Hannele teaches the Estonian beginner's improv course together with Rahel and runs jams for more experienced improvisers.
She began studying improv with Rahel in 2020, has been organizing jams since 2022, and started leading her first long course in the fall of 2024. In addition, she delights audiences as a performer in the improv group Out of the Blue Duo.
Here are some questions from the students of Improkool to get to know her better.
How did you start doing improv?
The short answer is that I finally took some time off... and invested it in improv.
More broadly: I had been watching improv for a long time, and the wish to try it myself had stayed with me for at least ten years. At one point, Rahel offered a course at Tallinna Rahvaülikool, the timing was right, and the rest is history.
What do you do in your free time and professionally?
I am an organizer – both in culture and in entrepreneurship. I make sure that events happen, that the organizational process is more enjoyable than burdensome, that the technical and creative people can do their work, and that respect and good communication are maintained between them.
In my free time, I often end up doing the same thing, haha! But I also try to read, play board games and D&D, visit family and friends, and give guided tours in Kopli.
What is your superpower?
The ability to listen and to understand different perspectives.
What would you do if you had unlimited resources and 365 days to do whatever you wanted?
I would eliminate world hunger. I would work on restoring freshwater resources. I would try to end wars.
What does improv give you? Both in daily life and on a deeper level?
Improv is everyday safe chaos – a familiar and trustworthy place where you can let yourself be free, but at the same time, it always provides positive tension, as well as opportunities to experiment and play.
It has definitely helped me unlock myself better. Improv feeds a kind of inner hungry wolf that I haven’t yet named – but who would certainly start howling without it.
What new skills or qualities have you discovered in yourself thanks to improv?
That I am a creative being. For a very long time, I thought I was only practical and technical... But apparently not at all!
Which challenges have improv principles helped you overcome in your personal life?
To feel freer and not to worry so much.
How is teaching improv different from doing improv?
The responsibility is broader, although the principle is the same – take care of your partner. In teaching, you just have more partners, and they also have more questions. 🙂
What’s your favorite warm-up game?
“Big Fish, Small Fish.”
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I would play myself – I like the documentary genre.
