Abstract

Over the past few decades, the concept of emotional intelligence (EI) has gained significant popularity. One method that educators can use effectively to develop student EI is improvisational (improv) theater, which emphasizes using skills such as being in the moment, whole listening, and focusing on the other person. However, there is hardly any guidance in the literature for facilitators on how to utilize improv theater as a method for fostering EI. This article aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive explanation of how college educators can employ improv theater to develop students’ EI. The article presents six improv theater exercises designed as a part of a “Student Success” program at a four-year state university. The exercises focus on cultivating four EI abilities, namely, self-emotional appraisal, others’ emotional appraisal, use of emotion, and regulation of emotion. To assist educators in incorporating these exercises into their courses, the article offers detailed instructions and recommendations for implementation.