Improvisation Techniques for Tutor Training

Viola Spolin Meets Augusto Boal

Create self awareness about physicality Open discussion about the power

dynamic in the tutor/tutee relationship Reinforce concept that the tutoring

utilizes a similar skill set as improvisationListeningSelf awarenessAbility to respond truthfully in the moment Ability to react to new information in a flash

Divide into two groups: Red and Blue. Pretend your at a dinner party. Red group members: Avoid eye contact

with anyone you talk to.

Red Group: You can now make eye contact

Blue Group: Make big, exaggerated gestures as you speak.

Red Group: You can only speak very softly.

Blue Group: You are normal.

Get into pairs Scenario: One of you is a parent. The

other is a principal at a school. Your having a conference about the parent’s child. Agree on the roles you will play.

One of you should be from an upper middle class background while the other should be from a lower class background.

Role play

Now switch class roles. Keep in mind that you will retain your role as parent or principal. Your socioeconomic class is just changing.

What did you learn about the relationship between physicality and authority?

What strategies can you use to create a more neutral or balanced relationship?

Do you see the relationship between tutoring and improvisation? How? How not?