Carthage visual communication students dive into the art of improv

Students in Professor Kelly Kruse’s Visual Communication class had a unique, hands-on experience exploring the world of improv with professional actors from 6th Street Theatre — Kristin Althoff and Leissa Ziehn ’07.

The workshop focused on the transformative power of the classic improv principle “Yes, and,” teaching students how this mindset goes beyond the stage and can positively impact real-life collaboration and communication. Students explored how embracing “Yes, and” not only fosters creativity, but also helps lift up those around them, creating a supportive and open environment for idea-sharing and teamwork.

Through a series of engaging exercises, students practiced non-verbal communication, learned to collaborate both cohesively as a group and individually, and discovered the stark difference between environments built on acceptance versus those filled with rejection. Experiencing how it feels when ideas are constantly shut down reinforced the importance of positive reinforcement in both professional and personal interactions.

“Bringing real-world experiences into the classroom is something I’m passionate about,” said Prof. Kruse. “I strive to create classes that are unforgettable and give students practical skills they can use beyond Carthage. Improv teaches so much more than comedy — it’s about active listening, thinking on your feet, and building confidence when communicating, which are essential skills for any career.”

The improv session highlighted how these exercises not only enhance creative thinking, but also strengthen empathy, adaptability, and the ability to read non-verbal cues — all critical components of strong communication.

This memorable workshop exemplifies Carthage’s commitment to providing students with engaging, real-world learning opportunities that help shape them into thoughtful, adaptable, and effective communicators.

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Division of Arts and Humanities

For more information, contact:

Corinne Ness, Dean of Arts and Humanities + Education