Applied improvisation is a training approach that is needed now, more than ever. Empathy, the ability to relate to another’s situation emotionally and vicariously, is crucial tuning for the future. Because an experiential approach to learning allows participants to gain embodied knowledge, to identify useful behaviors and to practice skills related to positive interpersonal communication, it is an invaluable tool for cultivating empathy.In this workshop we will first experience a series of activities that build empathy by encouraging listening, understanding, and perspective taking.We will debrief the experience by discussing how each activity provides a different opportunity for seeing the situation from another’s point of view, for changing perspectives, and for recognizing differences. We will conclude by applying our new understanding to the design of a new game with a learning goal of building empathy.