Who's teaching this?

I'm Vince, and I've spent nearly 20 years teaching improv and facilitating workshops for people who think they'd be terrible at improv.

I created this course because I kept meeting thoughtful, interesting people who were convinced they were "bad at" socializing — when really, they were just stuck in their heads, trying to get it right instead of being present.

This course offers Improv principles (listening, responding, letting go of control) but without the performance aspect. You won't be asked to be funny, clever, or "on." You'll practice being available, present, human and you.

What we'll practice

• Each session blends simple exercises, guided reflection, and gentle interaction. No acting. No pressure. No fixing yourself.

• The course addresses three fears that interrupt connection—with a final week applying the skills in daily life.

Week 1 — Safety: Showing Up Imperfectly
Fear of Judgment
Practice staying in conversations even when you feel unsure or exposed—learning that presence matters more than saying the "right" thing.

Week 2 — Surrender: Letting Go of the Script
Fear of Losing Control
Practice engaging without knowing what comes next. Learn to recover when moments don't go as planned.

Week 3 — Connection: Being Seen Without Performing
Fear of Exposure
Practice letting yourself be seen as you are—not polished, not protected. Experience how connection deepens through being witnessed rather than evaluated.

Week 4 — Integration: Bringing It Into Real Life
Applying all three skills
Integrate showing up, letting go, and being seen. Practice navigating real conversations, meetings, and relationships with steadiness.

What to expect in each session

What happens in a session?

Each 60-minute Zoom session follows a gentle rhythm:

• Check-in (5 min): Brief hellos, set intention for the session

• Warm-up exercises (15 min): Simple, low-stakes activities to get out of your head

• Partner & small group practice (25 min): You'll practice specific skills in breakout rooms — no one is put on the spot in front of the full group

• Reflection & discussion (15 min): We'll talk about what you noticed, what felt hard, what surprised you

Everything is designed for people who hate forced participation. You can pass, you can observe, you can dip your toe in. The goal is practice, not performance.

What if I miss a session?
Life happens. Each session builds on the previous one, but missing one won't leave you lost. If our group agrees to recording each session, I’ll send you the link. You can email me too with any questions.

What you'll gain

After the course, you'll be better able to:

• Speak up without over-preparing

• Stay engaged when things feel uncertain

• Recover when moments don't go as planned

• Trust yourself in real conversations

• Feel more at ease being you with others

This isn't confidence as bravado. It's steadiness, presence, and contact.

Still not sure if this is for you?
Email me at citystages@gmail.com and we'll talk. If after the first session you decide it's not the right fit, I'll refund you in full — no questions asked.

SOME reflections from past participants

"I finally stopped trying to get it right and started showing up as myself. That shift changed how I talk to people."
- Keiko, Tokyo