A Pilot Study Exploring the Potential of Improv in Strengthening Youth—Adult Partnerships

Authors

  • Stephanie Begun University of Toronto http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3746-3127
  • Brigette Mayorga University of Toronto
  • Cam Bautista University of Toronto
  • Krysta Cooke University of Toronto
  • Travonne Edwards University of Toronto
  • Bryn King University of Toronto
  • Hamzat Olaosebikan University of Toronto
  • Rae-Ann Whyte University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2022.1268

Keywords:

youth-adult partnerships, youth voice, improv

Abstract

This study qualitatively explored the potential of improv for strengthening youth–adult partnerships. Seven members of a youth-adult research collaborative participated in a 2-hour professionally facilitated improv workshop. Participants provided insights about their experiences through a follow-up qualitative interview questionnaire. Participants indicated that improv assisted in dismantling power differentials that often exist in youth–adult partnership contexts, also noting that improv helped them to express their true selves more readily, along with helping them to see new and more “human” sides to their team members. Participants were enthusiastic about accessing further improv opportunities, noting that improv should be embedded into other youth–adult partnership efforts, as such approaches were deemed particularly helpful in building relationships and trust. The further inclusion of improv activities in youth-serving intervention and prevention efforts would benefit from additional exploration as ways by which youth–adult collaborations might be innovated and strengthened.

Author Biographies

Stephanie Begun, University of Toronto

Assistant Professor, Social Work, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 

Brigette Mayorga, University of Toronto

Youth Wellness Lab, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Cam Bautista, University of Toronto

Youth Outreach Coordinator, Youth Wellness Lab, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 

Krysta Cooke, University of Toronto

Project Coordinator, Youth Wellness Lab, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 

Travonne Edwards, University of Toronto

Research Coordinator, Youth Wellness Lab, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work

Bryn King, University of Toronto

Assistant Professor, Social Work, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 

Hamzat Olaosebikan, University of Toronto

Youth Advisory Committee Member, Youth Wellness Lab, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 

Rae-Ann Whyte, University of Toronto

Youth Advisory Committee Member, Youth Wellness Lab, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, 

References

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Published

2022-12-15

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 4 (2022)

Section

Program & Practice Articles

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