# The Improvisation School

> Question - Explore - Risk - Play - Grow


## Posts

- [WAIT!!! There's More](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/02/28/wait-theres-more/): There’s More The Game One day while we were working on Keith Johnstone’s “Tilts” (dramatic alterations of relationships in scenes), I noticed three main reasons why people weren’t being affected on stage. The person receiving the information refused to be altered. The person receiving the information simply wasn’t paying attention The information wasn’t impactful and didn’t warrant a big change.* There are numerous games that impact the first two issues. The third problem is a little problematic.  * We know that ANYTHING can have an impact on our character if we justify it right.Take Keith Johnstone’s IT’S TUESDAY game. In that […]
- [TIPS & TRICKS  clean air teaching](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/02/28/tips-tricks-clean-air-teaching/): TIPS AND TRICKS CLEAR THE AIR! CLEAN AIR CLASSROOM If you run a workshop space or are teaching, you might want to clear the air about… the air. A few years ago I was teaching a class in Ljubljana, Slovenia for IGLU IMPROVISATION.  Vid Sodnik – that wild and wonderful Slovenian – brought me into one of their three studios and said, “this is the place you will be teaching”. It was a smallish studio that was bright and comfortable.  I looked around and on the wall I saw what I thought was the temperature adjustment device. I glanced at it and […]
- [Sorry, Can We Start Again?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/02/28/sorry-can-we-start-again/): SORRY, CAN WE RESTART? The Game Italian Improviser and manic mathematician Peppe Marchei, proposed a game the other day that is worth looking at. If any of you play with this, please send us your thoughts and  help Peppe develop it further. Peppe writes:  “I proposed (the game) yesterday. The class seemed very responsive to the structure in a positive way. They started to be more relaxed, more open to opportunities and really listened to their partners (probably because they know they might have to repeat the same scene many times…). Any thoughts or comments?  GAME: SORRY, CAN WE RESTART? ORIGIN: Peppe Marchei […]
- [RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVISERS- Not Specifically about Improvisation](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/02/21/recommendations-for-improvisers-not-specifically-about-improvisation/): 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
- [RECOMMENDATIONS - IMPROVISATION RELATED](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/02/20/br-reading-recommendations-improvisation-related/): 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
- [7 Places where it's illegal to IMPROVISE](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/02/07/7-places-where-its-illegal-to-improvise/): Change slides by grabbing & sliding them left or right or clicking the arrows 7 PLACES WHERE IMPROVISATION WAS OR IS ILLEGAL  In some places Improvisation will get you fined or thrown into prison. At some points in history it could have been worse.  . Here are 7 places where spontaneity on stage has been or is forbidden. If you don’t want to get into trouble you’d better stick to the script!.  1/7 U.K – ENGLAND / GREAT BRITAIN As a way to stop subversive actions during war time in England, the government passed a law that all stage performances must […]
- [Hand Directing](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/02/07/hand-directing/): Hand Directing The Game Some of you might know Keith Johnstone’s “STAGE DIRECTION’S” exercise. When one person in the scene says a line of dialogue; “Hello!” their partner immediately supplies the stage action that follows; “She said, while walking towards me with her hand out.“.   It’s a great game to practice for giving and taking control and moving stories forward. I love the game now but it wasn’t an easy one for me to connect with at first. The frustration I had while learning to play and teach the game was that I recognized a weakness in the exercise for people who […]
- [Improvisation New Year Resolution](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/01/06/improvisation-new-year-resolution/): Change slides by grabbing & sliding them left or right or clicking the arrows 7 TIPS FOR A YEAR OF INSPIRED IMPROVISATION A new year begins and it’s time to refocus and remember useful ideas that will make you the improviser that everyone wants to play with this year.  2025 IMPRO RESOLUTIONS – 1/7 1 – DEFINE DEFINE DEFINE Fear filled improvisers pass the responsibility of definition onto their partners. This year, practice being the expert in your imaginary world. Know the names of other characters, be able to read the ancient manuscripts on your adventures, define the gift that’s in […]
- [AND NOW](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2025/01/06/and-now/): AND NOW! The Game I’ve been thinking about a game that moves stories forward while training improvisers to accept, explore or alter ideas even when they don’t initially see merit in their partner’s offers. In Keith Johnstone’s “WHAT COMES NEXT?” – (one of the best impro exercises devised) a performer asks “WHAT COMES NEXT”. Another improviser yells out the suggestion to move the story forward.  Example:  What comes first? “Walk outside!” —  What comes next? “Greet your neighbour.” What comes next? “Notice YOUR dog tied to a rope in their yard.” The first performer can accept the idea by performing it or […]
- [The Ageing Improviser](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/12/14/the-ageing-improviser/): THE AGEING IMPROVISER “Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength. – Betty Friedan Expiry Date – all things end This age of improvisation has existed for a relatively short time. Spolin and Johnstone let the beast loose in classrooms and on stage starting around the mid 1900’s. The earliest recognized improvisation practitioners – the Atellan Farce in Rome around 391 BC – have long passed and those who performed Commedia  Dell’arte faded away in the late 1700’s. Spolin died in 1994. Johnstone died 2023.  Time passes. We flourish for a blip in time and fade away.The question […]
- [Audience Interaction games](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/12/14/audience-interaction-games/): Audience Interaction Games Respect, Engage, Incorporate The Audience – Your other partner The audience has come to watch the show. Some of them might be willing to join you on stage if you are brave enough and have tools to make it an enjoyable experience for everyone. If you avoid the audience, (like some performers), you miss out on one of the important differences that improvisation has over traditional theatre. Some performers implicitly see the audience as a beast to be tamed. Others understand they are our partner. If you are looking for HOW to interact with the audience, check out […]
- [The Brave Art of Definition](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/12/13/the-brave-art-of-definition/): The Brave Skill of Defining A GIFT FOR YOUR PARTNER Defining unseen details in a scene is a gift to your partner. Seeing the poster on the wall or the footsteps of the Giant gives the scene direction. Ignoring the details removes possibilities for adventure and exploration.  While other performers search for a “great story” by putting pressure on themselves to create conflict, great improvisers light the way towards memorable moments with the elements ignored by everyone else.  Definition connects the audience and performers with clear understanding of the location, who the characters are, what the world around them is about […]
- [Games You CAN NOT Play Anymore](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/09/29/games-you-can-not-play-anymore/): 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 other cast members. The artistic director says you can’t swear on stage. Your particular commitment to morality prevents you from certain religious or sexual topics. Sensitivity to political correctness means avoiding talk about divisive issues, politicians or topics. There are some games and exercises that you are less likely to play […]
- [The KING Game - the secret to comedy](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/09/28/the-king-game-the-secret-to-comedy/): THE KING GAME The Secret to Comedy Keith Johnstone introduces this game to his students long before I met him. He used it to teach status and “being obvious”.  Over the years as I played and taught it, I noticed that it offered so much more and I emphasized other aspects of the game. When Keith saw me teaching it one day he said, “I suppose that works.” (High praise from Keith). “But it’s not what I intended.” Since then, I still announce, “This is Keith’s game,” but I add that it’s intention in my version has a different focus. To […]
- ["NOTHING:" is an offer](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/09/28/nothing-is-an-offer/): TIPS AND TRICKS “NOTHING” is an Offer “NOTHING” is an Offer   What’s an offer? The Improviser says, “Dr. Those pills you prescribed made me feel so much better!” The offers are: the speaker is the patient,  you are the Doctor,  the patient has visited this Doctor before and the patient has had an issue that the good Doctor has been able to solve. That’s a lot of information implied in ONE sentence.  Add to the script how the patient is dressed, how the office looks, etc. It can add the era of the scene, the social class, the city, town […]
- [Hoop Games](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/08/30/hoop-games/): HOOP GAMES Dancing Poodles A “HOOP GAME” refers to a game improvisers play where the main purpose is to prove how clever the improvisers are.  The name, ‘HOOP GAME” comes from the idea of dancing poodles in their tutus jumping through hoops in a circus, cleverly entertaining the audience with slightly demeaning, rehearsed technical tricks Hoop games are OK… in the same way that sugar coated cereal is in the morning. Once in a while it MIGHT be fun but if you replace substance with fluff and empty offerings too often, you’re going to make yourself (and your audience) sick Examples […]
- [WEE WISDOM - Falling Down](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/08/28/wee-wisdom-falling-down/): WEE WISDOMS DON’T GET BACK UP! Hi I’m JONAH I havent been writing here much. i been busy lernin stuff. THERES SO MUCH 2 LERN!!! Heres sumthin my daddy says i taught him.  i tripped when i was running. i fell down in the livingroom. i stayed down on the floor. I didnt get up. my daddy couldnt figure out why i didnt get up. he lay down on the floor with me and saw i waz smiling. he looked where i was looking under the sofa. he saw that i found the ball i was looking for yesterday. LESSUN LERNED […]
- [PANTS ON FIRE!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/08/22/pants-on-fire/): PANTS ON FIRE! The Format A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE FORMAT Before we get into HOW TO PLAY PANTS ON FIRE, here’s the story of how one format inspired two others and PANTS ON FIRE was born. If you aren’t interested in this exciting and adrenaline pumping story, skip down to INSTRUCTIONS on playing the PANTS ON FIRE format.  But, KNOW THIS! There is a curse if you fail to read this introduction. No there isn’t. That would be just wrong!. And a little stupid.  And I can’t figure out how to do it.  BUT… the history of things is good […]
- [UNFROZEN!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/08/01/unfrozen/): TIPS AND TRICKS UNFROZEN UNFROZEN! Deborah from Vancouver sent me a note after our workshop. She asked: Where to find ideas to help the story. All of a sudden I’m up there and I forget what I do in the kitchen or in the car or at school! Help and Thank you! 🙂 Deb B. IMPROVISER First of all, know that it isn’t uncommon to have the brain freeze once in a while. You aren’t the only one. Let’s dive into these two topics.  “FIND IDEAS TO HELP THE STORY” and “UN-Freeze” the thoughts when it appears they have left.  There […]
- [Walk The Tightrope!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/08/01/walk-the-tightrope/): WALK THE TIGHTROPE CREATING AN IMPRO COMPANY THE BEGINNING OF AN IMPRO THEATRE COMPANY On the high wire of improvisation challenges is the act of creating and running your own Theatre company. The risks are high and the uncertainty is great. Let’s look at TIGHTROPE THEATRE from Vancouver Canada and see how it became a magnet that attracts engaged performers and company members and a healthy audience who returns week after week.  As the pandemic was closing the doors of theatres around the world, Ali Froggatt was signing the lease on her first theatre space. Luckily, she escaped through the back […]
- [Become an Improviser - SEE THE WORLD](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/07/31/become-an-improviser-see-the-world/): AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS A WORLD OF IMPROVISATION IMPROVISE! TRAVEL THE GLOBE “OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO!!!” DR. SEUSS Travel was never my goal in life.  Improvisation had other plans for me! It flung me over mountains, across oceans, into ancient ruins, under the earth and into the air. Over the years I’ve visited 54 countries, teaching, performing and embracing the amazing community of improvisers that are EVERYWHERE! The best thing about travelling as an improviser is arriving in Bogota, Malta or Botswana, and not being a tourist.  Your family of improvisers take you dancing with the locals […]
- [PUSH BACK - PLEASE!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/06/28/push-back-please/): TIPS AND TRICKS PUSH-BACK – PLEASE! PUSH-BACK – PLEASE! I have to be honest and tell you that I’ve had a difficult time writing this post. It’s not that there’s anything  controversial or in any way emotional about it. It’s just that there are a lot of moving parts to consider. The more I write, the more there is to say. So, at the risk of overly simplifying, let’s chat about the need for RESISTANCE to help your partner play the evil characters. This weekend I saw a performer in one scene look like a charmless buffoon, obsessed with drugs and […]
- [I'M NOT LEAVING](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/06/28/im-not-leaving/): I’M NOT LEAVING! The Game This game is more of a tool to incorporate into a scene rather than a structural game. And it’s fun to play. Have you heard of the phrase “Torment The Hero”? This is a concept Keith Johnstone used to describe the task of frustrating the protagonist: Get in the way of their objectives. Challenge their values. Wrap them in frustration and disaster Why would we want this?  Because it’s fun. We wouldn’t want these things to happen to us but we want to see how others deal with the shit when it hits the fan! Why […]
- [Around the World in 80 ways! - NEPAL](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/06/28/around-the-world-in-80-ways-nepal/): AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS A WORLD OF IMPROVISATION POKHARA, NEPAL Insights and introspection from Bhupendra Dhakal An inspired Nepalese improviser Bhupendra Dhakal Improviser AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 WAYS Pokhara, Nepal Improvisation at the top of the world It was way back in 2018 that a random message appeared in my inbox on social media. “Hello, Shawn. It is good to meet you here…” After the customary profile check, I realized that the fingers typing this surprise message to me were based in NEPAL and owned by one of the most enthusiastic Improvisation explorers I’ve come across in years, […]
- [INSTANTLY, A BETTER IMPROVISER](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/06/06/instantly-a-better-improviser/): INSTANTLY, A BETTER IMPROVISER Simple tactics to improve your performance SIMPLE STUFF Improvisers constantly forget the  reality of stage craft.  Caught up in our world of make-believe, it’s easy to ignore audience sight lines. (If you can’t see them, they probably can’t see you)  We whisper intimately but forget that the people in the last row of the theatre don’t have super-sonic hearing. (Speak up please!) Here are basic trap that we all fall into. Attending to these will make you look like a better performer. This instantly improves other performance skills by setting your mind at ease. BE SEEN Interaction […]
- [CROSSING THE LINE!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/06/06/crossing-the-line/): 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 cross every time we step on stage. Is this an explosive field of land mines, or is it an opportunity for great theatre, improvisation and comedy? Early in my development as an improviser, there was an understanding that spontaneity flourishes when the internal censor is dampened. Remove limitations on what what […]
- [ARROWS and SHOTGUNS](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/06/06/arrows-and-gunshots/): ARROWS & SHOTGUNS approaches to creating workshops What makes a great workshop? How do improvisers create memorable, inspired classes which leave long lasting impacts on students? Here are some tips and a couple of case studies that might give some answers. Special thanks to long time teacher, performer and friend of the Improvisation school, GIUSEPPE MARCHEI.  Based in Rome, Italy with his group, I Bugiardini, Peppe has offered his insights on creating a workshops with hi-lights from his “WHY SO SERIOUS?” workshop. Contact him to find out more.  Inspiring the Improviser I like walking into a room of students and feeling […]
- [Are there deeper meanings in the "Questions" Game?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/05/10/are-there-deeper-meanings-in-the-questions-game/): What are the best ways to play THE QUESTIONS GAME? We have TWO games here. TWO?!?! BUT I ONLY PAID FOR ONE!!!THIS IS TWICE AS MUCH AS WHAT I”D HOPED FOR!! I hope it’s not too confusing that I am presenting them simultaneously. THE QUESTIONS GAME is coloured RED. THE NO QUESTIONS GAME is coloured in GREEN.  Some teachers say, YOU SHOULDN’T ASK QUESTIONS. They argue that questions offer no information and unfairly puts pressure on your partner to carry the scene. These teachers are being a bit rigid and aren’t addressing the underlying issue.  When played effectively these games help […]
- [APPLIED IMPROVISATION -Part 3 - Exercises](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/05/10/applied-improvisation-part-3-exercises/): APPLIED IMPROVISATION – PART 3/3 EXERCISES & MORE APPLYING IMPROVISATION How do you APPLY, APPLIED IMPROVISATION Making Applied improvisation work. In part 1 of this Applied Improvisation series of articles we explored some of the basics of what Applied Impro is.  SEE PART 1 HERE In part 2 of the series, we looked at getting, assessing and keeping a client. SEE PART 2 HERE In  this final episode, let’s look at what to do and how do do it in a way that works for the team you’ll be working with. MAKE THE WORK RELEVANT ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE! Improvisers […]
- [Timing is everything](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/05/10/timing-is-everything/): Timing is… every…th..ing tick tock… tick tock… tick tock “It’s always about timing. If it’s too soon, no one understands. If it’s too late, everyone’s forgotten.” Anna Wintour “The right thing at the wrong tme is the wrong thing.” Joshua Harris TIMING TO CONSIDER Let’s look at timing in a variety of ways in our work. In performance terms, long-form improvisers have a tendency to drag things out longer than they should.Short-form improvisers often rush their timing, especially when they see a funny line on the horizon.Improvisers tend not to take the time to work on timing because the content is […]
- [Can I give you some feedback?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/03/28/can-i-give-you-some-feedback/): CAN I GIVE YOU SOME FEEDBACK? FEEDBACK After shows and classes, some people want honest and direct feedback. Some people want the “COMPLIMENT SANDWICH” to soften the truth with two fluffy white slices of praise, and the meat of the matter in the middle. “THAT WAS FUN, not vulnerable but, WE ALL SUPPORTED EACH OTHER!“ Some improvisers believe that critical feedback has no place in the improvisation world where “there are no mistakes,” and “we all agree to accept every moment of the performance as a sacred offer from the improvisation gods. PERFECT and untouchable!“ (Please excuse my sarcasm.) When it […]
- [APPLIED IMPROVISATION -Part 2](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/03/28/applied-improvisation-part-2/): APPLIED IMPROVISATION – PART 2/3 Finding Opportunities APPLYING IMPROVISATION How do you find the Work Applied improvisation is everywhere! Last month in part one of the series “An Introduction to Applied Improvisation,” we saw how applied improvisation was involved with every aspect of work and leisure and in every corner of the planet. SEE PART 1 HERE In part 2 of the series, let’s look at how to find and keep the clients. Tips on getting clients Assessing The Client Making it Applicable   Get a Client Getting someone who wants to hire you for your skills and expertise can be […]
- [Emotional Bodyparts](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/03/27/emotional-bodyparts/): TIPS AND TRICKS EMOTIONAL BODYPARTS Emotional Bodyparts Characters can drive stories. Sometimes the characters become the stories and carry the performer into places they hadn’t expected.   When the mind follows the body, there’s always an interesting destination. Instant creation of engaging characters is here at the tips of your explosive fingers and wild eyes and itchy feet and angry elbows! Keith Johnstone’s “Emotional Bodypart” tip works on a few levels. It has as much to do with changing the body as it does with getting people out of their minds so that the character can take over. While this isn’t technically […]
- [APPLIED IMPROVISATION -Part 1 -What is it?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/03/07/applied-improvisation-part-1-what-is-it/): APPLIED IMPROVISATION – PART 1/3 What is it APPLIED IMPROVISATION IS… everything we do on stage, off stage Wikipedia defines Applied improvisation well.  “Applied improvisation is the application of improvisational theatrical methods in various non-theatrical fields…” –WIKIPEDIA Because Improvisation has an impact on everything that people do, applied improvisation has practical connections in every area of life, work and leisure.  EVERYTHING That might seem like an overstatement but consider improvisation’s more obvious concepts: creativity, communication, control, relationship, attitude, adaptibility, change, empathy, awareness, reaction, story, etc.  There’s something there for everyone. Improvisation’s broad reach opens the door to a lot of opportunities […]
- [RESPECT THE VOLUNTEER](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/03/07/respect-the-volunteer/): 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 members, in many shows are shamed, forced, and intimidated to “volunteer” and then they are embarrassed and made fun of when they are on stage. NEAL LEAHEEY When Neal Leaheey signed up for the Impro School newsletter, he suggested a discussion about, “Working respectfully with audience members on stage.” THANKS Neal! […]
- [AH-SO-KA](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/03/07/ah-so-ka/): AH-SO-KA!!! The Game of distraction and Focus I discovered this game from students when I was in teaching in Tokyo. I’m not sure where it actually came from or who created it. Whoever it was… they were cruel! (Let me know if it was you!) It’s a crazy little game. It’s a little elegant and a little stupid. It contradicts how many improvisation teachers want to deal with Failure. This game screams out our mistakes and we can scream right back in fun. It’s a good game to practice our relationship with failure. GAME: AH-SO-KA ORIGIN: Japan (unknown)BENEFITS: A crazy quick shot of energy, […]
- [Narrative Avalanche: Surprising Beginnings](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/01/31/narrative-avalanche-surprising-beginnings/): Narrative Avalanche: Surprising Beginnings SURPRISE BEGINNINGS “WHY DID YOU CREATE ME?” That was my first line on stage to my partner at the show on Saturday at the Loose Moose Theatre. My partner’s eyes popped open. He wasn’t “expecting” that offer.  Isn’t that how improvisation should be? A little surprising? A little unexpected? Shouldn’t we occasionally be knocked over by our partner’s offers to shake us out of our sleepy expectations? Tepid starts to scenes can be OK. But we don’t want that to be our predictable beginning. In the middle of a frantic, crazy show, it’s a relief to feel […]
- [RED OR BLUE - the GAME](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/01/29/red-or-blue-the-game/): RED or BLUE or Decisions and Details The Game Lately I’ve noticed MANY improvisers getting stuck at the point when decisions should happen. AND those who can make decisions rarely know what to do with their choice. SO… I’m taking an old game (well a year-old game called LEFT OR RIGHT) and revising it so you can get some practice playing with decisions and details. I hope it helps.  This exercise can be played with anyone anywhere. Onstage and off. GAME: RED or BLUE (or Decisions and Details) ORIGIN: Shawn – based on the game LEFT OR RIGHTBENEFITS: Quick decision making. Awareness that […]
- [TIME FLASH!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/01/29/time-flash/): TIME FLASH The Game This is a simple technique used on stages around the world. Sometimes, it is used as a gimmick to mess with performers but SOMETIMES… it’s used with good intention – to address an ongoing problem with ACTION vs DISCUSSION! ((SHOW- DON’T TELL)). GAME: TIME FLASH ORIGIN: ShawnBENEFITS: Awareness of scene issues, playfulness with scene control, initiative to fix scenes that are in a state of gossip. Variety with how a scene can be presented. # PEOPLE: however many people are in your scene GOAL: Recognize when the scene has been stopped by discussion about future acts or history and isn’t moving […]
- [CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION - QUITTING](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/01/09/continue-the-conversation-quitting/): 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 you.  No. Nobody did that. But there were some great discussion points that were brought up. So, let’s Continue the Conversation. QUIT IMPROVISING!??! Firstly, the article was a bit of a rush job. Time was ticking, my flight was boarding and I wanted to get the article finished. BUT THAT’S NO EXCUSE! […]
- [LET'S BEGIN!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/01/09/lets-begin/): LET’S BEGIN Starting Points Most people get stuck starting scenes in the same way, over and over. Here are some alternate ways to begin… Reach out Your hands know where they are before your brain sorts it out Take a Walk Let your legs lead you to the place you haven’t yet imagined Plan Bring what inspires/interest you to the stage… (but release control) Expand What’s There The starting point is right in front of you. Just see the clues. Click on the pictures to jump to the details below Give us a Suggestion There are jokes made at the expense […]
- [TIPS & TRICKS  - Start in the MIDDLE](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2024/01/09/tips-tricks-start-in-the-middle/): TIPS AND TRICKS START -in the middle START – in the middle “…and that’s how I defeated the dragon and fell in love with your mother. Goodnight Jonah.” Starting a scene with the middle or end of a conversation can be a fun gift for your partner.  It’s not typical or easy for some people to do and that’s why scenes with two or more people often start like the people have no history together or they open with trite questions you might hear on a bad date. “What’s your favourite colour?, How was work? What are you cooking?” Here’s are […]
- [WEE WISDOM 4 - Words or Communication](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/12/02/wee-wisdom-4-words-or-communication/): WEE WISDOMS 4 wOrdS or comUnikashun hi my nam iz JONAH i been on Erth 1 yare. haPPEE burfday to me!  improovisers talk to much. pEEples talk to much and thay dosnt say much that I understand. and thay dosnt seem to say much that each uther is unnerstanding.  I  LERND when I cry pEEpl try to take care of me. when I laff pEEple laff.  commUnikashun is eesy with emoshun. i herd sumone say ‘USE YER WERDS!’ maybe thay shood try to not use so many werds.  maYbe peeples shood worry less about talkin and figur out wat a smile […]
- [Keith's Laboratory](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/12/02/keiths-laboratory/): 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, writer ON JUNE 25 – A hot, dry Sunday afternoon – hundreds of impro acolytes gathered on the banks of the Bow River at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary for a “festive wake” to celebrate the life of Keith Johnstone. The Pumphouse, the original home of Johnstone’s Loose Moose Theatre, had […]
- [DAY TO DAY - Seeing through their eyes](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/12/02/day-to-day-seeing-through-their-eyes/): Seeing Through Their Eyes  DAY TO DAY IMPROVISATION is  a collection of exercises anyone can do almost anywhere to practice their improvisation skills every day during their daily lives. In workshop after workshop I’m amazed to see improvisers pause before leaping into a scene as they try to figure out what’s going on. They doubt their impulses, wanting so much to get it right that they miss the moment. I’m not advocating that people should force themselves to act mindlessly fast. I’m suggesting that their brains work much faster then they give themselves credit for. Improvisers should learn to trust that […]
- [POLAND IMPROFEST Improvisation Festival](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/12/02/poland-improfest-improvisation-festival/): IMPROFEST Krakow, Poland ONE OF THE BEST FESTS 600 improvisation fans are laughing and enjoying their evening in the spacious KLUB THEATRE in Krakow, Poland… and the show hasn’t even begun.  On stage and off, IMPROFEST, Poland’s biggest and busiest improvisation festival, felt like a party of your closest hundreds ready for a good time. I chatted with organizer ALAN PAKOSZ about this special beast he’s unleashed, hoping to get some insight on what it takes to create this friendly monster that carried attendees, students and performers into a frenzy of impro joy. Let me fill you in with some details […]
- [CONSEQUENCES!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/31/consequences/): CONSEQUENCES! The Game All that we do has consequences… except when we improvise poorly. In real life someone enters a room and there’s a shift in body positions as people check to see who has arrived. People normally adjust their attitude based on the relationship. On stage, we don’t do that. We hold on to unchanging attitudes we established earlier. This game originally came from the desire to develop an exercise to support  Alfred Hitchcock’s theory about Suspense.  He believes that the audience must have more knowledge about the danger than the performers. Promises coming from that knowledge must have… CONSEQUENCES! […]
- [TENSION ROULETTE](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/31/tension-roulette/): Tension Roulette The Game of tension In an exploration of games to teach tension and suspense, I thought back to movies that had great moments of tension. The movie that came to mind was one that I saw in an old artsy movie theatre in Montreal called THE DEER HUNTER. The Oscars for Best Picture, Director, and Supporting Actor are well deserved. There are THREE Russian Roulette scenes that have viewers on the edge of their seats or covering their eyes.  In one scene between the characters played by Robert De Niro and Christopher Walken, the promise of a single bullet firing […]
- [Hitchcock Suspense](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/30/hitchcock-suspense/): HITCHCOCK SUSPENSE!   . Alfred Hitchcock points out that if a bomb unexpectantly explodes after five minutes of boring conversation, we have a shocking SURPRISE after the boredom. If the characters know that a bomb exploded at a nearby cafe yesterday and there MIGHT be another bomb in the city, then we have MYSTERY… and interestingly, Hitchcock was not a big fan of mystery for a great reason. Mystery is intellectual. Suspense on the other hand is emotional. And wouldn’t we rather feel something rather than think about it? For SUSPENSE, Alfred Hitchcock suggests that if the audience, knows that a bomb sits at the […]
- [THAT'S A WRAP - Improvisation school #1](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/10/thats-a-wrap-improvisation-school-1/): Facebook-f Globe-americas Envelope That’s a WRAP! 1st Impro School  In the spirit of Risk, Play, and Growth, Improvisation is not a destination.  Improvisation is the process that continues as a lesson, action and curious exploration for a lifetime.   Here are some of the lessons I observed as I taught this 1st version of the IMPROVISATION SCHOOL August/September 2023. This school was announced before the pandemic. Covid had other plans and told us to slow down, re-evaluate, and re-imagine. Most of the original students who enthusiastically committed at the beginning to this two month marathon of impro-learning hung on and leaped in […]
- [DON'T FAKE IT!!!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/09/dont-fake-it/): 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 you aren’t competent”. Ughhhhh… (Stop doing that!) This overused suggestion is shared with those who doubt their ability or knowledge. These poor souls have IMPOSTER SYNDROME and feel (rightly, or wrongly) that they don’t have the skills/qualifications that others assume they should have.  We’ve all been there. FAKE IT – RESULTS […]
- [PREDICTIVE RESPONSES!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/09/predictive-responses/): PREDICT IT! PREDICTIVE RESPONSES There’s nothing magical about expertly knowing the outcome of actions on stage… but it sure looks like it from the audience point of view. Let me explain: Paul is chopping food in the Kitchen. Anna walks in and says what most improvisers say, “Oh, you are cooking.”  Real people don’t explain what is obviously happening. Most improvisers do, and it looks weak. When Anna sees Paul cooking and says, “I hope the Philman’s like Salsa” and Paul responds with a smile, “My boss will eat whatever I make and she’ll love it!” the audience experiences experts in their reality […]
- [CAN'T TOUCH THIS!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/08/cant-touch-this/): CAN’T TOUCH THIS! A Warmup Game The 2023 Impro school was playing a game that focussed on creating games.  This  game came about from a desire to develop a quick and physical and interactive warm up exercise. It’s simple. It made us laugh and woke us up on one of those days when we needed a boost of energy. GAME: CAN’T TOUCH THIS! ORIGIN: 2023 Improvisation School ClassBENEFITS: Group Awareness, Physical activity, Reaction # PEOPLE: Groups – 3 or more GOAL: Tag the hands of others without getting caught yourself PROCEDURE:  Place your hands behind your back Try to touch another person’s hand (Yes, of […]
- [Paul - The Final Entry!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/05/paul-the-final-entry/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Paul – The Final Entry! PAUL ROBINSON – Week 9 “Another possible outcome for a dog’s unreleased energy results in the dog’s becoming fixated on or obsessed with something. It could be anything from a tennis ball to the cat, but it’s not natural and it’s not good for your dog. A fixation is wasted energy. A dog needs to channel her energy into something in order to be balanced and calm-submissive. A dog living with a homeless person walks all day, so that’s where the energy goes. A dog that lives with a […]
- [Oshow - The Final Entry!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/05/oshow-the-final-entry/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Oshow – The Final Entry! OSHOW – Week 9 “(original Japanese below. Translation by ChatGPT) Final Week After finishing Maestro at Loose Moose yesterday, all my activities in Calgary have come to an end. In the final show, I didn’t become a Maestro (eliminated in the first round), but it became the show I was personally most satisfied with because I was able to let out what had welled up inside me without holding back. When I came to Loose Moose five years ago, I saw Steve covering everything needed in the moment and […]
- [Cindy - The final entry!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/10/05/cindy-the-final-entry/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Cindy – The final entry! Cindy Pittens – Week 9 Improvisation school week 9 The Final Entry! These two months in Calgary What a rideSo many metaphors come to mindA theme in one of the numerous lessonsI would have loved to learn more about For instanceFall has set in, in CalgaryLeaves turned yellow this weekLeaves and their trees let go As if Canada says goodbye to me This opportunity was like the bike lanes in CalgarySuper thankful they’re thereBut my my… I needed some shock absorptiononce in a while It was like a walk […]
- [Performing and Practicing](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/26/performing-and-practicing/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Performing and Practicing PAUL ROBINSON – Week 8 “In Tibet, new leather skins are put in the sun and rubbed with butter to make them softer. The practitioner is like the new skin, tough and hard with narrow views and conceptual rigidity. The teaching (dharma*) is like the butter, rubbed in through practice, and the sun is like direct experience; when both are applied the practitioner becomes soft and pliable. “But butter is also stored in leather bags. When butter is left in a bag for some years, the leather of the bag becomes […]
- [Surrendering & letting go](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/26/surrendering-letting-go/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post Surrendering & letting go KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 8 Week 8 Surrendering & letting go We played (Dennis Cahill’s)  “Dear Diary” game last week, one of the most challenging games for me. This game is designed to put you out of your head and be spontaneously present in the moment. In this game, we tell a story while mimicking writing a page in our diary. To add more challenge to this game, this game is directed by another person who is the director of the game. The Director is instructed to shout “NEXT DAY” […]
- [Emotional Memories](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/25/emotional-memories/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Emotional Memories ANNA ROBINSON – Week 8 WEEK 8 – Emotional memories 喜 (Joy):My love and I acted together for the first time, an improvised one-minute scene. I pretended to read by the window (with a prop book titled “I Believe in You”). I nervously pretended to wonder where he had gone, whether he would return. The music started, the door was about to open, and I hurriedly tiptoed back. He extended his hand lovingly, inviting me, and I blushed with happiness as we embraced, closing the door to the music. The joy of […]
- [IMPROV CULT](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/24/improv-cult/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post IMPROV CULT Cindy Pittens – Week 8 Improvisation school week 8 Improv Cult FaithShawn said (with a wink) something about improv and religion. That improvisation will one day have to lead to a cult movement.  Because of faith. Ha interesting! (Shawn Note: Long term improvisation gatherings can appear like cults – They bring people away from their regular support group, They supply new and sometimes life changing ideas, they generally create a culture of support for the new reality – YES AND YES AND YES AND… And… some teachers or groups allow this cult […]
- [BEING AVERAGE](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/24/being-average/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post BEING AVERAGE OSHOW – Week 8 “(original Japanese below. Translation by ChatGPT) 8th Week  This weekend, I went to Vancouver and spent time at Rina’s house from Tightrope Improv Theatre. I enjoyed sightseeing, but it was also another week of improv as usual, with appearances in Maestro, Gorila Theatre, and Super Scene. After two months of intensive improv training, I felt that my identity as an improviser has definitely changed.  I finally understood Keith’s words, “Be Average,” and have been able to practice it.  Many people confuse this with “Be General.” In fact, “General” […]
- [THE IMPROVISATION SCHOOL SHOW!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/19/the-improvisation-school-show/): ON WITH THE SHOW!!! SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 – 7PM IMPROVISATION SCHOOL IMPROVISER BENEFIT SHOW  Kash, (India/USA) – Paul, (Canada) –  Cindy, (Holland) –  Anna, (China) – and Oshow, (Japan),    Special guests from the KINKONAUTS  (Calgary) and BULL SKIT  (Red Deer)  in support of the UN UKRAINIAN FUND.  You pay what you want at the door OR  ADVANCE DONATION HERE  https://www.simpletix.com/e/international-impro-show-tickets-145661  ALL DONATIONS will be donated to help Ukrainians displaced by the war in their country. Come for the laughs and know that you are supporting a great cause!  Performance at the Loose Moose Theatre, Calgary. 1235 26 Ave S.E.
- [Poem of Elegance and more](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/18/poem-of-elegance-and-more/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Poem of Elegance  and more Cindy Pittens – Week 7 Thank you MoesYou inspired me I never write poems. Thank you egoHaving my back. I got yours Thank you awareness.There’s more in the universeThan this Thank you mountainsFor staying putLead the way In being Thank you meFor trying anywayMight get messy Thank you worldYou challenge meTo keep connected Thank you eleganceI only use3 word sentences Oh, I didn’tWell, perfection isn’t everythingThank you improv Elegance, not my middlename I’m a little bit raw, a little bit much, a little bit loud and a little bit […]
- [Making Magic from the Mundane](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/17/making-magic-from-the-mundane/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post MAGIC from the MUNDANE KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 7 We did scene painting and building platforms for narratives last week. This game is called “Imagine if you will…” (based on the directing of Derek Flores) where we paint the setting of the scene giving specific incidental details for the audience. It was easy to start when you have a couple of ideas in your mind about how something should look like.. say a living room, I felt it became challenging once I had gone through painting a few things in the room, then I […]
- [Discovering Shades of Blue](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/15/discovering-new-shades-of-blue/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post Discovering Shades of Blue ANNA ROBINSON – Week 7 (Translated from the original to English by Chat GPT. The original Chinese is below) This week has been very interesting. We’ve been studying in four different locations, playing together with three good friends, and doing outdoor learning once. The themes were emotions, tilt, and designing games. Every day has been like a roller coaster, full of excitement, and every day has seen concrete progress. This week, I enjoyed learning about game design the most. We set specific goals for our teammates, listed possible games that […]
- [STORIES END. STORIES BEGIN.](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/15/stories-end-stories-begin/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post STORIES END. STORIES BEGIN. OSHOW – Week 7 Week 7 A.I. translated.  Original Japanese writing below. The class is gradually coming to an end. I still miss Japan, but at the same time, I’ve been feeling more and more sadness about parting from the friends I’ve spent time with here. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of scene work, focusing on Keith’s storytelling techniques: Platform, Tilt, and Reincorporation. Day by day, I feel them becoming more ingrained in my body. I can naturally create a diverse Platform, use Tilt to have a strong impact […]
- [Where should you train?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/15/where-should-you-train/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post WHERE SHOULD YOU TRAIN? PAUL ROBINSON – Week 7 Where should you train? Which improvisation system should you choose? Keith Johnstone’s style? If you choose Keith Johnstone’s, what is the best institution? Should you go to Loose Moose? Or go to a theatre where that’s one of many seeds like DAT or BATS? Or should you head to America? Train at the improvOlympic? The Annoyance? UCB? Second City (what location!?)? Or, is it better to skip the improv schools completely? Become a real actor and train in Meissner? Get a BFA? Go to the […]
- [Tilt it Again](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/14/tilt-it-again/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post TILT IT – AGAIN! PAUL ROBINSON – Week 6 Exercise: Tilt it Again (Shawn Kinley) School of Thought: Keith Johnstone Procedure: Step 1: Two performers up. One starts off stage, one starts on stage. The performer on stage begins a scene. The second performer enters the scene after a beat. Step 2: The two performers use conversation and pantomime to set up a platform. A ‘platform’ is incidental details about the environment, characters, and relationships. Neither character should have a great reaction to these details, as they are not important (yet). Choose to be positive, […]
- [Follow the Body - A series of exercises](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/14/follow-the-body-a-series-of-exercises/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post Follow The Body – A series of exercises Cindy Pittens – Week 6 The body knows – A series of physical contact improvisation exercises developed by Shawn Kinley. Exercise: Follow the body Shawn asked us this week to write down an exercise. This one will stick with me. I want to practise this exercise another 1000 times. This is why. Let’s begin with the series of exercises and how it works. Follow the body We often use our brains to understand what the next step in the story is. But our body, most of the […]
- [Week 6  - TEN GAMES, CONCEPTS AND TOOLS!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/14/week-6-ten-games-concepts-and-tools/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post TEN GAMES, CONCEPTS AND TOOLS! OSHOW – Week 6 Week 6 OSHOW introduces his interpretation of 10 Games, concepts and exercises. (with additional editing by Shawn) (1) One Voice  (Keith Johnstone & Viola Spolin created independently of each other) How to do it: Several people speak words at the same time as if they were one person. (Two people to start is useful for training. It simplifies the focus. Later, 3 or more people can participate and train connection, awareness and sensitivity. Keith mentioned that they once had the entire audience speaking in one voice.)  […]
- [Pivot Point](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/14/pivot-point/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post PIVOT POINT ANNA ROBINSON – Week 6 “PIVOT POINT” (A game by Shawn that aims to create a physically dynamic scene Perform a three-person scene Re-do the scene but instruct one improviser to always move to a place on stage where he/she forms the point of a triangle with the other two performers who are the other points in the triangle. He’s the only person that needs to worry about keeping the triangle shape. The triangle must have three equidistant sides. (The first time you play the game you can give the triangle controller this […]
- [Kash teaches TWO TABLES](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/12/kash-teaches-two-tables/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post KASH teaches TWO TABLES KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 6 Week 6: KASH teaches TWO TABLES One of the games I enjoyed and found very interesting and fun to experience is a directing focus game from Shawn called TWO TABLES. In this game we have a restaurant scene where we have one person as the waiter. This person is important in the scene as they are mainly responsible for the story the audience will hear. Audience gets to hear two different stories from the two tables of customers.    Game Objective: The objective for the director/waiter in […]
- [Improv is like Driving - Learning to live on the edge](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/06/improv-is-like-driving-learning-to-live-on-the-edge/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Improv is like Driving – Learning to live on the edge KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 5 Week 5: Improv is like Driving – Learning to live on the edge I asked myself what it is that I wanted to write about. On the way to the Country Hills library last week, I realized a good number of overlaps and commonalities between driving and improvisation on stage.  Rules/Games: Rules help us define the restrictions and set the boundary for what is accepted, safe to do and follow. These rules provide us with a common language […]
- [On Improv and Obfuscation](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/03/on-improv-and-obfuscation/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post On Improv and Obfuscation… PAUL ROBINSON – Week 5 “The Basic Fault is the bad feeling, the somatic reaction, psychological upset, confusion and negative belief about the self that results from needs not met in infancy. It is the primal wound that is the foundation and reason for the psychological, behavioral and somatic patterns that interrupt aliveness and wellbeing. The Basic Fault is a lie about the Self that is held deeply in the body and the psyche. It is also the root of upsets in the present. Everyone has a Basic Fault.   Agency […]
- [Three Insights](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/03/three-insights/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post THREE INSIGHTS ANNA ROBINSON – Week 5 “Three Insights” (original Chinese below) Pay attention and observe carefully. This is not a new discovery. Every week, I am learning, and every scene is a specific practice. Often, my peers have already provided specific expressions of intent, and I need to look and feel carefully, preserving my precious curiosity to discover. Take a bigger risk. In the game of time travel, you can take more risks. For example, in one scene, we were playing in a cave, and when time rewound, Shawn said we could dig […]
- [Ready for the next step.](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/03/ready-for-the-next-step/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Ready for the next step Cindy Pittens – Week 5 READY FOR THE NEXT STEP 2 SEPTEMBER 2023 As a followup on my last blog; I am much better. Thank you for asking. I. How did that happen? How do you get from superscared to not so scared anymore? C. I played a Micetro, at the Loose Moose theatre.I. That‘s it? That easy? It only took 1 show?C. Yeah. It kinda worked like a reset. I’ll tell you about it. And what else happened this week. Loose Moose showWhen getting prepared for stage I […]
- [Interview with my-selves](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/02/interview-with-my-selves/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post INTERVIEW WITH MYSELVES KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 4 Week 4:  An interview with my-selves.  Self 1: what did you think of the week you were out sick ? (Kash had Covid last week) Self2: Last week was a blur. I felt a little bit left out from the fun and games and the opportunity for the road trip to Edmonton for the Fringe festival.    Self1: Looks like it was good anyways you switched your show from Aug 19th to september 2nd, looks like it was not meant to be since you were out sick.  Self2: Guess, it is […]
- [Week 5 MID FORM and MISSING HOME](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/02/week-5-mid-form-and-missing-home/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post  Middle form and Missing home OSHOW – Week 5 Week 5 Week 5. I liked the YWT method from last time, so I’ll use it again this week to reflect on it.   It’s often said that it’s better not to get stuck in a pattern, but we need a format to feel comfortable. ーーーー Y: What I did. -I did some long forms. -I did a middle form called “More or Less”. -I talked with Rina from Tightrope Theatre via Zoom. -Cirque du Soleil clown Duncan came to our rehearsal. -I’m a little homesick. […]
- [SUPER DEFINITION](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/01/super-definition/): SUPER DEFINITION There’s a little-known tool that I think is one of the best for creating fantastical, surreal, supernatural but obvious stories. The concept is called SUPER DEFINITION.  I heard Keith Johnstone mention this idea ONCE in ONE class many years ago. (ONE TIME IN FORTY YEARS!)  I don’t know anyone outside of that class who remembers him teaching it. Possibly Keith thought it was an idea that should never be mentioned again or possibly he had so many great ideas that this one simply didn’t get the focus that some of his other ideas received. Over the years I have played with this gem often and […]
- [NO FEAR!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/01/no-fear/): TIPS AND TRICKS NO FEAR! NO FEAR FEAR is the main issue for Improvisers to overcome.  Fear of being accepted,  Fear of being noticed,  not noticed,  doing well,  following the rules,  being good enough…  etc etc etc.  EVERYONE has fear on some level. The question is how to deal with it?  Below are a few tips and tricks to help you get through, get around, battle, cope with, and co-habitate with… FEAR First… you might want to ‘reframe’ how you encounter fear. I found this bit of writing by Khalil Gibran that I thought was worth considering for some people who look at […]
- [TWO TABLES](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/09/01/two-tables/): TWO TABLES Game and skill practice Years ago when I watched long form after long form I found myself annoyed with the abrupt “cuts” and “edits” between scenes. I wasn’t drawn to longform style but I developed some alternatives regardless. I wanted transition that were more cinematic, and less aggressive. I looked at film and Television editing hoping to create something with more poetry and elegance. Yesterday at the school I introduced a “fading out” technique where one character controls what the audience hears as well as the tempo of the scene. The group connected with the ideas and found few […]
- [Healthy Stress!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/31/hearing-myself-think-copy/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post Healthy Stress! Cindy Pittens – Week 4 Week 4 at the Improvisation school. Title: Healthy stress! This week was about conquering my biggest fear. The fear of being refused. A fear that, of course, has its roots in my childhood and, as for many people, is causing all kinds of coping behaviour – Behaviour of control and protection against the posibility of being refused in your essence. Improvising is scary As an improviser, we struggle with this on stage, because first of all, we are following our impulses, which is very vulnerable. You let […]
- [QUICK THOUGHTS FOR WEEK 4](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/29/quick-thoughts-for-week-4/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post BE PRESENT PAUL ROBINSON – Week 4 Notes on the first month:-Commit, commit, commit -Emote, emote, emote -Meet people at their level. Defer or deign at your own peril -Be an honest clown; find characters; find your partner This is short because I am working on an unnecessarily long piece for next week.
- [Be Vulnerable](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/28/be-vulnerable/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post BE VULNERABLE ANNA ROBINSON – Week 4 This week I learned and experienced the key to improv-Being vulnerable and giving up control. Covid hit, the body and spirits were Vulnerable. I tried to be aware of how it feels and can use it on stage. It felt a mess and the body needed it: body hurts, emotion broke down very easily. Easier to say no. Everything goes out to the uncomfortable zone And only looking for safety.  Improvisers being encouraged to show vulnerability. And the audience loves it! Why? Maybe it’s also an obvious […]
- [Week 4 Yatta - Wkatta - Tsugi!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/28/week-4-yatta-wkatta-tsugi/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post  YATTA – WKATTA – TSUGI OSHOW – Week 4 Week 4 Two of the class members were out sick, so this week the class consisted mainly of three members. It was a more concentrated practice, but there was a sense of sadness. It is a bit depressing to be twithout the friends who have been with us for so long. For this week’s review, I will use the “YWT method,” which is a method used by Japan Management Association Consulting (JMAC) in which: Y stands for -Yatta- what I did, W for -Wkatta- what […]
- [CAST THE MAGIC!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/25/cast-the-magic/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post CASTING MAGIC ANNA ROBINSON – Week 3 (The following is a CHAT GPT TRANSLATION of Anna’s original Chinese which you can find below the translation)  “If the first week was a reset, the second week was about building the soul, then the third week is about casting magic. Revealing the concrete beauty of improvisation. In the third week, I felt that I am here, I am safe, and I am beginning to connect more with myself. Shawn said improvisation has two aspects: Spirit and technique, without distinguishing between good and bad. Use whatever is […]
- [INTO THE UNKNOWN](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/23/into-the-unknown/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post INTO THE UNKNOWN KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 3 Week 3:  TAKING THE LEAP INTO THE UNKNOWN! Shawn mentioned a couple of weeks ago, to “boldly take the leap into the unknown and the spirit takes care of what happens from there to guide you.”  This I find challenging and nerve-racking as I am wired to analyze everything and have been conditioned to become risk averse. I am trying to actively decondition myself from this behavior rather to bring it to a balance. I do not want to throw out the baby with the bathwater. I […]
- [BE PRESENT](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/23/be-present/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post BE PRESENT PAUL ROBINSON – Week 3 INTERVIEW WITH MYSELF – Paul Robinson. Q: What did you figure out this week? A: I know everything about improvising now.   Q: What happened to Paul from the first week? You said if you think I already know this then you’re in trouble. What do you mean? A: Yeah, and I stand by that. If I’m in a scene or a workshop and I think, I already know this, then I am failing in a way that will damage the work. What I mean is, there is only one thing to […]
- [Hearing myself think](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/21/collection-of-lessons-copy/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post Hearing myself think Cindy Pittens – Week 3 Interview yourself.  That was this week’s assignment. That became a vulnerable interview. It gives a glimpse into my personal process and all the questions and uncertainties that come with it. Quite a bit exciting. But also nice to share. Maybe you recognize something of yourself or other players, or your participants? Maybe you recognize something in the people around you. I think we all know these voices. The voice you’re not proud of. I think it’s important that we see that it’s all part of being […]
- [Week 3 - LAUGH WHEN YOU LAUGH](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/21/week-3-whats-the-story/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post FWEEK 3 – LAUGH WHEN YOU LAUGH OSHOW – Week 3 Week 3 This time, at Shawn’s suggestion, I will try to write an article in an interview format, with “O” being me, (OSHOW), and “S” being my other self (Shota). I will write the article as a dialogue between the two of us. It’s kind of like Stanislavsky’s “An Actor Prepares”.  S: How do you feel after spending three weeks here?  O: I’ve gotten used to life and have found my rhythm. It is as comfortable as ever, but sometimes I am surprised at how […]
- [PARADOXICAL](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/14/paradoxical/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post PARADOXICAL KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 2 Week 2:  The things that have stood out to me from the concepts we learnt and the games we played in the past two weeks are Paradoxical in nature.  Play the game, but don’t forget the story. Learn the rules, but not really focus on the rules. Fight for your objective and story, but also support your partner and tell the story together.  Take control but also give up control.  We have played so many games and worked on several scenes and activities, where the nature of instructions […]
- [Take away](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/14/take-away/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post TAKE AWAY KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 1 Here are my key takeaway themes from last week for both Performing and Directing/Teaching. React/Reaction: have an emotional reaction to every offer in the scene. How the other person “reacts” to what is said brings more meaning to the scene than what is said. Reaction gives meaning to the scene. If you are stuck in a scene and the story is not moving, play the “It’s Tuesday” game, pick a strong reaction and be altered or affected. Be average and do the obvious thing. Look at what happens next […]
- [FUCK POLITE!!!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/14/fuck-polite/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post FUCK POLITE OSHOW – Week 2 ENGLISH TRANSLATION BELOW JAPANESE ORIGINAL–– 2週目 こっちの生活にもだいぶ慣れてきた。というか、この季節は日本よりもこっちで過ごす方が快適だ。毎日気候が安定してるし、気温は25度前後、カラッとした気候で過ごしやすい。外でクラスをやることも多いのだが、この気候だったらそれも納得だ。 月曜はスーパーの下にある大部屋でクラスを行った。スーパーの会員だったらその施設を使えるらしい。こういう便利な仕組みが日本にも増えて欲しい。 この日は何人かのルースムースのプレイヤーが参加し、その中にはかつて日本にも来たことのあるカティ・シュバイツァーもいた。当たり前のことかもしれないが、カティのような経験豊富なインプロバイザーでもクラスを受けてフィードバックをもらえるような環境があることを羨ましく思った。 日本はまだインプロ歴史が浅い（30年ほどしかない）から10年程度キャリアを得るとベテランのような扱いをされる。そしてなおかつ第一線でパフォーマンスをし続けている20年、30年プレイヤーが少ないため、中堅のプレイヤーが学ぶ場、憧れられるプレイヤーがいないというのが現状だ。 海外では30年プレイヤーでもまだまだ現役で活動しており、むしろインプロをさらに探求しチャレンジをし続けていると言う印象だ。日本だと経験を積めば積むほど指導することだけに安住してしまう人が多い。むしろ若い人たちの方がいろんなチャレンジをしているような印象だ。僕の役割は、こういった海外での経験を日本でシェアしたり、海外のインプロバイザーを日本に招いたりして、少しでも日本のインプロのパフォーマンスのクオリティーを上げていくことだ。 火曜は生徒同士で指導し合うクラスとなった。今回のスクールには、指導もやっている人が多いので、それぞれの知見をシェアしたり、フィードバックをし合う事はとても有益だ。次の日の水曜には、ショーンからのフィードバックがあった。ショーンのフィードバックはとても細かく、言葉の使い方、声のトーン、体の癖など、指導している内容そのものよりも指導者としてのあり方を伝えてくれた。ちなみに僕はクラウンの指導をして、割と褒められた。ただ英語と日本語ではどうしても言語的違いがあるので、英語だと少し硬くなってしまったが「わからないまましゃべりだしてしまって、わからないことを生徒に聞きながら指導を進める」と言うアドバイスはとても役に立った。インプロでも同じことが言えるかもしれない。 2週間過ごして1番自分に感じている変化は、今まで英語でインプロをするときは「なるべく言葉を間違わないようにしよう」「正しく伝えるようにしよう」と言う意識が大きかったに思えるが、最近は「わかんないものはわかんないからしょうがねえ！」と開き直り、むしろスピリッツで楽しむようになっている。間違えることに対して前向きになっているし、自分のクラウンステイツも生かされている気がする。これは日本に帰ってからもそうでありたい。 水曜の夜にはkinkonautsのショーに行った。kinkonautsとは、カルガリーにある若いインプロチームで、何人かはルースムースのショーにも参加している。自分もゲストとして出演することになり、なんだかんだでカルガリーに来てはじめてのインプロショーだったので、どんなものか楽しみにしていたのだが、結果は散々なものだった。典型的な見せかけの熱狂によるショーで、ホストプレイヤーの4人は実質的には皆ステージを恐れているような気がしていた。その証拠に、体は後に傾き、腕や手を体の前で組んでいた。恐れや不安のあるビヘイビアだ。そこにホストのMCが4人を「スタープレイヤー」として紹介したことで、4人のエゴは更に刺激されてしまったと思う。 ショーの内容は「Bucket show」というもので、プレイヤーの名前をバケツに入れ、MCが何人かを中からピックアップし、その人たちとスタープレーヤーでシーンを作っていくと言うものだ。ほとんどの参加者は初心者だったので、彼ら彼女らについてのコメントは控えるが、問題はホストである。まずスタープレイヤーの動きがあまり良くなかった。本来であれば初心者をサポートするように動けばいいと思うのだが、そもそもそこまでのキャリアがないようにも思えた。相手から影響受けたり、相手とつながったり、リスクを被ったり、ストーリーを前に進めたり、基本的な技術がまだ十分に固まっていなかった。おまけにシーンのエンディングをコントロールしていたMCやtechが、全体的にシーンを終わらせるのが遅かった。もうすでにプレイヤーは困っていたり、シーンが死にかけているのに、長く続けるのは誰にとってもよくない。 全体的にショーのホストが責任を果たせていないような気がした。クラスのメンバーは何とか相手とつながったり、ストーリーを前に進めようと奮闘していたが、他の人がそうではない状態だったので、なかなか大変なショーとなった。彼ら彼女らがこの上をどのように振り返ったのか気になる。これを楽しかった、面白かったで終わらせたのだとしたら、そもそも方向性を見誤っているような気がする。 救いとなっているのは、MCのエレンやスタープレイヤー、あまりこの呼び方好きじゃないが、の何人かはルースムースにインプロを学びに来ているということだ。若くて勢いのあるチームと、老舗で技術のあるチームとの交流が盛んに行われているのは日本も見習うべきポイントだ。 日本では、上の世代の仲が悪く、謎に派閥が生まれている。インプロを長く学んでいるのにもかかわらず、ほんとに恥ずかしいことだ。。。 気を取り直して木曜日。前日のショーを振り返り、ショーで行われたいくつかのゲームをショーンの指導のもとやり直してみると言う会だった。ワンワード、ワンボイス、次どうなるの？などの典型的なキースのゲームをいくつか扱った。キースの1番の理解者の1人であるショーンから、改めてキースのゲームを教えてもらうのは非常に有意義だった。 特にワンボイスはようやくやる意味がわかった気がする。よくあるワンボイスは、お互いに空気を読み合い（日本人これ好きだが）一緒にしゃべるといったものだったが、相手と本当に繋がれるために戦う言うスタンスは今までみてきたワンボイスと間逆のようだった。だが、圧倒的にこっちの方が面白い！キースがインプロで大事にしていたのは、本当に人と人がつながり合うことであり、人間の本質をつくようなものだったのだと改めて思った。見せかけの熱狂はもうたくさんだ。 そんな経験を経て、土曜日のルースムースシアターの上を観劇した。この日はとっても奇妙な夜だった。観客に若い中高生たちが多かったことで、シーンの点数が偏ったのだ。多くのシーンが4点5点を連発し、中にはくだらないシーンがたくさん入ってた。ルースムースのメンバーはこれが異様なことだと理解しているが、そうでなければこれは危険なことだと思う。観客の笑いに影響され、くだらないシーンを連発してしまうようなプレイヤーが育つ可能性もあるからだ。実際、このショーの中でも、観客の好みに影響されて、殺人のシーンがたくさん行われた。理解のあるプレイヤーでもこういうことが起こり得るのど。 僕は観客を教育していくこともインプロバイザーの役割の1つだと思う。例えば観客にやたらとアイディアを聞くのはあまり良いとは思えない。単純にショーの進行が遅くなってしまうし、望まないシーンを演じることになってしまうからだ。チャレンジのためだったり、ショーにバラエティーを持たせるためだったら聞いてもいいかもしれないが、ショーの主導権を観客に与えないほうがいいと思ってる。 日本では「お客様は神様」と言う有名な標語があり、もうこれは死語になりつつはあるが、どことなくカスタマーファーストで、お客さんという存在を尊重しすぎる節がある。そして多くのインプロショーで、それを感じる。プレイヤーは基本的に礼儀正しく、good nature でいるのだが、どこが観客に対して一歩ひいているように見える。 最近亡くなった日本の伝説的コメディアン上岡龍太郎も「日本人は断定的にものを言わんから人を惹きつける力がない」と言っていた。まさにそれが現代のインプロシーンでも起こっている気がする。 ブッフォンの必要性に関してショーンとも話したのだが、特に日本人はブッフォンの持つ「fuck polite」が必要な気もする。話しながら気づいたのだが、日本のインプロバイザーは（というかほとんどの表現者がそうかもしれない）お客さんに対して敬語を使うのが当たり前になってる。僕はそれも原因の1つじゃないかなと思っている。 そういうところから変えていくことで、お客さんとのつながりはもっと強くなっていくのかもしれない。 ———— ENGLISH TRANSLATIONWeek 2 I’m getting used to life here. Or rather, it’s more comfortable to spend this season here than in Japan. The weather is stable every day, and the temperature is around 25 degrees, making it easy to spend.  I often hold attend outside, but in this climate it makes sense. On Mondays, the class was […]
- [Improvisation is a living thing](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/14/improvisation-is-a-living-thing/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post IMPROVISATION is A LIVING THING OSHOW  – Week 1  * English translation after the original Japanese: あっという間に1週目が終わった。早い。なんでこんなに早いんだろう。多分家にいるからかもしれない、ショーンの家に。僕らは基本的にショーンの家で生活し、クラスもショーンの家で行う。ちなみにスクールのメンバーは全部で5人。日本、中国、カナダ、インド、オランダと、多種多様な国の国際的チーム。実は後3人ほどいたのだが、スケジュールの都合で来られなくなってしまったらしい。まあとにかく、メンバーのほとんどはショーンの家で生活を共にしてるので、さあクラスだ！という気負いがない。むしろ人生の延長線上、生活の一部にインプロがある感じだ。 その感覚はクラスを通しても味わっている。ショーンがかつて言ってた言葉で印象的だったのが「インプロは宗教のような絶対的な概念ではなく、関係性の間に存在する生き物のようなものだ」というものだ。ショーン・キンリーはキース・ジョンストンの愛弟子であり、彼の創設したルースムースシアターのディレクターでもあり、これまでに60カ国で指導やパフォーマンスを行ってきた鉄人だ。そんな彼はその国際的な経験を通して、それぞれの文化や人それぞれの持つ違いを重視している。キース・ジョンストンという巨大な哲学の上に立っているものの、その時その瞬間その人から生まれたものであり、それをいかに生かしていくかということを常に考えている。 だから彼はクラスの中だけでなく、日常の中にもインプロを見出す。街を歩けば「いろんな人の歩き方や態度、仕草を観察してみよう。どんなメッセージがあるかな？」とか、気の良いスタッフに会えば「さっきの人はなんで僕たちにインスパイアを与えたと思う？」など、常にインプロバイザーとして人生の全てを見つめる態度を示してくれる。そういえば誰かがプロフェッショナルについて「常に自分の仕事と結び付けて考えてしまう人」と言っていたが、まさにこのことかもしれない。 さて肝心のクラスはというと、先述同様に独特な進み方をする。よくやるインプロのゲーム（アイスブレイク系やワンワードなど）をやったりするが、常にどのように自分のもしくは生徒の役に立てるかを考える。頭で考えてしまう人、ルールを気にしすぎる人、いい加減にやってしまう人…それぞれの特性に合わせて、どんなアレンジが出来るかを問い、提案する。「自分で自分を枠の外に押し出す必要がある」とショーンは言う。彼はボードゲームも好んでやる。「良いボードゲームはルールがシンプルだ」と言い、簡単なゲームを皆でやる。その際も自分をプッシュして、自らのチャレンジを促す。バドミントンも好きで、上手い人は相手の打ちやすい球を返して、より自らが負けやすいようにすることを要求する。それは自分のレベルを下げることではなく、自分のレベルを使って相手をインスパイアすることだ。 ショーンは失敗することを大いに歓迎する。そしてショーン自身も失敗する。これが生徒に勇気を与えてくれる。マエストロのショーに出演したショーンを観た時、誰よりもリスクを負い、遊んでいだ姿が印象的だった。ちなみに同じショーに同じくらいのキャリアの世界的インプロバイザー、スティーブ・ジャランドが出ていたのだが、彼も同様だった。インプロバイザーはキャリアを積めば積むほど天才少年少女のようになっていく。 「インプロバイザーには2つの面が存在する」とショーンは言う。ストーリーテラーとクラウンだ。いわゆる上手いインプロバイザーはストーリーテラーであり、良いインプロバイザーはクラウン。そして凄いインプロバイザーは両方の面を持っている。 話はちょっと変わって、ルースムースシアターの話をしよう。ルースムースシアターは今年で45周年を迎える老舗インプロ劇場だ。現在の芸術監督はデニス・ケイヒルで20年以上務めている。ルースムースシアターの魅力は若手が出るショーとベテランがチャレンジするショーが両立してることだ。毎週土曜には色んなキャリアのプレイヤーが出演するマエストロが行われ、現在は中止しているが、金曜夜にはベテランプレイヤーによるショーも行われている（9月から復活するらしい）。このシステムに僕は長年魅力を感じていた。僕はインプロが広まっていくには「気軽にショーに出られる場」と「プレイヤーが憧れられる場」が必要だと思ってる。ルースムースはまさにそれを両立させたシアターと言える。これまでいろんな団体を作って実験してきたのだが、この経験を経て帰国した後には、ImprOtakuのメンバーと共にその基盤を作っていこうと思う。 しかし現在のルースムースには課題がある。まずはコロナによるパフォーマンスの機会の消失。これによってプレイヤーが育たなくなり、パフォーマンスから離れてしまったプレイヤーも数多くいる。ショーンは「ほとんどのプレイヤーが錆びてしまった」と言う。実際にこちらに来て初めて観たショーは若手中心だったのだが、悲惨な出来だった。そしてもう一つは世代交代がうまくいっていないこと。長年デニスが芸術監督を務めているのだが、このポストや体制が20年以上変化がない。 デニスは良い指導者であり、優れた人間性を持っているが、長年ステータスを持ち続けると、そこに対抗する力が育たなくなる。実際ショー終了後のフィードバックの時間は、ショーンやスティーブなどのかなりのベテランプレイヤーからしかほとんど発言がなかった。若手プレイヤーの印象は良くも悪くも従順であること。キースのインプロに忠実ではあるが、突出した個性がない感じがした。そう言う意味では日本の中堅インプロバイザーたちの方が魅力的かもしれないと思った。 だが、ルースムースならではの良さもある。長年の伝統でお客さんは培われており、信頼もある。なんだかんだで毎週のショーでは7〜8割くらい席が埋まるし、良いお客さんが多い。そして何よりベテランプレイヤーの存在だ。2週目のショーではショーン・キンリー、スティーブ・ジャランド、カティ・シュバイツァーといった、世界で活躍するプレイヤーが若手と共に出演した。その動きっぷりは圧巻だったし、これまで観たマエストロの中で圧倒的に面白かった。こんなに自由に出来るのか！という新たな可能性を見せつけられた感じだ。そしてその姿はきっと他の若手プレイヤーの刺激になったと思う。そういう場が定期的に得られるのがルースムースの伝統の良さだ。 そのルースムースのフィードバックの中で印象に残ったのは「ディレクターのエレガントさ」と「内容の充実」だ。 2週目のマエストロでは若いディレクターが担当だった。その際にディレクションを入れ過ぎたことがノートとして挙げられた。あまりにもディレクターがコントロールをし過ぎると、即興性が失われる。ディレクターは自分が見たいものではなく、この場で生まれたものを使いながら、プレイヤーのアイデアや反応を生かしながら、作り上げられる物語をサポートする必要がある。特にマエストロのディレクターは豊富な経験が求められる。もちろん今回は若いディレクターのチャレンジもあったので、2人にとっては学びになったろうと思う。 「内容の充実」はあまり日本では聞かないが、よりクオリティの高いショーをやっていくためには必要なことだ。つまりシーンの内容をより社会的に意義のあるものにしていくということ。例えば、政治的な内容を混ぜるとか、社会問題に踏み込んだ内容にするとか、特にゴリラシアター（演出家の対決）といった高度なフォーマットでは、そこまでのレベルになると望ましい。そこからインプロがアートに昇華し得るわけだ。「内容」をシーンが面白いからどうかというよりも、社会的意義があるかどうかで判断してるのは、視点の広さを感じた。より高い視点から見つめているのだなと感じた。風刺の文化がない日本ではあまり馴染みがないが、いずれはそういった内容にも挑戦出来ると良い。 今後の興味としては、ロングフォーム（ないし長尺のインプロ）をどのように興味深くしていくかだ。キース門下の人たち（特にルースムーサー）はロングフォームに対して否定的だ。スティーブは「ロングフォームは多くの場合がストーリーを遅れさせていて、エキサイトに欠ける」と言う。ショーンはミドルフォームをやることは勧める。スーパーシーンやモアorレスのような、ショートシーン中心だが、投票によって続きを作っていくか否かを決めるスタイルだ。興味深く、長い物語を作ることが出来るし、プレイヤーの学びにもなる。僕も最近グループでやるロングフォームには興味をなくしつつある。理由は先述したものと同じだ。やるとしたらデュオ（即興二人芝居）で1時間くらいに挑戦する。その方がエキサイティングだし、混乱も起きない。大勢で長くやると混乱が起こることが多いし、余計にやることが多い。以前の僕はそればかりやっていたことがあったが、今の僕はそんな感じだ。だが希望は捨ててない。今回のクラスでもロングフォームに挑戦するらしいので、より面白くなる可能性を探りたいと思う。    ENGLISH TRANSLATION Week 1  The first week was over in a flash. How did it go so fast? I don’t know why so fast.  Maybe it’s because we are at home, at Shawn’s house. We basically live at Shawn’s house and have classes at his house. Most of the members lived with Shawn at his house so they were able to attend classes […]
- [COLLECTION OF LESSONS](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/13/collection-of-lessons/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Collecting Lessons Cindy Pittens – Week 2 Refreshing  Shawn, our teacher, does a clever thing.  And for the trainers and for that matter also students, and actually all people among us, this might be useful to share.  Do what you want with it again! We taught each other  Yesterday we received feedback about this.  Before the feedback, he asked, “How do you respond to notes?”  Ha! Smart!  I thought that was very pleasant and smart to ask.  The effect is that you can let yourself be known for a while.  You show yourself;  you are seen for […]
- [Fear, inadequacy, and a deep longing for learning](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/13/fear-inadequacy-and-a-deep-longing-for-learning/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Fear, inadequacy, and a deep longing for learning Cindy Pittens – Week 1 The first week of Improvisation School in Calgary has already passed. It lived an exciting life for 7 intense days and then it suddenly slipped away. Gone. In a split second. Today we have it’s farewell-picnick in the park. Before I say goodbye to these fine 7 days; because of course we have to let go, to be open for the next chapter in improv-life, I’d like to review what this week has brought me. To start with fear. Well, I […]
- [Path to BADASS Improviser](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/13/path-to-badass-improviser/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post PATH TO BADASS IMPROVISER ANNA ROBINSON – Week 2 There are 3 inspirations this week:  Push Yourself when performing on stage. Let action and emotion be more extreme. If needed, use physical inspiration.  Connect with the audience. What the improviser thought acted is different as the audience saw. Connect with the audience.  Make yourself seen. Take the obvious.  Three layers of notes First time receiving the note, move to the back of the head. Second time taking the note, move it from back to front of your head Third time hear the note, move it […]
- [Anna Begins](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/13/anna-begins/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post ANNA BEGINS ANNA ROBINSON – Week 1 Hi here is my sentences for first week: I am trying my best to be present, be aware.  I learned and trying to be empty.  The circle of expectation is inspiring.  The introduction of Calgary was very kind and sweet.  I enjoyed the play started from nature very much.
- [Let the Past Die](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/13/let-the-past-die/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post LET THE PAST DIE PAUL ROBINSON – Week 1 We were trying to fix a computer yesterday because the bluetooth wouldn’t connect to anything. We tried turning it on and off again, reinstalling the drivers, and all the other regular stuff. The only thing that worked, though, was a hard reset: totally cutting the power off.      I remember a dark, autumn evening last year, the kind where you want to wear a t-shirt to feel the crisp air, but if you do you’ll get goosebumps. I was running a combine, everything seemed to […]
- [Are You Listening?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/2023/08/13/are-you-listening/): THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post ARE YOU LISTENING? PAUL ROBINSON – Week 2 Aug. 7-10 Personal Journal entry We were at a workshop at the Loose Moose, doing the variation of “Yes, Let’s” where you sit down if you don’t feel inspired. We spent about forty minutes, and I think the furthest we got was seven suggestions. Great for learning, but not for playing, I spent most of that time sitting. But when we got to open scenes for the last twenty minutes, I felt a tolerable, but very unpleasant, panic. It rested along the bottom of my stomach […]

## Pages

- [GUEST](https://theimprovisationschool.com/guest/): IMPRO SCHOOL GUESTS From Here, There, and Everywhere ABOUT OUR GUESTS Guest A friend of the school, we invite guests in occasionaly to experience improvisation and share their skills and interest with the other students. Our guests might be people who dropped by and were interested or visiting teachers. They may be students in the area. They could come from anywhere, but they have a passion for Improvising.
- [PAUL](https://theimprovisationschool.com/paul/): PAUL ROBINSON Edmonton, Alberta On Improv and Obfuscation THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post On Improv and Obfuscation… PAUL ROBINSON – Week 5 “The Basic Fault is the… Read More September 3, 2023 QUICK THOUGHTS FOR WEEK 4 THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post BE PRESENT PAUL ROBINSON – Week 4 Notes on the first month:-Commit, commit, commit -Emote,… Read More August 29, 2023 BE PRESENT THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post BE PRESENT PAUL ROBINSON – Week 3 INTERVIEW WITH MYSELF – Paul Robinson. Q: What… Read More August 23, 2023 Let the Past Die THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, […]
- [KASH](https://theimprovisationschool.com/kash/): KASH SRIDHAR NEW DELHI, INDIAWASHINGTON, DC. USA Kash teaches TWO TABLES THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post KASH teaches TWO TABLES KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 6 Week 5: KASH teaches TWO… Read More September 12, 2023 Improv is like Driving – Learning to live on the edge THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Improv is like Driving – Learning to live on the edge KASHYAP SRIDHAR –… Read More September 6, 2023 Interview with my-selves THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post INTERVIEW WITH MYSELVES KASHYAP SRIDHAR – Week 4 Week 4:  An interview with my-selves. … Read More September […]
- [ANNA](https://theimprovisationschool.com/anna/): ANNA ROBINSON QINGDAO, SHANDONG, CHINA Three Insights THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post THREE INSIGHTS ANNA ROBINSON – Week 5 “Three Insights” (original Chinese below) Pay attention… Read More September 3, 2023 Be Vulnerable THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post BE VULNERABLE ANNA ROBINSON – Week 4 This week I learned and experienced the… Read More August 28, 2023 CAST THE MAGIC! THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post CASTING MAGIC ANNA ROBINSON – Week 3 (The following is a CHAT GPT TRANSLATION… Read More August 25, 2023 Path to BADASS Improviser THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post […]
- [CINDY](https://theimprovisationschool.com/cindy/): CINDY PITTENS NIJMEGEN, NETHERLANDS Ready for the next step. THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post Ready for the next step Cindy Pittens – Week 5 READY FOR THE NEXT… Read More September 3, 2023 Healthy Stress! THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post Healthy Stress! Cindy Pittens – Week 4 Week 4 at the Improvisation school. Title:… Read More August 31, 2023 Hearing myself think THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS, Student Post Hearing myself think Cindy Pittens – Week 3 Interview yourself.  That was this week’s… Read More August 21, 2023 COLLECTION OF LESSONS THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student […]
- [OSHOW](https://theimprovisationschool.com/oshow/): OSHOW TOKYO, JAPAN Week 5 MID FORM and MISSING HOME THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post  Middle form and Missing home OSHOW – Week 5 Week 5 Week 5. I… Read More September 2, 2023 Week 4 Yatta – Wkatta – Tsugi! THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post  YATTA – WKATTA – TSUGI OSHOW – Week 4 Week 4 Two of the… Read More August 28, 2023 Week 3 – LAUGH WHEN YOU LAUGH THOUGHTS, IDEAS, QUESTIONS, PROCESS, LESSONS,  Student Post FWEEK 3 – LAUGH WHEN YOU LAUGH OSHOW – Week 3 Week 3 This… Read More August 21, […]
- [Newsletter](https://theimprovisationschool.com/newsletter/): [newsletter]
- [Application for The School](https://theimprovisationschool.com/application-for-the-school/): Hola, Guten Tag, Bonjour, Konnichi Wa, Hello Thank you for your interest in THE IMPROVISATION SCHOOL. The Improvisation School (IS) will open its doors to a small number of students every year from around the world.  This little questionairre is aimed at getting to know  you a little better.  In this way we can  prepare for the adventure ahead. While we ask that all applicants to the school fill out the application, completing this form does not necssarily ensure you a spot in the course.  Applicants will be contacted to update them on their status. If a position is reserved for […]
- [Extra Info](https://theimprovisationschool.com/extra-info/): EXTRAS & Entertainment Explore, Educate, Entertain Check below for interesting and entertaining bits and pieces that might add to your Impro wisdom. Current Class These are the risk takers who are diving into the unknown and developing their skills.  Check out their writing and learn from their learning. IMPRO Info Here’s a little collected info on: IMPROVISATION – What is it? IMPROVISATION – What isn’t it? IMPROVISATION – History and how it dies! more coming… Previous Students We build on the lessons of those who precede us.  Check out what they experienced, what they said and where they are now.   Formats […]
- [Choose to explore the Unknown](https://theimprovisationschool.com/choose-to-explore-the-unknown/): Some choices lead you into unexpected adventures… Here are some famous and not so famous quotes offered for nothing more than inspiration.  May there always be that… “Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.”   Rumi, The Essential Rumi Some choices lead nowhere And some may start a great adventure “I never made one of my discoveries through the process of rational thinking”  ― Albert Einstein “There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot […]
- [Science](https://theimprovisationschool.com/science/): Improvisation in Science  communication outside the box thinking and perspective shifts awareness and team development. Schrödinger’s cat The scientist is a part of the experiment. The relationship between subjects and psychologist, for example, makes the outcome covered in unintentional interaction. Improvisation sheds light on the reality often missed by those who are on the inside. Shawn’s work with Systemic family therapist resulted in a paper exploring impro techniques and processes used with clients in New Castle England. The Human Element The Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary basic research institutions in the natural and […]
- [Sports](https://theimprovisationschool.com/sports/): “I’ve failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan Basketball Impro in Sports Develop quicker response times.  Train flexibility for tactical strategies.  Create broader awareness and understanding of your particular playing arena.  Improvisation can add to the skills and strength that make the good athlete, elite.  Train to Fail! – And Succeed more.One Improvisation lesson that elite athletes understand. Those that say, “Failure, is not an option” might have initial success as they push forward but, those who embrace the partnership with failure become the risk-takers and the fearless few who will […]
- [Formats](https://theimprovisationschool.com/formats/): Formats developed Here… A strongly held philosophy is that most great formats solve issues. They can be entertaining, they can be theatrical but they generally exist because there is a problem to be solved. Part of the School Philosophy is to learn how to create effective formats…. Specific examples below. Formats Definition An improvisation Format is a structure that holds and molds the content of the performance. Performers work within the frame work and limitations of formats to present their ideas. Many “formats” are actually not formats at all. They are themes or premises with no real framework. EXAMPLES Theatresports: Developed […]
- [Elementor #1908](https://theimprovisationschool.com/elementor-1908/): Sometime… There is no reason.   Only Inspiration. Playground for creative people. “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”  ― Martha Graham Read More
- [secret](https://theimprovisationschool.com/secret/): This content is password-protected. To view it, please enter the password below. Password:
- [Saraswati Scholarship](https://theimprovisationschool.com/saraswati-scholarship/): Saraswati Scholarship An interesting thing happened on the way to The Improvisation School…  A generous and anonymous donor from  the other side of the planet appeared as a spontaneous benefactor.  The offering is being used to assist students from locations of the planet where financial need is high and opportunities might be low. Look below for more details… apply for assistance Say What? Originally from India, the kind donor was looking for a way to honour the Hindu Goddess of Education, Arts and Nature. The former student of Shawn Kinley, made the financial gift available without any strings or expectations attached. […]
- [Apply to the Improvisation School](https://theimprovisationschool.com/apply/): Apply to The Improvisation School  Improvise in one of the world’s most influential improvisation communities.  Experience an intense Improvisation environment Limited class size International influence 1 and 2-month sessions Some of the best narrative improvisation studies learn physical skills, teaching skills, devising skills and more… Application Process With a selection process that allows just 6-8 students a year, we are looking for a diverse selection of passionate students who are willing to learn, grow and engage. Day to Day Life Where am I going to live? What am I going to eat? How will Canada treat me? How do I get […]
- [A Research Centre](https://theimprovisationschool.com/a-research-centre/): Research Centre Intent Improvisation is alive and must rebel against death by definition. The school’s intent is to broaden the depth of understanding and encourage a greater use of improvisation in all its forms. Action Students are encouraged to keep an online record to share their discoveries and developments. The School will actively explore and develop teaching techniques, formats and means of interaction with other fields. Outcome Formats like The HOT SEAT, The SHELL GAME and others are being played around the world. Scientific papers co written by Shawn Kinley have been published and workshops are periodically being given to scientists, […]
- [School Philosophy](https://theimprovisationschool.com/school-philosophy/): School Philosophy We are born great improvisers.But then… We spend years in formal education systems learning to think in rigid ways, avoiding failures, and protecting ourselves from spontaneous expression. We emerge risk-averse, fearful of the unknown, and holding irrational beliefs. We spend the rest of our lives working on skills that we had from the beginning but have since forgotten.   “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.”  ―  Winston S. Churchill YOU YOU are the beginning of the exploration. IDENTITY “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows […]
- [About the Improvisation School](https://theimprovisationschool.com/about-the-improvisation-school/): ABOUT THE IMPROVISATION SCHOOL INTENSE Duration:  2 and 3 months. Students will engage in a multi faceted, learning and living experience with no less than:   · 20 teacher facilitated learning hours per week.   · 5 hours of peer facilitation weekly,   · performance opportunities   · guided out of class projects and development work (ie: format development, production and research) FOCUSED Enrollment:  Limited to 6-8 students per session.  Genuine focus and personal feedback is ensured for each and every student in the school   CURRICULUM: Varied and Adaptable.  The school philosophy dictates that the curriculum is about the needs of those present. […]
- [Public Workshops](https://theimprovisationschool.com/public-workshops/): Improvisation and you World class instruction, offering improvisation skills in: communication · awareness · reaction · empathy · intuition · focus · sports · science · research ·  presentation · support  · relationship · education · management · personal development· creativity · fun · play · productivity · and more Session length –3-4 hours, 3-5 days, 3 months, Ongoing development… contact us Corporate GOOGLE, BRIDGEWATER BANK, & BELL  have all discovered the benefits and positive impact Improvisation has on their growth, for their customers, and in their work environment. Corporate experiences that “just” leave you feeling good, aren’t good enough. There’s more. CLICK HERE FOR MORE  […]
- [Here & Now!](https://theimprovisationschool.com/here-now/): HERE & NOW Here’s some information, resources and more. FAQ’s Other’s have asked these questions.  The answers might help you.  If you still have more questions, CONTACT us and we’ll add your question and the answer to the list! The Current Class These are the risk takers who are diving into the unknown and developing their skills.  Check out their writing and learn from their learning. Previous Students We build on the lessons of those who precede us.  Check out what they experienced, what they said and where they are now.   Posts and Writing A requirement to attend The Improvisation Community […]
- [The Improvisation School](https://theimprovisationschool.com/the-school/): welcome to the School Improvisation is: Adaptability, Spontaneity, Awareness, Acceptance, Flexibility, and a myriad of other ‘soft skills’. It’s no wonder that Improvisation reaches into every aspect of life.   The Improvisation School offers intense training for those interested in performing, teaching and exploring improvisation.  The school is also a research and training centre offering short term training to those in other fields ABOUT THE SCHOOL A centre of study, research and development with a strong core belief in the wealth of improvisation to the arts and the world.(more…) OUR PHILOSOPHY Improvisation is the core, both in content and in the style […]
- [Impro Info](https://theimprovisationschool.com/impro-info/)
- [What IS Improvisation?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/what-is-improvisation/)
- [History & The Death of Improvisation](https://theimprovisationschool.com/history-the-death-of-improvisation/): Throughout history, Improvisation repeatedly became the cool thing to do on stage and then faded away as a practiced form. Let there be Improvisation! The first recorded ongoing reference to Improvisation was around 300 B.C. in the Roman Empire where the Oscan Performers developed what was known by a few names: Atellan Farce, Oscan Games etc. The Atellan Farce was a masked farce that originated in Italy by 300 B.C.and remained popular for more than 500 years. Originally, the farces were improvised and not recorded. … the actors in Atellan Farce were known to be Oscan, -Wikipedia Check out the stellar research by JEFF MATTHEWS for more about the […]
- [What is Improvisation Not?](https://theimprovisationschool.com/what-is-improvisation-not/): With respect to the rich world of musical improvisation and wonderful physical contact improvisation, I’m going to focus on theatrical improvisation. Too many definitions, Too limiting. Search the internet or numerous books written about improvisation and you quickly discover that definitions are as varied as they are numerous. I have yet to find a definition that takes the variety and possibilities into account. Stage improvisation is different than Applied improvisation which is different than Jazz improvisation, Contact improvisation, or general life improvisation. And within each style of improvisation are various categories that differentiate themselves from each other. The need to define […]
- [Blog](https://theimprovisationschool.com/blog/)
- [Front Page](https://theimprovisationschool.com/): So, What’s the Plan CONTACT SHAWN FOR MORE INFORMATION  Stay healthy and take care of each other-Shawn RECENT POSTS
- [Faculty](https://theimprovisationschool.com/faculty/): Shawn KINLEY Head of the program and the main teacher, instigator, and facilitator of your studies, Shawn brings 40 years of practical experience from around the globe Shawn’s Site Additional Guest instructors will occasionally be included in the course. They will include instructors chosen for specific skills, travelling guest instructors from Europe, South America and North America. YOU A component of the school is to develop your teaching skills. Even if you believe you will never teach a class in your life, the skills to explain, express and develop your ideas will be invaluable for you as an artist and one […]
- [THANK YOU...](https://theimprovisationschool.com/thank-you/): Thanks again. You made this monkey happy.  Hey, thanks a lot for subscribing. Here is an extra monkey (free of charge). Treat him well. First, I promise you won’t get over-run with mail from us and secondly we are always looking for ways to personalize the information to your needs. So, feel free to drop us a note at any time with questions or requests and we will see what we can do for you in the future Newsletters. Look for interesting tips and hints about Improvisation in life, on stage and at work coming to you soon. Also look for […]
- [Transportation](https://theimprovisationschool.com/transportation/): Transportation Getting from there to here…  International and Local and getting around town… Flying to Calgary Calgary is an international Hub and easy to get to. Contact us about your arrival and we’ll pick you up when you arrive! Skyscanner is useful for planning… Locally, Calgary transit gets you around townRoutes:160Annual ridership:105.3 million (2018) We suggest getting a monthly bus pass for approx. 100 dollar.  CAR SHARING Whether it’s a dedicated Car Sharing Company or CAR2GO, a vehicle is an option if you have your license in order.
- [The Process](https://theimprovisationschool.com/the-process/): The Improvisation School 2025 sessions APPLICATION PROCESS & DEADLINES Your adventure begins here… (scroll down) The IMPROVISATION SCHOOL Let’s Begin There are TWO paths to follow: August 4 – 30  – 1 month August 4 – September 30 – 2 month The first step is to contact The Improvisation School for an application and then you are on your way! Send us your questions / messages/ comments CONTACT THE SCHOOL Let us know you are interested. We will send you the link for the application. CONTACT US APPLY You will receive a link to the application form. This helps us create a […]
- [The Students](https://theimprovisationschool.com/the-students/): (COMING SOON…)
- [Self Development](https://theimprovisationschool.com/self-development/): YOU ARE IMPROVISATION For Fun, or development, with friends or a significant other, short term, lifelong, daily, for work, on stage or off, Improvisation is already most of what you do.  Be better at being you. Easily. “Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables For Fun Laughter is the best medicine.  It’s true.  Laugh and play in fun and reasonably challenging ways. Social Skills It’s no secret that there are social skills to be learned here. (Empathy, awareness, communication, Control etc) Why not discover tools in forgiving and flexible […]
- [Schools, Universities, Colleges](https://theimprovisationschool.com/schools-universities-colleges/): Education Institutions Bending the definition of learning… Varied Levels University and Colleges From Engineering to Arts and Science, Shawn has presented theory and practical workshops aiding skills in a variety of areas for University level students. Early Education The formative years are the stepping stones for all that is to come. Starting early with Improvisation not only gives great advantages to the students but it makes future education easier. Theatre Arts Schools Having taught at various national theatres and academies, Shawn’s work within the arts field as an important supplement to traditional training has been met with great enthusiasm. High School […]
- [News](https://theimprovisationschool.com/news/): (COMING SOON…)
- [Practicalities](https://theimprovisationschool.com/practicalities/): Day to Day CALGARY, CANADA Location On the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, The Improvisation School is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  Come for the school, stay for the great outdoors. More… HOME SWEET HOME Living While we can’t search for accommodations directly for you, we can give you some leads and tips on finding yourself a cozy place to stay while you are attending school. More… AIR, LAND, SEA Getting around Let us help you get from point A to Point B in the city and we can make some suggestions on finding a decent flight from where you are to […]
- [Previous Students](https://theimprovisationschool.com/previous-students/): Previous Students If you ever studied with Shawn; Share a lesson,  Send a Link, A Quote, your Picture. What does Improvisation mean to you? Previous 2010 – Present Lena Forsch Shawn is 100% present with his students. He knows how to give each individual what they specifically need. I have never seen him teach an excercise the same way twice! The excercises change with whatever struggle needs to be addressed in any given moment. To me, that’s what makes him a a great teacher (and one, I’ll always want to work with, if I get the chance): He understands where you are […]
- [FAQs](https://theimprovisationschool.com/faqs/): FAQ If your question isn’t here, Ask us. Maybe others are asking the same question. Am I Eligible to Attend? There is a selection process but the requirements are flexible and based on a variety of factors.  We are most interested in Improvisers with drive and the spirit to learn and develop.  Enrollment is limited.  6-8 people will be considered per session. We will discuss with you whether you and the School are a good fit.  Drop us a note. Can I come for PART of the course? We understand that life’s demands are not always easy to juggle but we […]
- [Fees and Scholarships](https://theimprovisationschool.com/fees-and-scholarships/): Fees & Scholarships APPLY NOW   All fees and scholarships are listed in Canadian dollars.50% of course fees are due by August 20 COURSE FEE GENERAL FEE2 Month – $30001 Month – $1600(if the application is received after 5 months in advance) EARLY OFFER 2 Month -$2750 1 Month -$1400  (if application received 5 months in advance) $75 administration fee applies to cancellations within 6 weeks of course. All fees are in Canadian dollars – QUESTIONS and APPLY HERE SCHOLARSHIPS The Improvisation School offers limited scholarship to be put towards the course fee. Eligibility requirements include: – Proven Financial need – Country of residence  LEARN […]
- [Location](https://theimprovisationschool.com/location/): LOCATION Calgary Calgary, Canada At 1.2 million people, Calgary is Canada’s 4th largest city. Located  In the foothills at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, it receives an average of 2600 hours of sun per year. This makes Calgary the sunniest city in Canada. And don’t worry about the winter. A unique weather system called the Chinook can drive temperatures up to balmy spring conditions in just a few hours.  learn more And while you’re here,  spend some time at the Loose Moose theatre. This 40+ year old icon in the Improvisation world Founded by Keith Johnstone and Mel Tonken, has […]
- [Lessons and Questions](https://theimprovisationschool.com/lessons-and-questions/): (COMING SOON…)
- [Current Class](https://theimprovisationschool.com/current-class/): The Current Students, Improvisers, Innovators Anna Oshow GUESTS Paul Kash Cindy Read their words. Ponder their insights. Every student is unique and their process is part of the development of the Improvisation community. Subscribe to the Newsletter and updates We have played so many games and worked on several scenes and activities, where the nature of instructions and the expectations are paradoxical and indefinable in nature, just like the “Tao”. The games we play are trying to emphasize a sliver of true nature and the rules to those games are just like scaffolding, they are just an aid to the true […]
- [Curriculum](https://theimprovisationschool.com/curriculum/): CURRICULUM Planned Flexibility Traditional  Curriculum is typically a restrictive concept aimed at creating structured safety and a false sense of certainty, but it avoids inspired adapting of ideas and the actual needs of the student.   Traditional school has nothing to do with or for Improvisation.  The Improvisation School is IMPROVISATION in content and in practice. Adaptive to TRUE needs Challenging Tasks Initiative and development Devise and Writing Confidence Unique Lessons Breaking Patterns Narrative and Anti-Narrative Ego Perspective Exploration Personal Feedback Attitude and Risk Some of our moving targets The Improvisation School Curriculum defies restrictions Traditional education theory screams out to define […]
- [Creatives](https://theimprovisationschool.com/creatives/):  “Life is being on the wire, everything else is just waiting.” — Karl Wallenda  “The dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety.” – Goethe Creative artists and Improvisation “We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, Improvise More than Skill Knowing grammar doesn’t make you a writer. Following choreography is just mechanics. Musicians who strum and pluck are technicians. Improvisation skills push knowledge into balance with the inspiration of life and expression. KNOWING Do you KNOW how to create? Do you KNOW what you are doing?  If you […]
- [Corporate](https://theimprovisationschool.com/corporate/): Improvise IMPROVISE Because Survival is not enough Status Quo for any company is death. Existing in your past does not reflect a sustainable reality or prosperous future. You are constantly evolving whether you control it or not.  How you are perceived is part of your presence. How you interact with a changing world reflects on how your audience values you.  The world changes.  If you remain the same, your future falters. The vulnerable companies see their shortcomings as well as their strengths.  They understand they are part of a system bigger than themselves.  The successful companies train for the unknown and are […]
- [BLOGS and Articles](https://theimprovisationschool.com/blog/blogs-and-articles/): All the writing by everyone at the school A PINCH OF EXPRESSION ShawnKinley August 9, 2022 A PINCH OF EXPRESSION!!! THIS? OR….THIS? What’s the difference between these two pictures of my French improvising friends,  Arnaud, Raphael, Chenny, Jérémy,… READ MORE MAFIOSO / SPLAT ShawnKinley August 9, 2022 MAFIOSO * SPLAT * BANG *GUNSLINGER* It’s HIGH NOON and you stand challenged by some dangerous varmints.  Who’s with you and who’s… READ MORE MEMORABLE MOMENTS 2 – DON’T LOOK UP! ShawnKinley July 23, 2022 MEMORABLE MOMENTS (round 2) DON’T LOOK UP! Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Jonah Hill It wasn’t in […]
- [Contact](https://theimprovisationschool.com/contact/)
- [Accommodation](https://theimprovisationschool.com/accommodation/): We will connect all students to each other so that you might aid in each other’s search for a place to call home away from home… The University of Calgary is close to where your classes will be and convenient by public transportation.  Arrive early and you will find university students with postings looking for roomates to share expenses. Where to Stay? School Main Location Most of our classes will be in the North West part of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.   One suggestion is that you might find a connection with a local improviser who might rent out a room in their […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://theimprovisationschool.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are Our website address is: https://theimprovisationschool.com. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context […]


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