Developing an online improv comedy course: an action research study

Abstract

ABSTRACT I explored the development of a 4-week online introduction to improv course, to verify the fit of the games and exercises used in this short course. I employed practitioner action research to develop an understanding of autistic learning needs. A socio-constructivist framework was used in the teaching, and focus groups were conducted after each class to obtain data. I recruited a total of 17 autistic participants for the Zoom-based improv classes, with groups of three to five autistic adults per course. Five courses were completed, and focus groups were run after each class to discuss the trialled improv training. The data collected identified improvements that participants felt would better support their learning. I found that autistic adults were comfortable learning with other autistic learners, and the gradual, informative teaching approach addressed their needs. An autistic teaching assistant was also found to be necessary. However, there were both desired and unwanted content, as well as contradictions about using online versus offline mode of study, and the necessary group size. The findings suggest that these considerations should be taken into account for adult education programmes aimed at autistic learners.