What we do
Play with Fire Improv is here to facilitate your ideal team building, skill building, confidence building, laugh inducing, mind blowing improv workshop(s). Improv games and exercises improve communication & listening skills, presentation skills, leadership skills, thinking on your feet, creativity, and an overall sense of confidence.
Who we are
Cam ALGIE
Founder and Lead Facilitator
Cam is an improviser, teacher, coach, and communications trainer. He founded Play with Fire Improv where his classes have helped hundreds of people with their anxiety, and his corporate workshops have helped companies like Pfizer, Capital One, Doxim, Thomson Reuters, and Autodesk with team building, stress-reduction and communication.
He also developed Second City Toronto’s Improv for Anxiety Program, where he is Lead Facilitator & Instructor. In addition to teaching new skills, Cameron helps people understand the psychology behind why we do what we do.
He has been interviewed by the BBC, CBC, Marilyn Denis Show, The Carla Collins Show and several podcasts about how improv helps with mental wellness. As a performer he has toured North America, and now teaches online to people all over the world.
Ashley Seaman
Ashley is an Educator (B.Ed, OCT), TDSB Educational Partner, Improviser, and Expressive Arts Support Group Facilitator with experience in the mental health sector. She’s a faculty member at Bad Dog Theatre Company, and The Second City Training Centre where she has been teaching Improv to all ages for over 12 years.
Ashley also operates Y.A.Y. Improv Comedy, a company that delivers health-oriented Improv workshops to support youth & teens in having more inclusive and happy experiences in schools.
KEN HALL
Ken Hall is a Canadian Comedy Award Winner (Best Breakout Artist) and multiple CCA award nominee, including most recently, Comedic Artist of the Year.
He has appeared in numerous film and television roles including Netflix's THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY where he plays the lovable Herb and provides motion capture as the body of Pogo, and two seasons on TBS’s hit series PEOPLE OF EARTH.
Ken teaches Improv, Comedic On-Camera Acting, Clownprov, Mindfulness, and Public Speaking. He was awarded the Frank McAnulty Award for Faculty Instructor of the Year in 2019.
yitzi gal
Yitzi studied Drama Therapy in the Master’s Program at N.Y.U and Concordia University. He’s a faculty member of Toronto’s Second City Training Centre, in their Adult Improv, Longform Improv, and Improv for Anxiety programs. He also teaches longform improv at The Assembly.
Yitzi started studying improvisation at age 19, in the hopes of alleviating his considerable anxieties. He had no plans of making a career out of it, but quickly fell in love with improv, especially its capacity to help people with their mental health.
• Master of Arts, Drama Therapy, New York University/Concordia University
How it helps
BENEFITS OF IMPROV FOR BUSINESS
“In a business world that’s more uncertain than ever it pays to be able to think on your feet. That’s why some business schools are using improvisation classes to teach skills such as creativity and leadership.”
Why using improvisation to teach business skills is no joke. – CNN
“Through improv, we can work on anything from leadership, to influence, to adaptability, to crisis management. We can help people’s communication skills. We can show them how to stay focused, in the present moment, at a very high level.”
Improv comedy and business: Getting to “yes, and.” – Slate
“In fact, studies have shown that people can improve their communication skills and lower their anxiety with regular practice. Improv’s low-stakes training increases the likelihood that team members will feel comfortable communicating in a variety of work situations.”
Why Improv Training Is Great Business Training – Forbes
“Even if you never make anyone laugh, these techniques can make you more open minded and better at communication and collaboration.”
3 Ways Improv Can Improve Your Career – Fast Company
BENEFITS OF IMPROV FOR MENTAL HEALTH
A 2014 government survey showed that an estimated 3 million Canadians (18+) reported they had a mood and/or anxiety disorder. And those numbers are probably low. When you factor in the stigma of mental health issues, the fact that almost half of people say they’ve never gone to see a doctor about their issues, most people end up suffering alone before admitting what would be perceived as a “weakness.”
While few scientific studies exist, improv and play have been shown to help:
Relieve stress and anxiety
Stimulate brain function and boost creativity
Improve relationships and your connection with others
Enhance your ability to take risks and try new things
Relax the body and keep you energized
Release endorphins (making you feel good) and boost the immune system
It changed my life (read my story here). And I’ve personally seen it change the lives of others. Improv is like going to therapy, and having fun at the same time.
Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Play with Fire Improv is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.