Improvisation for Communication: Going Beyond Business as Usual

Wednesday, March 23, 6-8 p.m. in Lakeview
CSz Business, in association with global educational company General Assembly, will present the professional workshop “Improvisation for Communication: Going Beyond Business as Usual” on Wednesday, March 23, 6-8 p.m., at CSz Theater Chicago, 929 W. Belmont in Lakeview. Tickets are FREE, but reservations are required at http://tinyurl.com/cszbusiness.

Companies need creative ways to solve challenges, stand out in a saturated marketplace, and leverage networks to create new opportunities for fun and profitable projects. Come learn professional improvisation curriculum on how to approach networking, personal branding, and presentations in a very different way than “business as usual.”

Improvisation is more than just being funny; it’s a way to connect with others in any situation, from a networking event to a presentation to working on a team and building relationships. During this event, participants will perform group improv exercises to create meaningful connections, and learn how the fun can apply to daily life. Attendees will walk away with new strategies to grow careers and build businesses, including:
 • Learn and implement the famous “Yes, AND…” rule of improv to navigate communications
• Express clear visions to create collaboration and master listening skills for connection
• Leverage storytelling to build powerful marketing messages and increase productivity

The workshop will be facilitated by CSz’s Artistic Director Pad Connelly and CSz Chicago’s Creative Sales Director Greg Werstler. Connelly has been performing and teaching improvisation in Chicago since 2001. He currently teaches at the iO Theater Training Center and the CSz Chicago School of Professional Improvisation, and, in addition to ComedySportz, regularly performs with the long-running Chicago staple Baby Wants Candy: The Improvised Musical.

Werstler is also a board member and Director of Special Education Programs for Meeting Planners International, Chicago Area Chapter, and past board member and current communications committee member for the Chicago Chapter of the International Special Events Society. He has been working in the theater and entertainment fields for more than 20 years, emceeing, managing teams and helping clients build memorable events. On stage and in business, Werstler builds ensembles: www.linkedin.com/in/gregwerstler.

CSz Theater Chicago is located at 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657. Transportation options include Belmont El stop (Red, Brown, Purple lines); self-park paid lot at 3130 N. Sheffield, paid street parking; Divvy bike station on Belmont and Wilton; SpotHero.com (enter code “Comedy10” to receive $10 off). Handicapped accessible. CSz Theater Chicago is part of the Belmont Theater District and offers a full service bar with snacks and no drink minimum. Information is at 773-549-8080 and www.CSzChicago.com ComedySportz is comedy for everyone.

Briar Street Theater Giving Away Balcony Chairs

Briar Street Theatre is replacing their balcony chairs. Old chairs still have some life and are free to a theater that can pick them up when new chairs arrive.They are upholstered Breuer style chairs, black fabric-chrome frame. There are about 50 available. Contact Phil; 773-575-9589.

Furniture to Donate

Oakton Community College is offering free furniture to non-profit 501c3 organizations at no charge on a first come-first serve basis.

Donation Day will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at the Skokie campus from 8:30 am until 2:30 pm.

We have desks, file cabinets, bookcases, various sizes of tables, student desks with tablet arms, drafting tables, desk chairs, guest chairs, and some special one of a kind items. We do not have any stacking chairs or computers.

If you know of any non-profit organizations that may be interested in the free furniture, please have them send an email to doreen@oakton.edu They should include their organization name, contact person, phone number, and email address.

Please note - At least one representative from the organization must attend Donation Day to select their furniture. The College cannot "save" any furniture. Organizations are responsible for picking up the furniture as the College cannot provide delivery.

Red Carpet Available for Free

Large roll of red commercial grade carpet available for free pick up. Over 12 ft wide x undetermined length This item needs to be picked up before Monday 6/29. First come, first served. You will need a large vehicle and personnel to move the carpet. Please email talbright@victorygardens.org for more info.'

Free Beer

Stage 773 has 900 cases of Guinness Black Lager to donate. Conditions include signing a waiver stating the beer may not sold and shall not be given to anyone under 21 years of age. Make arrangements to pick up 12-4pm on Fridays 4/26, 5/3 or 5/10 by contacting Brian Peterlin at peterlin@stage773.com.