Drama Australia 2025 conference reflection

I had a wonderful time in Adelaide presenting on "Improvising & Cognition" for the Drama Australia 2025 national conference. So many passionate educators and lots of great questions about using impro to teach deeper concepts. Many teachers loved the explicit instruction about Convergent vs Divergent thinking and how to communicate that to students to empower them with ideation and creative riffing. I also had the opportunity to re-connect with a peer who was a student of Monika Pagnuex; my month of training with Monika in physical theatre happened in Adelaide in 1996, so it feels like full circle. I was able to participate in a Peter Brook style workshop which was all about "complicite" (the connection and bond between actors) and working with ensemble to create physical works. These exercises triggered some dormant memories and all of a sudden the decades slipped away, and I was back in the room as an eager and inexperienced young performer. Powerful feelings and very I am grateful to the inspiring teachers who have guided my way.