In July 2019 I catapulted myself out of my comfort zone.

That year was a scorching Dubai summer. Too hot for outdoor activities after work.  The couch and netflix beckoned.  Going to work was a resentful and joyless process.

I don't remember where I saw the ad for Improv Summer classes.

But I suddenly found myself on a stage in an empty theatre with eleven other newbies. Acting out a tug-of-war with my paired partner. At 48 years old.  I won't lie. It felt a bit odd at first. Like I was 'rusty' at having fun.

Then the trainer called a halt and asked us how many had 'won' their tug-of-war.  One hand proudly shot up.  He laughed and pointed out that there was clearly work to be done.  Because an audience wants to see Wins and Losses and Adventures and Laughter.

What an audience DON'T want to see are people spending 5 minutes to draw a game because their ego's won't let them lose.  Even when it’s an IMAGINARY rope!

 I was sold.  It was time to let go. Here are some of the lessons I learnt : 

5 Superb Lessons from Improv Comedy Classes

• Leave your EGO at the door  As above it's not about you, its about the audience, it's about the team.

• Embrace Failure   We were trained to cheer each other when we made mistakes because in improv 'mistakes' lead to all kinds of unexpected scenarios.

• Trust your Team - If I've decided I'm building a space rocket and an improv partner calls out that 'milking this cow is hard work'.. We are building a space rocket together.  Fact.  (see leaving ego at the door)

• No Saying No  Creativity abounds when ' yes and'  is the answer to everything. You would kill scenes by petulantly saying 'but I was building a space ship!' Go with it!

• Learning to laugh again  I laughed every session (it's inevitable - people are naturally hilarious), stopped taking myself so seriously and found my stress reduced.

That summer I made friends for life at all ages, completely switched off outside work and brought many of these lessons into the workplace with my team. Go for it.