countless games, seemingly unending research, and a lot of trial and error. In the end, we honed an approach which is common to teaching those with special needs. Often called a “scaffolding” approach, we focus on building one level before adding the next one. So we start with fundamental and specific games that each focus on certain skillsets. Once we feel the participants have the feel for those games, we build another layer by advancing the games gradually.
The entire program includes three advancing levels - Improviser, Improvaneer, and Performer. Each level is designed to last a full year. There are four sessions per level, and each session has 10 classes.
Again, each class, session, and level builds on the ones before it so the participants can retain knowledge and build to their fullest potential in a well-paced, non-competitive, inclusive, and fun environment. The mission of the program is apparent with every game, class, session and level - to use these skills to improve social, workplace, and lifetime opportunities.
Licensing…
So how can I take this class? Great question! Well, if you’re in Northeast Ohio where our headquarters is located, you can take one of our live classes. But for classes outside of our home locale, we offer a license to conduct our programs.
Any organization can purchase a license to conduct our full Improvaneer Method program. A license must be purchased for each level, and the licenses last for four years. An organization may not teach The Improvaneer Method program without a license. Once an organization has a license, they can run as many Improvaneer Method programs as they wish.
Licenses include:
2 IM Handbooks. Evaluation and Measurement Tools. All Templates/Fliers/Posters. Customer Only Online Access. 2 T-shirts. Continuous Review and Support.
Director Certification…
One of the most important aspects of the effectiveness and integrity of this program is to make sure our Location Directors are able to follow the program as closely as possible. We love the individual personalities and styles that our directors have, but they will all be trained and certified in teaching this program in its entirety. This certification allows our programs to maintain the excellence and consistency regardless of the location.
Once an organization has purchased a license, together we will work to identify potential Location Directors. We will be looking for directors with some or all of the following:
Theatre and/or Improvisation Directing. Theatre and/or Improvisation Training. Teaching/Coaching Experience. Passion. Patience. Outgoing, Fun, and Engaging Personality.
The certification process will involve in person and online training expected to last 2 weeks. Certification will be given with the successful completion of a written test and two conducted classes reviewed by our Lead Trainer. The certification will last 4 years. Certified Directors may only teach programs for an organization with a license or if they own a license to teach themselves. No programs can be taught without a license, even if the Director is certified. There is a separate certification needed for Level 1 and Level 2. Certified Location Directors will also have full access to our Lead Trainer and online resources for support at any time.