Brett Macdonald, Facilitator

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Victoria, BC
Brett Macdonald, Facilitator

Brett Macdonald, Facilitator Workshops for a more collaborative workplace.

Be Improv is for people who aspire to develop their individual life skills or group work skills in a safe and fun environment. The Be Improv workshops are whole group participatory experiences that use improv theatre exercises and games to get us out of our heads and into the moment. Unlike individual coaching or traditional team building sessions, the Be Improv workshops are based on group improv

exercises. We will create a relaxed and safe space and use improv to explore, play and reflect on the 'a-ha' moments that emerge. I have seen and experienced first hand the benefits that improv can have on people's lives, both personally and professionally. Bringing to life the improv ideas of "Yes, and..", being in the moment and celebrating failure in our day-to-day routines, can open up new windows in our minds. The thrill of exploring yourself and pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone and surprising yourself is what improv is, and life should be, all about.
- Brett Macdonald, Improvisor & Educator

03/15/2025

It's the end of an era. Be Improv is no more 😭

It was a hard decision, but it was time. I created Be Improv business back in 2017 (wild!), built the website all on my own (with some help from my tech wiz Daniel!), ran my first workshops and began to learn what it takes to build my own business. Many of you have been there with me since it started! Thank you!! 🙏

I will never forget my little Be Improv business days. It was the start of it all! It's sad to see it gone... but when it's time, it's time... 🧡

Now to fully focus on my current business at https://brettmacdonald.ca/! 💪

03/12/2025

This was a delight to bring a little play into the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Emerge Committee kickoff event for their Mentorship program!

I love helping to bring laughter and connection into a space first thing in the morning 🤗

01/08/2025

Where are my visionary women at? 🙋‍♀️ Join me at the Elevate Retreat! - https://mailchi.mp/133cb65f9506/be-improv-newsletter-sept2023-14170508

01/05/2025

I hesitated to share this with you.

There are so many posts of people’s words of the year out there. And for myself I wondered, do I even follow these words each year? And why do I feel the need to share them with the world?

And that's when I realized that these words are not just what I want for my own personal growth this year, these are also what I want to help other people with through my workshops.
.. So let’s do this together!

✨ Let’s stretch beyond our usual comfort zones so that we can flourish and share all the beautiful parts of ourselves that don’t always get to shine!

See you out there in 2025 my blossoming community! 🪴
👉 PS.. and just because I’m always curious, what ARE your words of 2025? 😁

08/14/2024

Hey you, want to be my friend? 🙋‍♀️

It's hard to make new friends as adults. It's not as simple as it was when we were kids and would just walk up to someone in the playground and ask, "Want to play? Want to be my friend?" 👧

As adults we're often looking for something deeper. We want to feel needed and heard. Sometimes we even work alongside people for years and never feel overly close to them. We often know the basics (family, hobbies, pets)... but I think we could expand out from that. We are multi-layered-beings who have so much more to share than the basics!

In my workshops I spend a good chunk of time getting people connected. Both through experiencing play together, and also sharing unique things about themselves in creative ways. Opening doors to new conversations. Letting down some walls.

I loved working with various groups within the Canadian College of Health Leaders doing just this! And I'm so grateful that it landed! 🤗

08/06/2024

"Yes, and" means you agree with everything!
Um, to this 👆 I say, "No."

I recently heard the statement above and it really got my back up. I believe there is a misunderstanding about this beautiful phrase. It does not mean you that have agree with everything. It does not mean that you no longer have a voice.

So let's talk about what it DOES mean...

✅ Acknowledging the person's idea (I hear you)
✅ Using their idea as inspiration for your response
✅ Listening to respond (see above point!)
✅ Sharing control of the conversation (moving it forward together)
✅ Taking care of each other

'Yes, and' is about listening. It's about valuing the other person's idea. It's about continuing the conversation and moving it forward, as opposed to just shutting it down with a "no" or a "but".

Patti Stiles, one of my favourite improvisors and teachers, wrote in her book 'Improvise Freely'... "Make your partner look good by valuing their offers and using the offers to advance the story. Surprise them with the possibilities of their own ideas." 💫

Now consider that in the workplace. What if (instead of focusing on getting your own idea across) your focus was on valuing each others' ideas, using them to advance your conversations, surprising each other by exploring the possibilities within your different ideas? Imagine the magic!

07/30/2024

"Good morning Ms Mac!" 🙋‍♀️

At my last school one of my colleagues greeted me by name every morning. And every morning it made me stop and smile (and greet her back by name!).

I realized what a wonderful feeling it is to be greeted by name. It really made that extra little difference because I knew that it wasn't an off-hand "Morning" comment.. It was an intentional check-in.. I felt seen to be honest! 🥰

👉 What about you, do you greet people by name on a regular basis?

07/25/2024

Staying present can be hard. 🙄

At the start of my workshops we play games that help us get present. Because the more present we are in this very moment, the better listeners and collaborators we can be.

But being present can be hard and takes practice. So why not practice it in a fun way where the biggest risk is saying "zap!" instead of "whoosh!"? 😆

It's about being in our bodies, letting our brains relax, focusing on the moment (not the future or the past) and connecting with the person in front of us.

⭐️ Being Present is at the core of improv.
.. And workplace fulfillment...
.. And healthy relationships...
.. And personal well-being...
.. Wait, I'm seeing a pattern here 😉

Thanks for your inspiration and wisdom Susan Messing!

07/23/2024

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
– Benjamin Franklin

My Team Development sessions are based on your team's needs. Whether it be improving communication skills, a collaborative discussion on a topic, or diving into strengths and values, I will design a session that includes a variety of activities and tools to explore your chosen area of growth. 🌱

💫 I believe that before we can get into the content however, there must be a base of trust. We need to create the mindset for the rest of the day so before and amongst the learning, there will also be thread of joyful team cohesiveness and connection.

These sessions are typically a half day (3 hrs) or a full day (5 hrs + lunch). The group size can really vary, from 6 people to 50+ people. It depends on your team and goals. So to set up a Team Development session we will have a thorough discussion around what the best way forward for your team is.

Here are some examples of Team Development sessions I've led recently...

⭐️ Kids Space Childcare Centres 👉 A full day session with a combination of team connection and collaborative sharing around best practices (55 people)
⭐️ Island Health Team 👉 A half day session with a focus on peer appreciation (10 people)
⭐️ UVic Team 👉 A half day session with a focus on using storytelling in their work (10 people)
⭐️ Leadership Vancouver Island 👉 A full day session based on connecting and engaging a team (24 people)

Some of the other tools I used in theses workshops, besides Applied Improv, were Open Space Technology, The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Marcus Buckingham's work in strengths, Harvard Project Zero Visible Thinking Routines and Lencioni's Trust Pyramid.

Do you have a professional development day coming up that you would like delivered in a unique and creative way? Send me a message, I'd love to hear more. 🤗

07/16/2024

Team Building... do you roll your eyes or give a cheer? 🙄🙌

I hesitate to use the term team building because of the connotations around it. In my experience it's been competitive (vs collaborative 👍), a collection of random games (vs thought-out activities that build on each other 👍) and ends when we leave the room (vs a long-lasting impact 👍).

I prefer to call my session Team Connectors and the focus is on connecting the people in the room, building a foundation of trust, collaboration, and creativity, and forming a mindset that they can take with them long after I'm gone.

A Team Connecter is typically 1-3 hours long and could be a group of 6 to 15 to 25+ people. Each session I design is tailored to the group it's for.. because every group is different!

Here are some examples of Team Connectors I've led recently...

⭐️ CCHL 👉 A 90 minute session to kick off their Mentorship Program (and another 90 minute celebration session at the end of their year!) (22 people)
⭐️ Christ Church Cathedral School 👉 A (surprise!) 2 hour joy-filled session to begin their professional development day with a feeling of collaboration, appreciation and group-cohesiveness (32 people)
⭐️ Giftbit 👉 A 2 hour collaboration and connection session in the midst of their 3 day in-person event for their remote team (20 people)
⭐️ Leadership Vancouver Island 👉 A 3 hour session at the end of the Leadership Program Kick-Off Retreat with a focus on trust, group connection and stretching comfort zones (24 people)

Are you organizing a retreat or team event that needs some impactful connection and laughter? Reach out today, I'd love to hear more about your event. 🤗

07/11/2024

Laughter breaks down barriers! 🥊😆

Whether it's across a staff room table, over lunch, or during a meeting... laughter releases stress, increases endorphins and brings people together through a shared experience.

I had an absolute blast bringing laughter into the room at the recent Oak Bay Volunteer Services AGM! 🙌

And that laughter didn't come from me performing in front of them, it came from the attendees/membership (even the Board members!) stretching their comfort zones while getting to know each other in a light-hearted, creative way. 💫

07/10/2024

I wasn't sure... Could I really get 700 people to play an improv game with me?! 😬

But I love a challenge.. So I dove right in.. And it paid off! Yes I can! What an awesome experience. 🙌

I have really come to love my big group Energizers. Depending on the group, event and time, these typically range from 10 to 45 minutes. The longer the session, the further we can develop the connections and build the energy. And the group size is usually 25+ people (but it can be smaller).

Here are some examples of Energizer Sessions I've led recently...

⭐️ TEDxRRU / TEDxVictoria 👉 10 minute interactive audience energizers in-between the speakers (300-700+ people)

⭐️ Oak Bay Volunteer Services AGM 👉 A 20 minute interactive energizer with the members/attendees between the Board's Report and the Volunteer Appreciation Event (75+ people)

⭐️ Redbrick Shift Connect In-Person Retreat 👉 A 45 minute retreat kickoff to bring the people in the room together and create a mindset of joy and connection (55+ people)

⭐️ Applied Improv Network Annual Conference 👉 A 30 minute interactive morning warmup and connector before the day of workshops and speakers (250+ people)

Are you helping to organize a big group gathering/event that needs an infusion of connection and energy? Drop me a message, I'd love to hear about it! 🤗

07/04/2024

'Connection before Content' for the win! 🏆

In my experience, the more connected people feel in a room, the more they care about each other. And the more they care, the deeper the trust. And the deeper the trust? The more authentic and magical the collaboration!

This is why all my offerings start with connection.

What starts as a connection between me and you (the Team Lead, Head of People and Culture, Executive Director, Manager...) ends with a deeper connection amongst your team.

💃 It could be an Energizer session to energize and bring together the attendees at a conference, event, or AGM.
🤝 It could be a Connector session to kick-off (or close-out or re-group during) a retreat, conference or staff development day.
🙋‍♀️ It could be a Team Development session for a whole professional development day, tailored to your team's needs.

All of these focus on connection.
All of these are tailored to your team and the event.
All of these include laughter.

Keep an eye on this space for a little more detail on each of these in the coming weeks!

I can't wait to help YOUR next event start with ⭐️connection⭐️

07/02/2024

🙌 This weekend was my One Year Workaversary! 🙌

One year ago I left teaching and went into full-time self-employment. Imagine that. I definitely wouldn't have imagined this 5 years ago! 😆

I have taken a few days to notice what this means for me. To notice what I'm grateful for, what I'm still growing in, and what I've learned. The biggest theme that has come through for me is around stretching and expanding my comfort zone.

For myself I imagine standing in a big ball that's made of stretchy fabric. Every scary-step I take I push that fabric out and watch it stretch just a tiny bit. Sometimes the fabric comes back in, but sometimes it stays out! And now looking back over this last year I notice that my Comfort-Zone-Ball has expanded and has gotten just a little bit bigger. 🙆‍♀️

⭐️ I'm grateful for every client I've met who was willing to try something new with their team, every participant who has taken part and stretched their own Comfort-Zone-Ball, every generous new connection I've made over a cup of coffee, every friend who has reached out or allowed me to bounce ideas.. and so many other people and things.

⭐️ I'm also appreciative of myself and the scary-steps I've taken. For every networking event I attended despite my anxiety, the moments I listened to my heart versus all the "shoulds" of how to be a soloprenuer and how to be a facilitator, and for pulling myself back up every time I fell down no matter how long it took.

This reflection is ongoing, as reflection should be, but this is where I stand in this moment. Stretching my Comfort-Zone-Ball just a little bit each day.

So thank you for being here with me on this journey and here's to another year of laughter, growth and connection! 🥂🤗

06/25/2024

This is a small collection of some of the tools I use in my sessions. 🧰

It of course depends on the goal of the session and the size of the group, but I love to bring creative additions (alongside the improv exercises!) to my workshops!

🤔 Do you use any of these?
🤔 Are you curious about any of these?
🤔 What do you have in your toolbox?

Let me know in the comments if you want me to explain any of the items! 😁

Address

Victoria, BC

Website

http://be-improv.ca/, http://brettmacdonald.ca/

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Videos

"Oh no, I could never do improv..." I hear this all the time. With a variety of reasons that all land in the same basket - Fear of the Unknown. 🫣 ↪ "I'm not a performer, I don't like being in front of people" - This is perfect, because my workshops are not about performing. We use the training skills-based exercises that improvisors use to be able to get on stage. We focus on the skills, not the performance. ↪ "I'm introverted/shy" - Many people people who feel this way enjoy the varied games and exercises in my workshops. You will work with all different sized groups and all games are adaptable to your comfort level. ↪ "I'm not funny" - Great! The best kind of humour that happens is the spontaneous kind. We're not trying to be funny here. ↪ "Joe is hilarious, he'd be great at improv" - Joe might be! But he also might surprise us and find improv exercises very challenging. In my workshops it's all about being a good listener, staying in the moment, and having flexibility in the moment. ↪ "My team is too serious" - What? I challenge you on that.. everyone needs a laugh! 😉 I adapt every workshop to the group I'm working with, choosing my activities carefully. I believe all of these fall under the theme of Fear of the Unknown. And I get it! If I were to throw you up on stage in this moment, of course it would be scary! But that's not what we'll be doing in my workshops. We'll be working together, delighting each other, building communication skills, laughing and stretching our comfort zones. This is the perfect space to come and step in the zone of Fear of the Unknown. One recent participant said "That was perfectly uncomfortable!" 😆 I love that description! 👉 What do you feel or think when I mention IMPROV?

Upcoming Stepping Into Your Essence Retreat

Learn more about our upcoming one-day retreat on Sat March 12th! Register at https://www.lindamackie.ca/stepping-into-your-essence-retreat (Note: I've re-used my video from the Feb Retreat.. but it all still applies :D )

What's New and Upcoming!

*Whoops! Laptop conveniantly took a nap at 4:32.. so feel free to grab a coffee during that darkness.. or skip ahead to 6:50 when I reappear! haha* Come and join me for a little update on upcoming workshops and other news. I'll also answer any questions that pop up live!

It's time to start planning.. and my brain is already pumping out ideas! 🤔💡You're in for a treat, so escape the rain and come play with us! THIS SUNDAY is Workshop 1: Let's Collaborate at Monterey Rec Centre! There are just a few spots left.. so sign up now, to not miss out! 🤗 Sign up for just one.. or for the whole set! Register at .. https://www.oakbay.ca/parks-recreation/programs-registration/find-program (Special Interest - Rediscover Play! Workshop Series) Event link at .. https://www.facebook.com/events/744234489321975/

🍂 Monday Musings 6 🍂

🍂 Monday Musings 🍂 Do you ever consider how your conversation skills make the other person look? Do you ever focus on making the person you're talking to look good? Have you ever felt super supported by the person you are talking to? 'Make Your Partner Look Good' is an idea from improv that I love. It's applicable in conversations, team work and even home life. ... Did you try to make someone look good by supporting their ideas recently? Please share below! 🌟 And check out my Daily Advent Calendar in my posts for more improv wisdom and tips!

🍂 Monday Musings 5 🍂

🍂 Monday Musings 🍂 Have you stopped and admired the underside of a leaf? Or closed your eyes and listened to the sound of the coffee as it gurgles through your coffee machine in the morning? I love the moments when I sit very still and just watch the speed of the wings of the hummingbirds that come to my balcony. It's magical! That's what the Camera Game helps us practice! ... Did you try the Camera Game with anyone? What delights did you see? Please share below! 🌟 Check out Ted DesMaisons' beautiful book 'Playful Mindfulness'! https://www.amazon.ca/Playful-Mindfulness-everyday-confidence-connection-ebook/dp/B07PYP95T7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IZ6P4ZLJMY2C&keywords=playful+mindfulness&qid=1574459460&sprefix=play%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-1

🍂 Monday Musings 4 🍂

🍂 Monday Musings 🍂 Have you ever considered yourself an improvisor? You are! Did your day go exactly as you planned, or did you have to think on the spot and solve problems? Did you know exactly what was going to happen in that conversation at work, or did you have to listen and respond in the moment? You ARE an improvisor! ... What moments today did you notice yourself improvising? Please share below! 🌟 Check out Ted DesMaisons' beautiful book 'Playful Mindfulness'! https://www.amazon.ca/Playful-Mindfulness-everyday-confidence-connection-ebook/dp/B07PYP95T7/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=playful+mindfulness&qid=1574458179&sr=8-1

🍂 Monday Musings 3 🍂

🍂 Monday Musings 🍂 It's Remembrance Day. 🍁 A day to honour those who have served, and continue to serve, during times of war, conflict, and peace. This day gets me thinking about how we treat each other and how important kindness is. From Patricia Ryan Madson's book 'Improv Wisdom' come these suggestions for taking care of each other... "Kindness is essential during chaos or a crisis. Always put positive thoughts into words and actions." ... What random acts of kindness will you do over the next 2 weeks? Please share below! 🌟 Check out Patricia Ryan Madson's delightful book 'Improv Wisdom'! https://www.amazon.ca/Improv-Wisdom-Dont-Prepare-Just/dp/1400081882

🍂 Monday Musings 2 🍂

🍂 Monday Musings 🍂 This morning I'm thinking about 'Active Listening.' After a delightful workshop at Monterey Rec Centre on this topic yesterday, I'm still reflecting on the thoughts people shared. People listened with intent, built on each others' ideas and enjoyed each others' discoveries. What a great group of listeners! 🥰 ... What makes a good listener for you? ... How can you use 'That's Right Bob!' in your conversations? ... How does using 'and' as opposed to 'but' in a conversation feel to you? Please share below! . . . . 🌟 That's Right Bob 🌟 In partners. You are both tele-sales people names Bob selling a product. The name of the product is determined by an everyday object. The objective is to use the words “That's right Bob” whenever the next person starts talking and to use a few words that your partner used before before adding onto their idea. A (states with is in front of them) "This is a cat." B ('yes, ands!' by repeating and adding) "That's right Bob, this is a cat AND it has orange stripes." A "That's right Bob. It has orange stripes AND one knicked ear." B "That's right Bob. It is one knicked ear AND a short tail." Continue on and see what wild places your combined ideas take you. Use words from your partner's lines to 'say yes!', support and build. Don't judge your ideas - say YES to yourself! Rod Ben Zeev https://www.thnk.org/community/people/rod-ben-zeev/

🍂 Monday Musings 1 🍂

🍂 Monday Musings 🍂 Welcome to the first Monday Musing! This week I'm reflecting on finding the joy in your day to day. 🐦 This morning is crisp and sunny and I'm listening to the birds as they flit from branch to branch outside my window. A good lesson in enjoying each other and what the day has to bring! ... How do you 'Enjoy the Ride' during your day? Who have you given a smile to today? Please share below! 🌟 Check out Patricia Ryan Madson's delightful book 'Improv Wisdom'! https://www.amazon.ca/Improv-Wisdom-Dont-Prepare-Just/dp/1400081882

Day 6 - Take Care of Yourself and Others

Day 6 is my final video of this mini series and today's improv value is a lovely one to take forward into this holiday season.. 🥰 Thank you for taking the time to watch the videos! Intro credit: https://spark.adobe.com/

Day 5 - Be In The Moment

Day 5 is about staying in the moment. Find the joy and surprises in this moment, right now. Have a watch to find out more! 🤗 Intro credit: https://spark.adobe.com/