Dave Collins



Founder & CEO of Oak & Reeds

"Improv" is the practice of unplanned interaction with others. That means that improvisation is a skill practiced by everyone, every single day. As much as we would like to rehearse & practice our lines for critical moments, theres no script sitting on our desk each morning, outlining all the things well say & do throughout the day. Learning simple tools for improvising better is a highly effective way to improve individual & team outcomes in any industry.

In this class, students will learn basic improv techniques that can be applied to their everyday professional interactions. These techniques include communication skills for active listening, collaboration, co-creation, creativity & extemporaneous speaking. The workshop is primarily activity-based, so students will have the opportunity to practice these new skills in pairs & small groups in the safe environment of the classroom before applying them in their own jobs. Students will also have the opportunity (through facilitated discussions) to share with the class how & when they plan to apply the new skills in their professions.

• Yes, And - Learn techniques for listening to & building on a teammates ideas to move a conversation forward. Practice turning negative interactions into constructive opportunities.


• Working Through Uncertainty - Learn techniques to help you think on your feet when reacting to changing circumstances & unanticipated situations.


• Full Body Listening - Facial expression & body language listening practice. Practice using non-verbal communication methods.


• Embracing Failure - Learn how to use mistakes & failures as learning opportunities. Practice embracing failure as a unique kind of opportunity for personal growth.

Dave Collins

Founder & CEO of Oak & Reeds

Dave Collins is the Founder & CEO of Oak & Reeds, a corporate training firm dedicated to using the tools of improv comedy to train clients on everyday soft skills. Dave is an award-winning improvisor, coach, speaker & corporate strategist with over a decade of experience performing & coaching improv. Along with his teammates, Dave won the National Collegiate Improv Tournament, headlined shows across the country, & individually has coached hundreds of students & professionals in the art & practice of applied improvisation. Prior to founding Oak & Reeds, he worked as a change management expert at AECOM. As part of AECOMs workplace strategy team, Dave worked with clients to examine the relationship between workspace & productivity, enabling people to break old habits & embrace change. Dave has a B.A. in Communication & Economics from Northwestern University with a specialization in Team Leadership.