Commentary, Opinion, thoughts
READING & WATCHING RECOMMENDATIONS for Improvisers (NOT Specifically about Improvisation) Improvisers can work on their skills from many sources. Here are some book, movie, and television recommendations from improvisers to help you improve your skills. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND I WILL INCLUDE THEM HERE Enjoy
IMPROVISATION READING RECOMMENDATIONS send your recommendations, (books, documentaries, manuals and more) There are SO MANY books about Improvisation. Here is a list of books recommended by the improvisation community and why they like them. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS AND I WILL INCLUDE THEM HERE Enjoy
Testimonials GAMES YOU CAN’T PLAY ANYMORE… “CAN’T PLAY?!?!?! But I’m an Improviser!!! I can do anything I want!! I’m free to be ME and do whatever I want to do!” Yeah… sure. You CAN do ANYTHING you want… And then deal with the negative fall-out of your audience, sponsors and Read more…
CROSSING THE LINE! A LITTLE THOUGHT-SHOWER SEX, POLITICS, CULTURAL APPROPRIATION, GENDER, AGEISM, RACE, HISTORY, ME TOO, BLACK LIVES MATTER, RELIGION, 2SLGTBQIA+, CANCEL CULTURE, WOKE, INCLUSIVENENSS, MICRO AGRESSION, TRIGGER WARNING, etc, etc. This isn’t an argument for anything – I’m just keeping the dialogue open about the numerous “red lines” we might Read more…
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION! EXPLORING AND DISCUSSING YOUR QUESTIONS RESPECT THE AUDIENCE “Is there a volunteer from the audience who would like to join us on stage?” This phrase can send a wave of fear through the audience. It’s not because they don’t want to help you out. It’s because audience Read more…
CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION! EXPLORING AND DISCUSSING YOUR QUESTIONS In last month’s newsletter (DECEMBER 2023) I wrote one suggestion that some people should quit improvising if it doesn’t make them happy. As I suspected, a couple of you wrote to me demanding a refund for all the workshops I gave to Read more…
KEITH’S LABORATORY Immanuela Lawrence’s article on Keith Johnstone, his legacy and influence is full of rich details and inspiration about the theatre visionary. The original article can be found at AlbertaViews.ca Keith Johnstone improvising with a mirror (featuring photographer Roger Mayne’s legs). Alberta Was His Finest Laboratory The passing of world-renowned improvisation guru Keith Johnstone By IMMANUELA LAWRENCE Improviser, Read more…
DON’T FAKE IT (’til you make it.) You must have heard this term before, “FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT!!” “FAKE IT ‘TILL YOU MAKE IT” is an encouragement to PRESENT A CONFIDENT FACADE and HIDE THE FEELING that you aren’t confident. “Bullshit when you can’t be credible”. “Be confident where Read more…
TALKING WITH MYSELF! Daniel Allan – Improvisation New Zealand TALKING WITH MYSELF is a series of self-interviews with an improviser you might want to meet one day. Today’s guest is Daniel Allan. From one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Daniel Allan talks to Daniel Allan about improvisation Read more…
KEITH JOHNSTONE’S Festive Wake There was death on stilts, cupcakes and cotton candy. There was a taco truck and a classical quartet. Bananas were broken and there was a matted Gorilla flown in from New Zealand. Keith asked for a festive wake. And that’s what he got. For those who Read more…