Feature Article The Marshmallow Problem
by Shana Merlin
Do you know about Ted?
No, I'm not talking about Ted Rutherford, the amazing Merlin Works Improv Teacher and founder of Responsible Men. I'm talking about the TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Conference, which has leaders in their field give short presentations on their area of expertise and makes their lectures available for free on their website. The TED mission is to spread ideas, and they are doing a great job of it. There's even a TEDxAustin (an independently organized TED event) right here in town, and one of my students, executive coach Jen Spencer, is a founder.
I listen to the TED podcast when I exercise or run errands and they often leave me energized and excited about new ideas. Recently, I listened to a speech by Tom Wujec, a designer who works to help groups solve problems and understand ideas. In his research, he's explored on The Marshmallow Challenge. The task is simple:
In eighteen minutes, teams of four must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top.
He gave this task to a wide range of people and discovered something interesting about who did the best. Some of the worst performers: recent MBA school grads. Some of the best performers: recent Kindergarten grads.
What was the main difference between these two groups? First of all, the five-year-olds didn't spend a lot of time jockeying for power, or as Wujec puts it, "Trying to be CEO of Spaghetti Inc." Even more important was that the kindergarteners' process was full of play and prototyping. They would start with the marshmallow and build down. They would try something and if it didn't work, try something else. So by the end of 18 minutes, they had made 4 or 5 attempts and had some proven results to build upon. They also ended up making some of the most creative and interesting structures. The MBA students were looking for the right answer to make the tallest tower. They planned, they executed, and at the very last moment, they put the marshmallow on top, and more often than not the tower would crumble under its weight. They ended with a crisis and no time to recover, failing the challenge completely.
This makes me think about how having the improv spirit and process can compensate for obstacles like lack of experience and knowledge. The improv spirit can make inexperienced kindergarteners outperform young professionals. Specifically, there's great value in taking small risks and having small failures before you need big results. It helps you test your ideas, learn what works, get your bearings and build on successes.
Similarly, there's an advantage to trying out different things and coming up with multiple solutions, not just the one perfect solution. In improv, if you try and get it right, you will be paralyzed. You tighten up. You take too long. If you are comfortable with a little mediocrity and failure, you can create multiple solutions, or at least learn from multiple failures.
So the question is, how do we get MBA graduates to become more like kindergarteners? Well, my answer is improv training. Let them learn to take risks, be good sports, work together, be playful and spontaneous, so they can leverage all their business skills in collaborative teams.
Wujec did an interesting twist with the Marshmallow Challenge. He wanted to see what would happen if he made success more important. He raised the stakes and added a $10,000 prize to the team with the highest tower. And what happened? At the end of 18 minutes there were no towers left standing! Everyone was so competitive and trying to do their best that they all failed. Turns out, in the high stakes timed trial, a team with a simple one-inch tower would have won.
This takes me to another aspect of improv: letting go of attachment to outcome. Narrow focus on outcome can be extremely damaging not only to the process, but also to the results. Oftentimes, if you don't care about the results, but are thoroughly engaged in the process, you end up with great results. Improvisers know that it's not about getting the correct first idea; it's how you develop it. We are able to start when we don't know how we will finish. We trust action over deliberation. And we know to accept ideas and build on them.
This is another reason why improv training is so important for life skills. It gives people a chance to try out a new lifestyle or identity in a safe, low-stakes environment. When the stakes are high (like a $10,000 prize) it can bring out the worst in us--the most fearful, competitive, and self-doubting. But if, like kindergarteners, we have a safe environment to experiment in, practicing being open to other people, letting go of planning, taking risks--and it all seems to work out, we can start doing these things in more important situations: job searches, date nights, and creative pursuits. It's basically iterative invention or prototyping for life: try out being more present, connected and playful. And when you see the early successes, you can build on them in more important situations.
NEXT ROUND OF IMPROV CLASSES: The next round of improv classes is starting up July 14th. If you register by July 15th, you'll still pay the usual $150 price. After July 15th, prices go up to $175. So register by July 15th and save $25. Free Intro to Improv Wednesday July 14 8:15pm - 10:15pm
Improv Singing 101 Wednesdays 8pm - 10pm July 21 - Sept 15 (No Class Sept 1) with Aden Kirschner, Shana Merlin, Michael Brockman, and Jason Laney Improv 101 Saturdays 12pm - 2pm July 24 - Sept 18 (No Class Sept 4) with Shana Merlin and Aden Kirschner Improv 201 Mondays 8pm - 10pm July 19 - Sept 13 (No Class Sept 6) with Shana Merlin and Shannon McCormick Improv 301 Saturdays 2:30pm - 4:30pm July 24 - Sept 18 (No Class Sept 4) with Shana Merlin and Lauren Zinn Improv 501 Wednesdays 6pm - 8pm July 21 - Sept 15 (No Class Sept 1) with Ted Rutherford and Shana Merlin Improv 601 Mondays 6pm - 8pm July 19 - Sept 13 (No Class Sept 6) with Shana Merlin and Ted Rutherford
To register or for more information visit our website.
DUSK SUMMER FUNDRAISERS : Come help us prepare for our big New York debut with these special fundraiser shows! Friday June 25th and Friday July 2nd at 8pm at SVT. Come support our 2010 National Tour.
SOCCER GAME: MERLIN WORKS AND GNAP!: In an attempt to combine my two loves, Merlin Works and Gnap! have been inviting all their students, performers, family and friends to play a laid back soccer match. Bring a light and dark t-shirt, cleats if you have 'em (but sneakers will do), and a bottle of water. All are welcome for this social and sporting event. 10am on Sunday June 27th at the soccer fields at 41st and Red River.
Be my Facebook Fan: I just set up a Fan page if you want to get more frequent updates about Merlin Works classes, shows and events. Be my fan!
DUSK IN NYC JULY 9-11: Gnap! Theater Projects smash hit show is heading to New York City this summer. We'll be performing Dusk Off-Off-Broadway at the Tank Theater in NYC July 9, 10, and 11th. Please tell anyone and everyone you know in New York City about our little show. Invite them to our event on Facebook and send them here to buy tickets.
MERLIN WORKS IMPROV MIXER: It's almost time to mix, mingle, play and audition again at Merlin Works. Along with our regular instructor-led warm-up and scene work jam, it will also serve as open auditions for upcoming Gnap! Theater Projects shows and troupes. Sunday July 18th at 3pm - 5pm at SVT. RSVP to me
INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS at the ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE and the LONG CENTER: The scripted 1930's science fiction radio drama I was touring the country with last year is now a comic book and a live action graphic novel. I'll be performing in 10 minute episodes every month at the Alamo Drafthouse before a movie." This fall I'll be performing the full show in the Dell Concert Hall at the Long Center For the Performing Arts September 3rd and 4th.
HURRICANE PARTY: Merlin Works is doing a team building event for Hurricane Party, a startup that has been accepted by The Capital Factory. If you have a special event coming up that could use some fun, interactive improv comedy training, drop us a line at shana@merlin-works.com
GNAP! SHOWS AT SVT: Gnap! Theater Projects has a brand new website! It's all fancy and you should go check it out. Gnap! is giddy with anticipation of their next show, Guilds of Steel: The Reign of Haggoth, running July 9 - July 31 Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. It's improvised serial epic of swords and sandals--a look at the inner workings of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games and the people who play them. Starting July 9th all the other Gnap! Shows will be back up and running: Saturdays at 10pm with two acts is The Saturday Night Special and 1st Fridays is No Shame Theater, an open mike performance series. For tickets and show information go online.
OUT OF BOUNDS COMEDY FESTIVAL: It's the biggest week of comedy in Austin for the whole year. August 31 - September 6th. Top notch troupes from around the country and around the world descent upon Austin for shows, classes, parties, and more. It's so big it takes over SVT and we don't have any MW improv classes that week. All three of my projects will be performing: Get Up, Girls Girls Girls Improvised Musicals, and Dusk: Improvised Tween Erotica.
Classes
The Merlin Works Institute for Improvisation at The Salvage Vanguard Theater 2803 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722 All Classes: $150, unless otherwise noted
To register, click here.
Shortform Foundation Series
Everyone starts with the Shortform Foundation Series. Here you will learn the fundamentals of gameplay and scene work while becoming the kind of person that is truly fun to play with. After Improv 101, Improv 201 and Improv 301, you will have a solid foundation in "Whose Line Is It Anyway's"-style games and be ready for your big graduation show.
FREE INTRO TO IMPROV CLASS
Want to taste a sample before you buy the whole box? Come on down to our Free Intro to Improv Class. Get to know our teachers and our style as we play fun, fast paced group games that teach us how to be more playful, spontaneous, and flexible.
IMPROV 101:
For complete beginners and experienced actors, this workshop teaches the fundamentals of improvisation. The class's interactive exercises build listening and communication skills, heighten awareness and teach you how to be more playful, spontaneous and flexible. Play short form improv games like you see on TV's "Whose Line Is It Anyways?" in a fun and safe environment.
Saturdays July 24 - Sept 18 (No Class Sept 4), 2010
12pm - 2pm (8 Meetings)
Instructors: Shana Merlin and Aden Kirschner
Class size limit = 16
To register, click here.
IMPROV 201: Mondays July 19 - Sept 13 (No Class Sept 6), 2010
8pm - 10pm (8 meetings)
Instructors: with Shannon McCormick and Shana Merlin
To register, click here.
IMPROV 301: Saturdays July 24 - Sept 18 (No Class Sept 4), 2010
2:30pm - 4:30pm (8 meetings)
Instructors: Shana Merlin and Lauren Zinn
To register, click here.
Longform Performance Series
For students and improvisers who have completed Improv 301 or with over a year of improv experience under their belts, The Longform Performance Series will give you the tools and training to perform improvised plays, movies, and stories. To register, click here.
IMPROV 401: September Dates TBA, 2010
Times TBA (8 meetings)
Instructors: Shana Merlin
To register, click here.
IMPROV 501: Wednesdays July 21 - Sept 15 (No Class Sept 1), 2010
6pm - 8pm (8 meetings)
Instructors: Shana Merlin and Ted Rutherford
To register, click here.
IMPROV 601: Mondays July 19 - Sept 13 (No Class Sept 6), 2010
6pm - 8pm (8 meetings, 2 rehearsals, 3 or more shows)
To register, click here.
Specialty Classes
IMPROV MIXER Sunday July 18th 3pm - 5pm
Price: Free
Instructors: Shana Merlin
To RSVP, email Shana Merlin.
The Mixer is open to the entire community: students, free agents, existing troupes looking for new members, coaches, or anyone who wants a free workout. At the beginning, directors will announce their shows and say what they are looking for. Then I will lead an improv warm-up where everyone will get to know each other and get comfortable. Then we will be divided into groups for open scene work. It's free, it's fun, and you just might get cast in a show or set up with a group of improvisers and a coach to form a new troupe.
IMPROV SINGING 101 Wednesdays July 21 - Sept 15 (No Class Sept 1) 2010 8pm - 10pm (8 meetings)
Price: $200
Instructors: Shana Merlin, Aden Kirschner, Michael Brockman, and Jason Laney To register, click here.
Have fun making up your own songs with a live musical improviser every week. We will cover topics such as rhyming, song structure, song styles, song presentation, lyrics, duets, short form singing games, and communicating with the musical improviser. It's like karaoke, but you make up your own words. This is one of our most popular classes and only gets offered once or twice a year. You don't need to be a great singer to take this class, you just need to enjoy singing. (Class size limit = 14)
Shows
DUSK: IMPROVISED TWEEN EROTICA It's loving mockery of the latest pop cultural sensation: vampires. Examining the tension in the strangely chaste bodice ripping series, Twilight, Dusk: Improvised Tween Erotica, lets audiences luxuriate in the rich, guilty pleasure of vampires, werewolves, and deeply conflicted adolescent sexuality. Catch the show before we head to New York.
THE INTERGALACTIC NEMESIS, The Intergalactic Nemesis is a period sci-fi adventure with a little romance thrown in. It's told through comic books, a live-action graphic novel, a radio drama, and website. Nemesis is suitable for the kid in everyone!
We'll be performing preview episodes each month at the Alamo Drafthouse on opening weekends of big sci-fi and fantasy movies. But the question remains: can Shana actually perform scripted lines?! Come watch and find out.
GET UP, duo improv comedy. Expect multiple characters, quick edits, and sophisticated comedy as they make up a complete story on the spot inspired by randomly selected theme music.
Here are some things I'd like to celebrate, recommend, or share:
WORLD CUP SOCCER: I don't think I've ever been so into the World Cup before. With the combination of the games streaming online and the US team pulling out some great wins, it's been a great year for World Cup fans. I never actually watch live sporting events that I'm invested in at sports bars, but I got to tell you, it's so much fun! Screaming, moaning, jumping up, high fiving, hugging. It's so emotional and theatrical. So funny that it's thought of as a "guy thing."
THE ATLANTIC MAGAZINE: I think I lucked in to a free subscription to The Atlantic Magazine from my dad's bonus miles and I've really gotten into it over the past year. They do great stories, interesting angles, well researched and well written. This month's isue: The End of Men: How Women Are Taking Control-- of Everything. A fascinating read.
AUTO TUNE THE NEWS: Finally auto-tune is being used for something good. These guys re-mix the new and make it into sweet songs for the masses.
Team Building & Corporate Training Events
Have Merlin Works come to your business or organization and energize them with unique training that will improve communication skills, teamwork, creativity, and presentations skills. Contact me and find out what Merlin-Works can do for you.
In an attempt to combine my two loves, Merlin Works and Gnap! have been inviting all their students, performers, family and friends to play a laid back soccer match. Bring a light and dark t-shirt, cleats if you have 'em (but sneakers will do), and a bottle of water. All are welcome for this social and sporting event. 10am on Sunday June 27th at the soccer fields at 41st and Red River. 
I just set up a Fan page if you want to get more frequent updates about Merlin Works classes, shows and events. Be my fan! 
Gnap! Theater Projects smash hit show is heading to New York City this summer. We'll be performing Dusk Off-Off-Broadway at the Tank Theater in NYC July 9, 10, and 11th. Please tell anyone and everyone you know in New York City about our little show. Invite them to our event on 
It's almost time to mix, mingle, play and audition again at Merlin Works. Along with our regular instructor-led warm-up and scene work jam, it will also serve as open auditions for upcoming Gnap! Theater Projects shows and troupes. Sunday July 18th at 3pm - 5pm at SVT. RSVP to 
The scripted 1930's science fiction radio drama I was touring the country with last year is now a comic book and a live action graphic novel. I'll be performing in 10 minute episodes every month at the Alamo Drafthouse before a movie." This fall I'll be performing the full show in the Dell Concert Hall at the Long Center For the Performing Arts September 3rd and 4th. 
Gnap! Theater Projects has a brand new website! It's all fancy and you should go check it out. Gnap! is giddy with anticipation of their next show, Guilds of Steel: The Reign of Haggoth, running July 9 - July 31 Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. It's improvised serial epic of swords and sandals--a look at the inner workings of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games and the people who play them. Starting July 9th all the other Gnap! Shows will be back up and running: Saturdays at 10pm with two acts is The Saturday Night Special and 1st Fridays is No Shame Theater, an open mike performance series. For tickets and show information go 
It's the biggest week of comedy in Austin for the whole year. August 31 - September 6th. Top notch troupes from around the country and around the world descent upon Austin for shows, classes, parties, and more. It's so big it takes over SVT and we don't have any MW improv classes that week. All three of my projects will be performing: 
I don't think I've ever been so into the World Cup before. With the combination of the games streaming online and the US team pulling out some great wins, it's been a great year for World Cup fans. I never actually watch live sporting events that I'm invested in at sports bars, but I got to tell you, it's so much fun! Screaming, moaning, jumping up, high fiving, hugging. It's so emotional and theatrical. So funny that it's thought of as a "guy thing." 
