Rahel is the CEO and creative leader of Improkool.
She's been teaching improv to adults and children since 2009. You can read more about her background on her personal website.
Here are some questions from the students of Improkool to get to know her better.
How did you start doing improv?
I had the luck of taking part in the first-ever improv workshop organised in Estonia in 2008, taught by teachers from Stella Polaris, an improv theatre from Helsinki, Finland. Having a background in classical theatre, I vividly remember being confused throughout the workshop by how easily everything came together without any prior agreement. In the following years, I created my own improv group (Jaa !mproteater), organised seven international improv festivals, and taught improv in many countries around the world. The concept of "yes, and" has truly changed my life.
How is teaching improv different from doing improv?
Teaching anyone is a big responsibility. While the process in the classroom is still very similar to performing improv — you need to listen to your students and build on their ideas from where they are — teaching also requires extra work: preparing classes and shows, taking workshops yourself to keep learning, and, of course, doing the admin to keep everything running. It's a different kind of joy, though, to see your students step into this magical world where everything is possible, discovering the creativity within themselves and in others.
What is your favourite moment when teaching?
The end of the first lesson of every new beginner's improv course — when I see the students’ eyes light up as they get their first glimpse of how much joy and how many new perspectives on the world can be discovered through playing together.
What is the coolest place where you have taught improv?
That’s a tough one! It’s a tie between a workshop I taught in a garage in New Zealand and another in a high-rise building at a TV station in Hong Kong.
Write a haiku about improv!
Holding your hand when
jumping into the unknown.
Blinded by the lights.
I can hear the sound
of you listening to me.
It makes me feel loved.
What would you do if you had unlimited resources and 365 days to do whatever you wanted?
I would travel the world and learn as many new skills as I can.
