Learning BY experiencing
What Particpants Can Walk Away With...
Meet Gil Polk
"I was inspired to utilize applied improv to help people and organizations discover its many personal benefits and illuminate more fun, focus, and lightness in their lives. As an applied improvisation facilitator and public speaker, I empower teams, leaders, educators, and audiences to become more confident, connected, and present. I help others find and express their voice―whether that's through a microphone, a message, or a melody. In business, practicing the mindset of improv can nurture community, build leaders, engage collaboration, and extend retention. Let's connect if you're passionate about communication, creativity, or purposeful storytelling―in all its forms."―Gil
"I was inspired to utilize applied improv to help people and organizations discover its many personal benefits and illuminate more fun, focus, and lightness in their lives. As an applied improvisation facilitator and public speaker, I empower teams, leaders, educators, and audiences to become more confident, connected, and present. I help others find and express their voice―whether that's through a microphone, a message, or a melody. In business, practicing the mindset of improv can nurture community, build leaders, engage collaboration, and extend retention. Let's connect if you're passionate about communication, creativity, or purposeful storytelling―in all its forms."―Gil
Photos by: Michael Wheeler
www.MichaelWheelerPhotography.smugmug.com
Gil Polk graduated with Honors in the Humanities for his research on the advantages of improvisation for organizations and personal development. He earned his collegiate degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies with Magna Cum Laude honors, alongside a degree in Applied Business Information Systems, with Summa Cum Laude honors.
Beyond academia, Gil excels as an award-winning BMI songwriter and ASCAP publisher, with songs heard in ads in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. He is a seasoned actor, proudly having performed on both television and stage, and is a lifetime member of Actors Equity Association®. His rich background in business and the arts infuses his work in Applied Improv with unmatched expertise, empathy, and creativity. Gil is proudly affiliated with the global alliance of the Applied Improv Network® as a respected member in good standing. And he and is a lifetime member of the performing rights organizations: ASCAP as a publisher, and B.M.I. as a professional songwriter. TESTIMONIALS: What People Are Saying..."It's wonderful because it takes you out of the 'everyday'..."
Sharon S. - Attorney "It's one of your gifts. You can inspire people to actually go for it!"
Tim O. - Therapist |
"Gil, what beautiful work you did. I deeply appreciate your time, energy and skill."
Elizabeth A. Davis. TONY Nominee (“Once")
Elizabeth A. Davis. TONY Nominee (“Once")
How It Works:
Facilitated by Gil Polk, this interactive workshop invites participants to dive into a range of science-based improvisational techniques, games, and exercises—learning through play, discovery, and shared laughter.
🌱 Using the foundational “Yes, and…” principle of improvisation, we create a supportive space where creativity flows freely and ideas are explored before being judged. It’s all about building, not blocking.
🌱 You’ll practice being fully present—not just hearing, but truly listening. You’ll tune into body language, storytelling, group dynamics, and your own spontaneous choices.
🌱 We’ll explore how to stay grounded while being adaptable, think on our feet, trust our instincts, and step away from fear-based decision-making.
🌱 This workshop celebrates both our differences and our common ground. You’ll engage with others in a way that honors what each person brings to the table with their unique voice and perspective.
🌱 You will be given take-home tools to practice anytime. With practice, these tools can expand our mindset, helping us grow into and connect with skills, traits, & abilities like confidence and uncertainty tolerance.
🌱 And above all—this is a safe space. There’s no such thing as a mistake here. We meet you where you are, and together, we build a sense of community through belonging, trust, and playful connection.
Facilitated by Gil Polk, this interactive workshop invites participants to dive into a range of science-based improvisational techniques, games, and exercises—learning through play, discovery, and shared laughter.
🌱 Using the foundational “Yes, and…” principle of improvisation, we create a supportive space where creativity flows freely and ideas are explored before being judged. It’s all about building, not blocking.
🌱 You’ll practice being fully present—not just hearing, but truly listening. You’ll tune into body language, storytelling, group dynamics, and your own spontaneous choices.
🌱 We’ll explore how to stay grounded while being adaptable, think on our feet, trust our instincts, and step away from fear-based decision-making.
🌱 This workshop celebrates both our differences and our common ground. You’ll engage with others in a way that honors what each person brings to the table with their unique voice and perspective.
🌱 You will be given take-home tools to practice anytime. With practice, these tools can expand our mindset, helping us grow into and connect with skills, traits, & abilities like confidence and uncertainty tolerance.
🌱 And above all—this is a safe space. There’s no such thing as a mistake here. We meet you where you are, and together, we build a sense of community through belonging, trust, and playful connection.
"I think Gil really hit on something people need an outlet for. It’s an amazing thing to be able to be a part of that.”
Connie Dalrymple, Executive Director,
Guernsey Memorial Library
"I think Gil really hit on something people need an outlet for. It’s an amazing thing to be able to be a part of that.”
Connie Dalrymple, Executive Director,
Guernsey Memorial Library
keynote presentations:
Gil Polk Keynote Address:
UHS Health Strategic Planning and Leadership Conference
Where: Roberson Museum and Science Center
Topic: Trust Through Transparency While Embracing the Unknown: Building Community, Communication, and Collaboration Through the Playful Uncertainty of Improv.
UHS Health Strategic Planning and Leadership Conference
Where: Roberson Museum and Science Center
Topic: Trust Through Transparency While Embracing the Unknown: Building Community, Communication, and Collaboration Through the Playful Uncertainty of Improv.
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Gil Polk Symposium Presentation:
Central State University Humanities Research Symposium
Where: Central State University, Ohio
Topic: Making It Up As We Go: The Unexpected Benefits of Improv
Central State University Humanities Research Symposium
Where: Central State University, Ohio
Topic: Making It Up As We Go: The Unexpected Benefits of Improv
"Gil, thank you. That was like hitting a reset and refresh button.”
Diane G. - Norwich, NY
Diane G. - Norwich, NY
“I leave in a better mood. Thank you for taking time to help improve people's lives. I’m impressed with everyone's growth.”
Zachary M. Town Supervisor, Preston, NY
