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MPR News with Angela Davis
Angela Davis and Cari Dwyer

Using improv to improve communication

Coming up at 9 a.m. on Thursday

people participating together
Aysia Dukes (left) and Maria Ledesma (right) participate in an improv exercise that was part of the Constructive Dialogue Initiative at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Courtesy Humphrey School of Public Affairs, Bruce Silcox

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Improvisation — or improv — is a type of live theater where the characters, dialogue and plot are made up on the spot. It’s how a lot of comedians get their start. 

But improv is more than entertainment.

Coming up at 9 a.m. Thursday, MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three improv actors who say the skills they use — such as listening, teamwork and flexibility — can help us all have better conversations about divisive topics. 

And we want to hear from you, too.

Are you having a hard time talking to people you strongly disagree with? Could you use some advice? What has worked for you? What questions do you have for our guests about using improv skills? 

Call us during the 9 a.m. hour at 651-227-6000 or 800-242-2828.  

  • Tane Danger is a Minneapolis-based speaker, interviewer and educator who uses improv to engage people in conversations about big ideas. As co-founder of Danger Boat Productions and host of The Theater of Public Policy, he interviews newsmakers and policy experts, transforming complex topics into engaging, unscripted performances. 

  • Duck Washington is a member of Danger Boat Productions. He is an actor, director, playwright, improviser, audio designer, arts administrator and educator based in the Twin Cities. 

  • Heather Meyer is a playwright, humor writer and performer. She has been a professional actor and improviser for more than 20 years and is a member of Danger Boat Productions.

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