In the words of Martha Graham: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it… It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.” My primary interest is in helping people keep a healthy relationship with their mysterious, spontaneous, creative inspiration. Towards this end I use theatrical, improvisational, and storytelling game forms that are built to foster joy, liberation, laughter and discovery. Each game allows for an increase in self-trust, support, and creative freedom. There is no lecture. In the tradition of Spolin, we play and then post, meaning that we play a game or a series of games, and then rest, reflect & discuss. In this way we make discoveries and learn approaches that are broadly applicable. It’s all just a bunch of fun, and then the epiphanies sneak up on us.
Janna Sobel is a writer, performer, and long-time teacher of Storytelling, Acting, and Improvisation. In her private coaching practice, she uses storytelling and improvisation tools to help all kinds of groups create better together, and individuals to communicate better. Janna teaches Improv at The Second City Training Center, Live Storytelling at Chicago Dramatists, and Creative Leadership at The Innovation Academy at The University of Notre Dame, and for The Leadership Studio at The University of Chicago Booth School. She has taught for iO Chicago, Stage 773, Columbia College, The Young Non Profit Professionals Network, and for companies across the U.S.. Janna produces and hosts the creativity-inducing game Intuitive Treasure Hunter, and the community-building event Here, Chicago.