Keith Johnstone used to open his workshops sitting on the edge of the stage, looking at a paper coffee cup. Fiddling with the rim. He’d glance up, take a labored breath, and say: “I don’t know what you know.” Pause. “So, I don’t know what to teach you.” More fiddling with the cup. Then, finally: … [Read more...] about The Contract the Article Missed
Improvisation
Want to Be More Comfortable Speaking Up at Work?
You have ideas. You have experience. You have something to contribute. So why does speaking up at work sometimes feel so hard? Maybe your heart speeds up before you ask a question in a meeting. Maybe you rehearse a comment in your head until the moment passes. Maybe you know your point … [Read more...] about Want to Be More Comfortable Speaking Up at Work?
Do you know what you're selling? Do you know what they're looking for?
You are in business, right? I mean you're offering your services or products in exchange for money. One of the things I offer for sale is The Playbook (Improv Games for Performers). Using a tool from Google, I was able to track the terms people searched for, if they clicked and if they … [Read more...] about Do you know what you're selling? Do you know what they're looking for?
What would you ask a stranger? On Stage?
Would you answer these questions on stage? In front of an audience of strangers? Have you ever cheated on a test? Ever been so drunk you can't remember what happened? Why didn't you marry that great guy/gal you went out with for so long? When were the best years of your life? What … [Read more...] about What would you ask a stranger? On Stage?
There you are!
I knew there was a reason I still read the morning paper! Today Dear Abby had some advice about charm. She said: My mother used to say there are two kinds of people in this world: those who walk into a room and their attitude says, “Here I am!” And those who walk into a room and their … [Read more...] about There you are!
The Playbook: Improv Games for Performers
When you get this book of Improv Games and Formats ...you will be ready to run a workout or jump on any stage and play. Watch this short video, then visit the site by clicking HERE. The Playbook: Improv Games for Performers … [Read more...] about The Playbook: Improv Games for Performers
Lives depend on Improv!
"American troupes in Iraq have become masters of improvisation, like bolting jury-rigged armor to humvees..." and then later in the article the word appears again: "We force Marine trainees to improvise." Improvise means 'off-label use'. Like the use of Silly String to detect hidden … [Read more...] about Lives depend on Improv!