Icebreakers. They're common in an improv class, at the top of a jam, or maybe when a team is just getting to know each other.
Some people love them.
Some people hate them.
Some of us have a love/hate relationship depending on the day or the icebreaker in question.
Many of the people who really dislike icebreakers are neurodivergent people, which is why such a seemingly simple thing is getting an episode.
But many students, neurodivergent or not, need icebreakers to feel comfortable in the scenes that are in their near future when they're in a room with strangers (or near-strangers). They might not know they kinda need them, either. Icebreakers might be needed to make a room feel a bit safer, a bit more beneficial, a bit more comfortable.
But some people, especially some of us neurodivergents with communication difficulties and differences and trauma history, feel uncomfortable doing them.
So what now?
Downloadable content
Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).
Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"
More resources
- Get articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!
- Get downloads about improv & comedy: Find them here.
- Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.
- Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.
Support
Like this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tip
We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact me anytime to ask me anything. You can support my shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
About
This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.
This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.
Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.
What does neuroinclusive mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is…...
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.