Improvisation — or improv — is a type of live theater where the characters, dialogue and plot are made up on the spot. It’s how a lot of comedians get their start. 

But improv is more than entertainment.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with three improv actors who say the skills they use — such as listening, teamwork and flexibility — can help us all have better conversations about divisive topics. 

Guests:

• Tane Danger is a Minneapolis-based speaker, interviewer and educator who uses improv to engage people in conversations about big ideas. As co-founder of Danger Boat Productions and host of The Theater of Public Policy, he interviews newsmakers and policy experts, transforming complex topics into engaging, unscripted performances. 
• Duck Washington is a member of Danger Boat Productions. He is an actor, director, playwright, improviser, audio designer, arts administrator and educator based in the Twin Cities. 
• Heather Meyer is a playwright, humor writer and performer. She has been a professional actor and improviser for more than 20 years and is a member of Danger Boat Productions.