April 17, 2026, Improv for Democracy: Facilitating Dialogue, Civic Skills, and Democratic Engagement Through Applied Improvisation
Program
Don Waisanen, PhD, will demonstrate how Applied Improv, “the use of principles, tools, practices, skills, and mindsets of improvisational theater in a non-theatrical setting,” functions as “a highly refined system of observing, connecting, and responding” in moments of uncertainty and difference. He will facilitate two hands-on workshops—one for faculty and one for students.
Through play, practice, and reflection, participants will build real-world skills in dialogue, collaboration, and communication across differences. Faculty will gain innovative tools to foster inclusive, engaging classroom discussions, while students will strengthen confidence in participatory dialogue and democratic problem-solving.
The event also features a dynamic lunchtime book talk on Improv for Democracy: How to Bridge Differences and Develop the Communication and Leadership Skills Our World Needs.
Come practice democracy in the classroom and on campus with joy!
Speaker
Dr. Don Waisanen is a “pracademic” who’s always striving to help others level up their understanding and practices for leadership communication and civic engagement. He's a Professor at Baruch College, City University of New York, and the author of seven books, including Improv for Democracy (SUNY Press) and Leadership Standpoints (Cambridge University Press). Dr. Waisanen received a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Southern California.
Program Support and Sponsors
This "Improv for Democracy" program is a Solving Grand Challenges Month event, in partnership with the Rutgers Democracy Lab.
The event is organized by the School of Management and Labor Relations and is supported by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, Graduate School of Education, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers Business School, School of Communication and Information, School of Social Work, and the Teaching Institute of Inclusive Pedagogy (TIIP) at Rutgers University.