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Robi On The Road: Improv Asylum Performers Provide More Than Laughter

BOSTON (CBS) – When you hear the word "improv" you may automatically think of comedy.

Perhaps you've seen a group of actors improvising with the audience to make hilarious sketches.

Related: More "Robi On The Road"

That's certainly what they do at Improv Asylum.

But the talented group of actors and comedians there do so much more than make people laugh.

Improv Asylum
Members of the Improv Asylum also give tips to companies to help their employees think outside the box. (WBZ-TV)

WBZ-TV followed the founders of Improv Asylum to South Boston recently where they conducted some corporate training lessons at the headquarters of Mass Challenge, an independent non-profit organization that supports and strengthens entrepreneurs.

When Improv Asylum works with employees of corporations, they are not necessarily looking for yucks.

Improv Asylum
Improv Asylum. (WBZ-TV)

 

Their goal is to teach a skill set that allows these workers to think more creatively and become better listeners.

One Mass Challenge employee said the exercises were a "wonderful experience" that helped him discover new things about himself.

Improv Asylum
Performers inside the Improv Asylum. (WBZ-TV)

By working together doing a series of improvisation exercises, these workers' personalities shine and they become more open to the ideas of others.

"I want to be more supportive of colleagues and want to be more confident in my own ideas and come out of my shell a bit," a Mass Challenge program operations manager named Annette told WBZ.

Improv Asylum is located on Hanover Street in Boston's North End.

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