An Economist Opens an Improv Theatre
How improv skills help with business, management, and entrepreneurship
What do economics, entrepreneurship, and improv have in common? More than you might think.
I’m James Tierney, an economics educator turned entrepreneur who opened an improv theatre in State College, PA. In this 30-60 minute interactive session, I share how the skills that drive great improv, including adaptability, collaboration, and active listening, are also the very skills that fuel entrepreneurial success, leadership, and innovation.
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a hands-on, high-energy experience that leaves students with actionable strategies for their startups, classes, and careers.
From Stage to Startup Success
The lessons I learned from improv didn’t just help me open a theatre; they’ve fueled the growth of my education business, Tierney Education.
Today, my wife and I run the business full-time, and we’re in the process of expanding to new locations. Improv taught me how to adapt when things didn’t go as planned, collaborate with others, and build opportunities brick-by-brick. Those lessons apply whether you’re on stage, pitching investors, or leading a startup team.
Improv taught me how to adapt, collaborate, and build opportunities brick-by-brick. Skills that drive success in any venture.
Who It’s For
This talk is designed for:
Entrepreneurship students
Business & leadership program participants
Student startup founders & pitch competition teams
Faculty & program leaders seeking interactive workshops
What Participants Will Learn
By the end of the session, participants will:
Be Present – Adapt quickly in unpredictable situations
Embrace Emotions – Communicate authentically and connect deeply
Build Brick-by-Brick – Foster collaboration and trust in teams
Listen with Empathy – Unlock better ideas through active listening
Make Others Look Good – Lead by empowering those around you
Why It Matters
Entrepreneurship programs thrive when students learn to think on their feet, take risks, and build together. This talk delivers:
Practical skills that improve teamwork, pitching, and innovation
An experiential, memorable workshop instead of another lecture
A format that is customizable to your program’s needs (30 - 60 minutes)
Students walk away with skills they can apply immediately to their ventures, classes, and future careers.
About James Tierney
James Tierney is the founder of Tierney Education, a full-service academic coaching and tutoring company. A former economics professor at Penn State, James blends academic expertise with entrepreneurial experience as the owner of Happy Valley Improv.
Together with his wife Kimberly, he runs Tierney Education full time, helping students succeed while expanding the company into new markets. James has delivered workshops for university programs, corporate teams, and community organizations nationwide.
Request More Info.
james@tierneyeducation.com
(518) 569-6498
333 S Allen Street
State College PA 16801