Killing Waldorf & Statler: Silencing Your Inner Critic

Join BVU & the Baltimore Improv Group for a workshop for managers of volunteers who would like to improve their public speaking skills - so that they can more effectively recruit and inspire their volunteers!

Feeling uncertain about your public speaking skills can paralyze you during a presentation and nothing brings greater uncertainty than your own inner critic.

This fun workshop uses techniques from improvisational comedy to get your attention off of yourself, and back to communicating with your audience.  

During this workshop you'll learn how to:

 ·  Focus more on your presentation’s objective verses its delivery

 ·  Shift your presentation to respond to the audience and "mood"  in the room

 ·  Connect with your audience as partners, not as critics

 ·  Enjoy and give thoughtful attention to the "conversation" rather than the "presentation"

Your trainers:

This session will be presented by Michael Harris, Artistic/Executive Director of the Baltimore Improv Group, and Jon Ulrich, BIG Troupe Member and volunteer for BVU's GIVE Program Advisory Board. 

Michael (left) first joined BIG in 2004, then disappeared like a particularly fat ghost. He returned as a performer, director, and teacher in 2006. He currently performs with Evan The Loyal and Plan B. In the past has performed with Skinesthesia, the Movement, and Gus. Michael is married to Heidi. Four out of five dentists agree, she could have done better.

Jon has performed with the Baltimore Improv Group since April 2010.  His troupes include Plan B (Short form), Pteradon SarahJon (Duo), and Bully Union: The Local 128 (Harold team).  At 8 feet and 17 pounds, Jon falls hard and startles easily.

Groups to thank!:

This special opportunity is brought to you by the generosity of BVU's friends from the Baltimore Improv Group and the Maryland SPCA. The Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) is a 501(3) (c) non-profit group dedicated to advancing the art of improvisational theatre in the greater Baltimore area through an active program of performance, instruction, and outreach.  Many thanks are also due to our friends at the Maryland SPCA for being our generous hosts for this workshop! Consider visiting the SPCA's recently renovated Adoption Center after the workshop; you may very well meet your new best friend!

Please note: Participants should be prepared to be on their feet for a majority of this workshop.  This will be a high-energy session with many opportunities for participation. 

Cancellation Policy: No refunds will be given for registrations cancelled less than 2 business days before the scheduled event.