Lucas Mobley ‘16 is back to invite the class of 2027 into the world of improvisation.

Mobley is the most recent addition to the arts department as the beginning acting teacher.

His love for improv started right here in Maura Vaughn’s program. At Yale he was part of a musical improv group named Just Add Water that toured nationally twice a year. Touring led to the discovery of a new passion, as Mobley began teaching on tours. Each show was accompanied by performer-led workshops with people of all ages.

Previously, Mobley brought his skills and knowledge to Branson as a guest artist in acting classes. Now, he’s enjoying working with students in a year-long course. When the position opened up, Mobley jumped at the opportunity to work with Vaughn.

“Maura is a colleague now but has been a friend and a mentor throughout my life,” he said.

Touting the benefits of improvisation skills, Mobley explained that what seems like a niche acting technique actually has far wider applications.

“[Improv] is really a translatable skill in which you learn how to really be an engaged listener, how to effectively communicate, with public speaking, meeting, and working with people collaboratively,” he said.

Perhaps most of all, Mobley said that teaching improv is “really fulfilling — and really, really fun.”