Students are often initially hesitant to participate in musical activities, due to cultural differences, stage fright, or simply the fear of making a mistake. One method of overcoming this reticence is to incorporate the principles and games of improvisational comedy into the lesson plan. Designed by Jake Cassman, a music director and performer at the world famous Second City theater in Hollywood, this workshop gives educators the chance to learn about and participate in the activities that improvisers have used for generations to encourage play, focus and community. Participants will learn about improv’s origins in New Deal-era social work and its implications for social justice in the classroom by encouraging and validating the contributions of all participants. We will also discuss how improv techniques also fit nicely with the theoretical frameworks of process-oriented education, divergent thinking, participatory performance, and deterritorialization of the classroom. Learn how improv can be used to foster creativity and agency in students and teachers alike.