Fishladder Inc.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Contact:
6165406595
Social:
Services:
Workshops
Keynotes
Executive Coaching
Customized Shows
Train the Trainer
Testimonials:
So I have just spend the last hour with 8 of the 9 from last week. I had to drop you a quick note to tell you that I have NEVER , in my 20 years have I seen a group of leaders who had bonded so completely and who are infected with the desire to spread their learning to others in the organization.
Thank you Mary Jane. We are most definitely going to change the culture of this organization. - VP of Operations from the Innovation through Applied Improvisation: Train the Trainer Program May 2016
Great meetings. Wish we had another two days …And, thanks again to the best facilitator ever, Mary Jane Pories! - President, 3-day Leadership Retreat
About:
Fishladder Inc. applies the techniques and tools of improvisational theater to improve teamwork, communication, leadership, and creativity. In a relaxed and playful environment, participants engage in interactive problem solving that fosters risk-taking, spontaneity, conflict management, and innovative problem-solving. Our experiences reflect our mission, "...to use improvisation to help people navigate change by improving their ability to act intelligently and with integrity in unpredictable situations."
Mary Jane earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and is a long-time member of the Actors Equity Association. She performed for two years as a main stage cast member of the famed comedy theater, The Second City and is an award-winning actor/improviser. She serves on the Global Applied Improv Network Board and in 2014 launched the book, Yes, And!: Harnessing the Power of Improvisation to Transform Your Life and Work. The book is a required text at Kendall College of Art and Design, has been used in numerous book clubs, and can be purchased at www.lulu.com.
Mary Jane founded Fishladder Inc. in 1999, using her 30+ years of experience in teaching, performing, and applying improvisation in the workplace to engage others in the power of purposeful play. Fishladder currently serves national and international clients ranging from Fortune 500 to non-profits. Along with the current services provided through workshops, executive coaching, keynotes, and customized shows, Fishladder is excited about the addition and success of the first Train the Trainer in the spring of 2016, Innovation through Applied Improvisation.
Along with her work at Fishladder, Mary Jane initiated the addition of courses in applied improvisation to Calvin College's curriculum with interim courses in Improvisational Storytelling interim and to Kendall College of Art and Design with the course, Improvisation and Design Thinking. The latter is now a required course for the Collaborative Design Degree.