Founders Merge Skills In Theater And Special Education
A Relevant Idea (And A Lot Of Fun) Leads To Fast Growth In A Short Time
A Collaboration That Worked
Kelly Kautz and Michael Bruckmueller first collaborated on applied improv classes in Minnetonka in 2016. Kelly and Michael quickly discovered they share a passion for equipping students with skills needed for life and instructing educators on how to use improv with students. In 2019 they officially formed MNprov.
As more and more studies showed how applied improvisation supports students' social, emotional and communication needs, Kelly and Michael created a business plan and signed a fiscal sponsorship agreement with the Autism Society of MN, covering 2019–2021.
The first Camp MNProv was held in 2020 virtually due to COVID-19. Educators said they grew comfortable using applied improv to support students’ social, emotional, and communication goals, and called the training “invaluable.”
Support Grew, As Did Programs
Thrivent Financial supported an event to increase awareness of MNProv and then provided funds for an informational video for school administrators. By 2021, MNprov began providing 10-week school sessions and virtual family workshops. They refined a pilot to maximize evaluation procedures, curriculum and educator support. In 2021, they presented at the MN Autism Society state conference and the Summer Symposium put on by AUSM, Metro ECSU, University of St. Thomas and the Minnesota Department of Education.
MNprov and Their Services Become Mainstream
Since 2021, MNprov has been holding a growing array of school sessions and summer school workshops, becoming a 501(c) 3 organization. They’ve added team building workshops for educators and workshops for neurodivergent adults.
MNprov’s growth curve is accelerating. In 2022 MNProv conducted twenty 10-class school sessions in nine schools, Camp MNprov for educators and students, and several customized one-time workshops. As they continue to grow their organization, MNprov continues to receive confirmation that their form of student learning is addressing key objectives of all Minnesota educators: the Minnesota Safe Learning Survey in the Spring and Fall of 2021 indicated that mental health, social interactions and relationships were among the areas of most concern and needed attention.
“Working with improv helps me in my own teaching practice. I’ve learned strategies that support social and emotional development, cognitive flexibility, and conversation skills.”
—Special Education Teacher
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