About this class

You are warmly welcomed to an exploration of Contemplative Improv, led virtually over Zoom. All are welcome regardless of experience with improv and/or meditation.

This class will meet once weekly for four weeks and will invite practitioners to extend their mindfulness practice to exercises focused on play, creativity, and deep listening. Lead by our resident improv/meditation teacher, Kate Symes, who guarantees you'll uncover insights about yourself and laugh at the same time.

What is "contemplative improv"?

You may be familiar with contemplative practices like meditation, yoga, or Qigong. You may have experience with improvisational theater, dance, or music. Contemplative improv blends the two practices by using traditional improv games and exercises to facilitate contemplation. We'll practice staying present in the moment using skills and principles learned from meditation, while exploring the curiosity and openness of improv's "yes, and" ethos.

Who should come to a contemplative improv class?

This class is designed for those with absolutely no experience in improvisation, comedy, or theater performance, as well as those with lots of experience in any of those disciplines. It has been adapted for maximum enjoyment over Zoom, so you can join from the comfort of your own home in your own chair and your own pajamas if you so desire.

Warning: This class may contain elements of make-believe, gibberish, and childlike wonder.

Meet the teacher

Kate is a 2021 graduate of the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training Program, where she studied with Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Sean Feit Oakes, and La Sarmiento.

Kate is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and has taught since 2013. She believes in sharing the powerful lineage of yoga and meditation with all beings, and has taught in gyms, yoga studios, offices, and prisons. 

She also teaches and performs improv comedy and sees a deep connection between the two practices, which have taught her how to meet each moment with curiosity, kindness, and humor. Kate explores the mindfulness-improv connection in her Contemplative Improv workshops and in everyday life.

Learn more about Kate at www.katesymes.com.