The benefits of participating in improvisational comedy: a global confirmatory survey study

Abstract

Abstract Improv comedy is a small subset of improvisation, which has been under-researched. This study aims to investigate if the benefits agents experience match previous research. Literature discusses positivity, community, social and communication skills, and relaxation. The survey gained 128 global respondents answering a series of questions related to their improv experiences (as per stated literature topics), including in-depth demographic information. Improv has added value to most people’s lives, provided improvements to their socialization, and improved their communication. The respondents felt that they enjoyed the company of others, and they wanted the same. Most people trust their scene partner more often than not and felt that they were relaxed in their own group and as a guest. Variations within the global population are examined. The survey functions both reliably and validly, finding that past research fits the global population of those engaged in improv. Most respondents agree to the domains presented and trust their scene partner. Performing improv breeds trust and trust can lead to increased benefits in the domains. Nonetheless, there are no differences in represented groups of respondents on their experience of the benefits of improv.