Visual communication students engage with improv and theatre experts
On Sept. 24, Professor Kelly Kruse’s Visual Communication class welcomed two special guests, Kristin Althoff and Anne Mollerskov from Over Our Head Players at the 6th Street Theatre in Racine, Wis.
Ms. Althoff and Ms. Mollerskov both brought their unique experiences in improv and theatre to the classroom, providing students with valuable insights into the role of communication in various mediums, including photography, graphic design, marketing, and more.
Ms. Althoff is a regular performer at ComedySportz in Milwaukee and engages in long-form improv at Interchange Theatre in Milwaukee. She has also been an actor and director in numerous plays at Over Our Head Players. Ms. Mollerskov, with training in opera, has both participated in and directed various plays and musicals. Their session focused on the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication, teamwork, and the ability to think quickly and respond effectively to prompts — skills that align closely with the course’s learning outcomes.
“This was a fantastic opportunity for my students to get out of their comfort zones, laugh, and learn all at the same time,” said Prof. Kruse. “It was wonderful to watch them apply principles of communication in a hands-on setting, which is key to our focus on analyzing and discussing effective visual communication and storytelling.”
The session underscored the importance of storytelling and visual narrative forms, providing students with tools to think creatively and communicate effectively in any medium.
Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:
Communication and Digital Media Department