We’re Just Getting Warmed Up with Jim Ansaldo, S01 Ep06Guest: Jim Ansaldo (educator, improviser, Camp Yes And) — “Playfulness, Permission, and Learning From Mistakes”Episode SummaryImproviser and educator Jim Ansaldo joins Drew to explore how improv tools create the conditions for real learning—on stage, in classrooms, and in everyday life. They unpack why playfulness is a signal of safety, how to “engineer” mistakes on purpose, and what it means for a group to dysregulate and then re-regulate together. Jim shares practical warm-ups (like Move/Stop) and the core improv habits—listening, accepting, supporting, taking risks, and letting go of mistakes—then connects them to team meetings, PD, and inclusive classrooms. Along the way: a quick history detour to Viola Spolin and Second City, sanctioned mischief at Camp Yes And, the power of contracting and consent, and why warming up yourself (arriving, scanning the room, getting grounded) changes how the whole group shows up. And these are only some of the great nuggets!About the GuestJim Ansaldo is the creator of Camp Yes And and a longtime educator who blends applied improvisation with teacher learning and inclusive practices for neurodivergent students. His work gives educators hands-on facilitation reps with students, closing the gap between PD theory and classroom reality. Find Jim via:Camp Yes And: yesand.indiana.eduLinkedIn: search “Jim Ansaldo” Google: search “Jim Improv Indiana”Some Episode HighlightsWarm-ups as Conditions, not ChoreographyMake Failure the Feature: Yes, And = Accept + SupportFrom Vibes to Numbers (and Back)Contracting & ConsentPlayfulness Signals SafetyInclusion Through DiscoveryLinks & ReferencesCamp Yes And: yesand.indiana.eduViola Spolin (improv’s roots in games for connection and co-creation) and Second City (improv → sketch pipeline) are discussed for context.Podcast mentioned: Improv Your Parenting (re: improv and parenting).Connect with the ShowSuggestions for future guests or fields? Comment, email drewschrader [at] gmail [dot] com, or join the Substack for deeper dives and warm-up experiments.If this episode resonated, like/follow/subscribe and share with a friend who cares about teaching, team culture, or creative collaboration.CreditsHost: Drew Schrader Guest: Jim Ansaldo Producer: Margie SchraderTagsImprov, applied improvisation, education, teacher PD, psychological safety, dysregulation/re-regulation, sanctioned mischief, Camp Yes And, neurodiversity, inclusion, Viola Spolin, Second City, warm-ups, yes-and, contracting, consent, Move/Stop game, learning design, professional development, classroom culture

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