AIN: Our Journey — Over 20 Years of Bringing Applied Improvisers TogetherWritten by Joel Veenstra – This article is from AIM Issue 2 (released November 2023).Improvisation, like life, is ephemeral.Applied Improvisation (AI) practitioners know that utilizing improvisational principles can produce successful spontaneity and collaboration. Yet it can be difficult to accurately capture, document, and articulate this process of facilitating lightning in a bottle. And the same is true of trying to capture the history and scope of the Applied Improvisation Network (AIN). From the beginning, the improvisational ideals of spontaneity, discovery, innovation, and generosity were embedded in the organization. Three presenters, Paul Z Jackson (England), Michael Rosenburg (Canada), and Alain Rostain (USA) discovered each other presenting at the International Alliance for Learning Conference in 2001. With each approaching AI from a different lens, they inspired and challenged one another to refine their work. After the conference, they created a ‘Bulletin Board’ listserv for like-minded individuals to connect, leading to a gathering at Dr. Sivasailam “Thiagi” Thiagarajan’s North American Simulation and Gaming Association (NASAGA) Conference in 2002. Momentum was building with roughly 35 participants, but this new stream threatened to overwhelm NASAGA, who encouraged them to create their own organization. While the initial focus was improvisation applied within a business context, they soon discovered individuals applying improvisation to a wide range of fields including personal development, education, healthcare, performance, and humanitarian social change. AIN has grown exponentially over the past two decades as practitioners continue to collaboratively support each other. The biggest community touchstone is the annual (or bi-annual) conference(s). Planning and production of these live events are emblematic of AI principles, including utilizing Open Space Technology (OST) as a foundational element. Each year improvisational trailblazers and special guests are honored; these have included Keith Johnstone, Aretha Sills (for Spolin/Sills), Colin Mochrie, Mick Napier, Armando Diaz, Adrian Jackson (for Augusto Boal), Ed Greenburg and Randy Dixon (for Del Close), Thiagi, and Alan Alda (for Stony Brook University’s Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science). The relationships formed at these conferences have fueled innovation amongst the facilitators, who remain generous with their knowledge and opportunities. Beyond the in-person events, mini-conferences, retreats, and roadshows, applied improvisers also continue to connect via technology. For example, weekly online Open Space provided an essential point of community, support, and guidance on how to navigate the world remotely within a month of the global pandemic shut-down and continues to do so today. AIN resources have grown, including an extensive Facebook Group (with 8000+ individuals), a YouTube channel (featuring years of AIN content), Zoom events, and AIN Watch Parties. The Mentorship program and Mastermind groups align seasoned practitioners with those who need guidance in developing their professional practice. Research continues to expand in validating and codifying AI practices, including AIN’s 2014 Delphi Study. And in March 2023, AIN launched its first publication, the Applied Improvisation Magazine, to document and share the value of its work. So many people have discovered their community within AIN over the past 20 years, and the network continues to grow, innovate, and elevate Applied Improvisation. What started as an organic group of like-minded individuals has developed into a diverse professional network of over 600 active members who call each other colleagues and friends. While “what comes next?” will always be the main question, it is equally valuable to reflect on what brought us to this point to help guide us into the future. Special thanks to Paul Z Jackson, Angelina Castellini, Ed Reggi, Barbara Tint, Theresa Robbins Dudeck, Yael Schy, Sue Walden, and the AIN Community for your support in making this article and community possible.
AIN: Our Journey TimelinePlease note: This timeline details the organization’s evolution from an informal group to a global professional network through the following milestones. This information was written for this article in 2023 and will not be updated. For a complete and updated list of our past conferences, please visit this page.
Please note: This timeline details the organization’s evolution from an informal group to a global professional network through the following milestones. This information was written for this article in 2023 and will not be updated. For a complete and updated list of our past conferences, please visit this page.
About the Author: Joel VeenstraJoel teaches improvisation, stage management, and collaborative production at the University of California, Irvine. He collaborated with Cirque du Soleil, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Cornerstone Theatre Company, and Improbable (UK); served on the Applied Improvisation Network board and Stage Managers’ Association board; and co-created the Global Improvisation Initiative. He utilizes Applied Improvisation in business, healthcare, as well as cultural bridge building. (Read more from our magazine issues: click here to access our article database.) (Last Updated: Monday, January 26th, 2026) |