Improv for Parkinson's | Improv for Work & Wellness

We are proud to partner with Parkinson Canada to offer our Improv for Parkinson's program!

Our programs explore themes such as presence, celebrating mistakes and teamwork - and - applies improv skills to life with PD.

We offer Level 1 and Level 2. Both programs are six weeks long and meet virtually on Zoom.

For participants who have completed both levels, we also have the Parkinson's Performance Troupe

-- now in its 12th season!

This program was developed with Tightrope Theatre.

As someone living with Parkinson's disease, I've found immense value in participating in improv classes. These sessions aren't just about honing skills like voice modulation and masking; they're about embracing a unique creative outlet. In the supportive atmosphere of the class, I feel liberated to explore my inner feelings and express myself authentically.

- Clara, PD Performance member and Improv for Parkinson's graduate.

PARKiSON'S iMPROV LAUGHTER LEAGUE

PiLL FESTiVAL

SAVE THE DATES:

June 22nd - June 27th 2026

SPONSORED BY PARKiNSON CANADA

In June 2026, Improv for Work and Wellness will be hosting the first-ever Parkinson’s Improv Laughter League (PiLL) Festival! The PiLL Festival is a multi-day virtual festival for the Parkinson’s community to get together, laugh a lot, and celebrate each other.

How does it work?

If you’ve ever taken an Improv for Parkinson’s class, or you’ve wanted to take an Improv for Parkinson’s class, we want you to be a part of the PILL festival!

We are looking for:

Team captains who want to bring improv to their local PD community, and
Individuals who want to be part of the festival home teams.

We will provide:

A practice guide for teams
Regular virtual meetings to go over games and support team captains
Zoom meeting space for teams meeting virtually
Coaching from our professional Improv Facilitators leading up to the festival

Want to learn more? We are hosting an info session on Wednesday, January 28th at 12:00 PM PST. This session will also be recorded. Register below!

We gratefully acknowledge the funding support for this program from Parkinson Canada!

ATTEND THE INFO SESSION

The most enjoyable and helpful thing about this course was entering into chambers of our being that haven't been open for a while and shaking the dust off.

- Barb, Improv for Parkinson's participant

"I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone. Laughter is the best medicine and in this group, you will learn to laugh a lot.”

- Karen, Improv for Parkinson's participant

Media

& Resources

Ask An Expert: PD Brain Health and Coping Through Improv

A panel discussion hosted by the Parkinson Society of British Columbia with Dr. Jonathan Squires (movement disorder specialist), Dan Dumsha (Tightrope Theatre’s Director of Improv for Work and Wellness), and Peter Jarvis (Tightrope Theatre's Improv for PD faculty and Parkinson’s performance troupe member), that aims to broaden our understanding of the important role improvisation (improv) can play in managing Parkinson’s. The discussion will include an explanation about improv, how it can benefit those with Parkinson’s, and what to expect from engagement in an improv program.