The Brilliant Genius: Using Improv Comedy in Social Work Groups

Abstract

This article explores the historical and theoretical connections between group social work and improvisation (improv) comedy. Improv comedy can trace its American roots back to Hull House in Chicago and places a strong emphasis on active listening, risk taking, individual growth, and group mind. This article looks at the potential benefits that improv can provide to groups and individual group members. It provides practical suggestions for workers interested in incorporating performance-based activity in their practice. Ultimately, this article shows how an improv comedy performance troupe can function as a mutual aid social work group.

Keywords:

• activity
• mutual aid
• group work
• improv comedy
• performance
• social work history