How Improv Theater Unlocks Better EM Collaboration with Andrew Phelps

What if the secret to better emergency collaboration isn't another FEMA course—but improv theater techniques? In this episode, Andrew Phelps, COO of AC Disaster Consulting, reveals why emergency management's biggest myth is that "collaboration just happens." Drawing from his unique background as a trained actor and emergency management leader, Andrew shares how principles from improvisational theater can transform how we work together during disasters. From the "Yes, And" principle to making your partners look brilliant, discover practical frameworks for breaking down barriers, building trust, and creating more effective emergency teams—on both blue sky and dark sky days. Time Stamps 0:50 - Guest Introduction 1:28 - Challenges in Emergency Management 4:46 - Andrew's Background in Theater 6:09 - Five Principles of Improv 11:37 - Overcoming Collaboration Barriers 13:31 - Cultural Shifts Needed 17:24 - Emergency Management Is Everybody's Job 20:10 - Supporting Collaborative Instincts 25:21 - Balancing Stakeholder Needs 28:16 - Managing Scope Creep 34:30 - Closing Thoughts About Andrew Phelps is the Chief Operating Officer with AC Disaster Consulting. Immediately prior to joining ACDC, Andrew served as the Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management where he oversaw the state’s comprehensive planning, training, exercise, and community engagement programs to reduce risk across the state and manage the consequences from emergencies and disasters. Andrew also served as the governor’s Homeland Security Advisor and the Governor’s Authorized Representative for nine federal disaster declarations. In 2022, Andrew led the creation of the state’s first cabinet-level Department of Emergency Management replacing the previous office of emergency management that had been a division of the Military Department. He has served as a firefighter, public information officer, planner, search and rescue technician, emergency operations center manager, emergency medical technician, and other roles throughout his career. Andrew is an honors graduate from John Jay College in New York City. He received his Master of Arts from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security in Monterey, California. His thesis, Play Well With Others: Improvisational Theater and Collaboration in the Homeland Security Environment was published in 2013. Andrew is also a graduate of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and the FEMA Vanguard crisis leadership program. He is currently serving a three-year term on FEMA’s National Advisory Council (NAC) where he leads the Climate Subcommittee. Sources: Phelps, A. J. (2013). Play well with others: Improvisational theater and collaboration in the homeland security environment . (Master's thesis/Paper). Naval Postgraduate School. Andrew Phelps on LI

You can listen to How Improv Theater Unlocks Better EM Collaboration with Andrew Phelps online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

How Improv Theater Unlocks Better EM Collaboration with Andrew Phelps is an episode from Dancing with the Black Elephant by Andrew Boyarsky.

This episode is 36:11 long.

This episode was published on Mar 2, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Dancing with the Black Elephant when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.