On Tuesday, October 14th, two Ohio State theatre alumni led a hands-on workshop showcasing the power of improv for strengthening soft skills in partnership with ASC Career Success and the Wexner Center for the Arts. Alex Lefeld and Katie Drown, both previously students in Ohio State’s College of Arts and Sciences, created the “Improv at Work” training, called WitWorks, to help people learn and grow through the same practices that have guided their own journeys. 

Both were involved in Fishbowl Improv during their time on campus, and attribute it to their joint success. Lefeld shared that the most valuable thing improv has given him is confidence, saying he now has the “confidence to listen deeply, explore other people’s ideas, share my own, and handle the unexpected” while Drown highlighted how “improv sharpens skills like active listening, support, and embracing failure,” which are all essential in the workplace. Both Lefeld and Drown mentioned how play is one of the most valuable yet underutilized ways for adult learning and creating trust on a team.

 At the recent WitWorks event, students and faculty had the opportunity to participate in various exercises, discussions, and games that used improv techniques to enhance career-oriented skills. All found the content very relevant despite the wide range of academic and career goals. Participants shared that they strengthened their communication, collaboration, adaptability, and trust through this workshop, and all attendees said they are interested in attending similar workshops and events in the future. 

We share our gratitude to alumni Alex Lefeld and Katie Drown for providing students and faculty with this powerful opportunity for career development.