Looking for new ways to connect with your employees and go with the flow in the workplace? The Academy of Children’s Theatre’s upcoming improv workshops might be able to help sharpen your communication skills, embrace spontaneity and build stronger team connections – all while having fun. 

The Richland performing arts nonprofit will host two improv shows July 10-11 with accomplished writers, performers, directors and comedians from the area as well as New York City and Los Angeles. It’s also a fundraiser for its youth-centered programs. 

But there will also be several workshops with those same visiting professionals and slots are still available for two classes organizers say are well suited to managers and team leaders wanting to strengthen their leadership skills. 

“Improv helps people listen more closely, respond in the moment, build trust and get more comfortable thinking on their feet,” said Zackery Stephens, ACT’s executive director, in an email to the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business. “Those are skills that matter in meetings, management, customer service, public speaking and creative work.” 

Improv for Leadership 

Stephens will lead an Improv for Leadership workshop. He previously wrote for HBO’s “Our Flag Means Death” and has trained and performed with Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles and The Second City in Chicago. 

To register for that workshop, go to: app.arts-people.com/index.php?class_id=aoct~157770 

Monique Moses, a writer, director and actor with writing and producing credits with HBO’s “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” also will lead an improv workshop for business professionals. To register for that workshop, go to: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?class_id=aoct~157769

Both workshops will be on July 11 and cost $40. 

Improv shows 

Chris Renfro and Patrick McDonald will join Stephens and Moses for the improv shows.  

Renfro is current artistic director of Upright Citizens Brigade with recent roles including the Broadway hit “Oh Mary!”  

McDonald has worked with CollegeHumor, Funny  Or Die as well as Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” 

For tickets, go to: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=336861