For small teams especially, connecting before a set can make a huge difference. But at times, warm-ups can put us in our heads or leave us feeling like we have something to prove or something to hide onstage.

Historically and prehistorically, humans have always modulated our cognitive states using music, dance, breath, movement, etc. We now know some of the how and why of these, on chemical and electrical levels.

This workshop will survey several tried-and-true non-substance methods of accessing a creative flow state with others, also touching on the neuroscience behind them. For each method, we will practice several exercises to take home and use with your teams as efficient and fun pre-show warm-ups.

Tara O’Nay of 2zin Tarandon has spent 17 years working at the intersection of community, cognitive disability and the arts. They facilitate improv clubs at adult daycares and community centers around St. Louis and help others research improv as a dementia intervention. They’re also trained to facilitate laughter club, theater of the oppressed, hatha yoga, breathwork and meditation. They like to dance, learn, garden, make art, facilitate monthly musical improv jams with Brandon Bowers, perform on lots of teams they love, and produce wild joyful shows w Brandon.