Improv Expert Visits Millbrook

Improv teacher Elana Fishbein took the stage at Millbrook to give students a master class in her craft.

Hailing from New York City’s Magnet Theater, Fishbein teaches improv all over the U.S.—including a workshop at Millbrook in 2020. On Thursday, she joined Theater Director Elaine Lifter’s improv class to put students through their “yes, and” paces.

After a lively icebreaker got everyone loose, Fishbein guided the class through an impromptu improv show. The performance featured improv games like Alibi and Acronym Org.

In Alibi, a group of students faced grilling by their “parents,” explaining why they broke curfew. Then, a new bunch of improvers created an acronym for a non-profit based on a random word from the audience before diving into their organization’s purpose and achievements.

The Chelsea Morrison Theater filled with laughter as students fully bought into the premises and improvised witty responses.

Millbrook’s Arts Department has been on a roll this semester. In addition to Fishbein, students have recently worked with playwright Neil LaBute, filmmaker Dominic Bergeron ’97, and stage manager Anne Marie Kuehling-Kastilahn.