Author Archives: deanacreative

Setting the Stage for a Great Interview

What does improv have to do with job interviews and psychological safety? You know my answer: everything. Luckily, Rich Trombetta of the Pop Culture Training Company recently gave me the chance to talk all about it in his article Setting the Stage for a Great Interview. Check it out to find out how you canContinue reading “Setting the Stage for a Great Interview”

Podcast: Raising Problem Solvers

I had a great conversation with Eric Olsen from the Art of Problem Solvers for their podcast Raising Problem Solvers. Eric and I talk about how improv sets students and teachers up to find creativity and confidence when approaching problems, and how collaboration and critical thinking are essential in both improv and problem-solving. Give itContinue reading “Podcast: Raising Problem Solvers”

HEAR ME ON GETTING TO YES, AND

Improv for the Visually Impaired I am honored to be a guest on the Second City Works podcast Getting to Yes, And. Kelly Leonard and I talk about improvisation and disabilities, my work with Career Launch @ Perkins, my career path, Applied Improvisation and so much more. January 4, 2022Episode307 Kelly talks to Deana CriessContinue reading “HEAR ME ON GETTING TO YES, AND”

10 ways you can support blind and visually impaired colleagues working remotely

During the early days of the pandemic I wrote a post for Blind New World, a blog by my colleagues at Perkins School for the Blind. Not everyone needs help, but for those who might, here are a few ways to pitch in. During a recent Zoom meeting with our team, a colleague joked thatContinue reading “10 ways you can support blind and visually impaired colleagues working remotely”

Creating safe spaces in improv for people with visual impairments

If improv can be anything, it stands to reason that it can be for everyone. Recently, an improv teacher reached out online to ask my advice on how to support a new student they were working with who is blind. It is a great question, and a lot to discuss. These are exactly the kindsContinue reading “Creating safe spaces in improv for people with visual impairments”

5 Sure-Fire Tips for First-Time Teachers

Another piece I worked on with Kara Baskin for AARP The offer to teach a class often comes at midlife. Here’s how to quell those first-time jitters Congratulations! You’ve been asked to teach a class. It’s a golden opportunity to burnish your career or to break ground in a new area that could lead toContinue reading “5 Sure-Fire Tips for First-Time Teachers”

What Improv Comedy Can Teach You About Workplace Success

As the years tick on and I get closer to being an AARP member, I wanted to share a piece Kara Baskin and I created for AARP’s Life Reimagined site. She and I worked on several pieces together for that now retired (ironic, no?) blog. The 5 golden rules of improv can take you toContinue reading “What Improv Comedy Can Teach You About Workplace Success”