Applied Improvisation for Scientists is a 7-week course designed to help scientists and STEM professionals strengthen their interpersonal skills through the tools of improv!

This course introduces improv from the perspective of a fellow scientist. Each week, you’ll dive into fun, low-pressure exercises that build confidence, adaptability, collaboration, and communication. Together, we’ll reflect on how these skills apply to real-world workplace challenges. These skills are critical for scientists, but traditional education and training leave little opportunity for their development. Ironically, many of the skills attributed to the successful scientist - like planning, meticulousness, and precision - can sometimes stifle innovation, limit awareness, and inhibit communication. But all is not lost! This course uses improv to loosen things up and help you respond with more creativity and connection.

You’ll explore concepts like creativity, spontaneity, adaptability, courage, and storytelling, with optional resources provided for continued learning. No experience needed, and no requirement to be funny - though funny often happens naturally! Just bring an open mind, an eagerness to participate, and a willingness to take risks in a supportive environment.

If you're looking to increase your confidence, react more effectively to unexpected events, engage your colleagues with active listening, and build ideas through sincere collaboration, then this course is for you!

 An additional perk of being a student - you get into any Black Sheep Comedy shows for free!

PREREQUISITES
None. Open to all!

SUPPLIES NEEDED:
Comfortable shoes and clothes that you can move around in. We also recommend bringing a light sweater in case you get cold, and a water bottle.

PROMOS:

EARLYBIRD - $25 off (expires Sep 1)

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

• Richard C. Zink is a biostatistician and software developer who has spent more than 20 years in and around clinical trials and medical product development. He is an author, editor, and contributor to 9 books on statistical topics in clinical trials and clinical research. He holds a Ph.D. in Biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he serves as Adjunct Professor of Biostatistics and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Health Leadership and Practice. 

Richard began his journey with improvisation in 2017 after hearing a podcast interview with actor Alan Alda who realized that scientists could benefit from training in improvisation to improve their ability to communicate with non-scientists.

Richard taught applied improvisation short courses for statisticians and data scientists at the 2025 Joint Statistical Meetings and Duke Industry Statistics Symposium, and workshops within the Departments of Biostatistics and Public Health Leadership and Practice at UNC-Chapel Hill.

He will teach the two-credit course Fundamentals of Applied Improvisation for Public Health Professionals in the Gillings School of Global Public Health in Spring 2026. Richard has trained with Improv Utopia, Wild Mind Improv, Rich Baker Coaching, Mettlesome, and DSI Comedy Theatre, and performs regularly at Black Sheep and throughout the Triangle as one half of The Safeword is Martha Stewart.

CONTACT
Our website: https://www.blacksheepcomedyhouse.com/
Our instagram: @blacksheepcomedy
Contact email (if you have questions about the class):  info@blacksheepcomedyhouse.com

POLICIES

This class is limited to 14 students. Cancellations by My Muses Card Shop will receive a full refund. Cancellations made 1 weeks or more before the event may receive a full refund. Cancellations made up to 3 days before the event can receive a 50% refund. No refund or exchanges for cancellations less than 3 days before the day of the class. By registering you agree to the above terms and conditions.