Elizabeth Byland

IMPROV PROFESSOR. COMMUNITY LEADER.

Professor Elizabeth Byland is a dynamic Improv Performance Program Director at VCU Theatre, known for her commitment to cultivating a joyful, inclusive, and collaborative improv environment. Through innovative teaching and a focus on ensemble-driven approaches, Elizabeth emphasizes trust, positivity, and authenticity, creating a space where students can explore, take risks, and thrive as artists.

Artistic Improv Director

Elizabeth leads VCU Improv with a focus on high-quality performances, positivity, and trust-based collaboration. Oversees program direction while fostering a supportive, self-sufficient coaching culture.

Educational Environment

Elizabeth’s classes are immersive, energizing spaces where every student is encouraged to find their unique voice and contribute to the ensemble. Her approach prioritizes the individual growth of each performer while fostering a tightly-knit, supportive group dynamic. Through carefully designed exercises and a well-structured curriculum, she guides students to unlock spontaneity, authenticity, and the artistry of improvisation.

Interdisciplinary Partnerships

Elizabeth Byland’s work with the Medical campus exemplifies how improv can serve as a valuable training tool for future healthcare providers. By applying improvisational techniques, Elizabeth helps medical students and professionals develop essential skills in communication, empathy, and adaptability—qualities crucial to patient care and team collaboration.

Applied Improv Theatre

Elizabeth is committed to extending the impact of improv beyond traditional performance spaces. Through devised applied improv theater and community outreach, she leverages improv as a powerful tool for connection, empathy, and social engagement. Her projects engage diverse groups, from students and local organizations to underserved communities, using improv to build life skills, foster inclusivity, and inspire confidence.

Community Outreach Initiatives

Her projects often involve:

Collaborative Storytelling: Inviting participants to co-create scenes and narratives based on their lived experiences, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
Empathy-Driven Exercises: Using improv to develop emotional intelligence, active listening, and perspective-taking, helping participants relate to others' experiences.
Reflective Engagement: Guiding participants to reflect on their improvisational choices, examining how these choices reflect and influence their relationships and outlooks.

Community Outreach Philosophy

Elizabeth believes in the power of improv to create positive change in the community. Her outreach initiatives bring improv to a wide variety of settings, including schools, nonprofit organizations, and public events. These experiences aim to:

Bridge Social Barriers: Improv games and exercises create a safe, fun environment where people of diverse backgrounds can connect and collaborate.
Build Essential Life Skills: Sessions focus on soft skills like adaptability, teamwork, and creative problem-solving, equipping participants with tools they can apply in daily life.
Foster Confidence and Resilience: By guiding participants through playful risk-taking, Elizabeth encourages them to trust themselves and embrace challenges with a positive mindset.