livewisdom's review
5.0
This is a book about improv for improvisers.
It is the book we have needed for quite some time!
Author and improviser extraordinaire Patti Stiles points out that crucially, improvisation is an energy more than it is a particular technique or rule. Yes, there are processes that are taught to help new and experienced improvisers alike structure scenes and strengthen their skills. She argues that the biz of improv has gotten too wound up in these"rules" of improv. If you've done improv, or watched a lot of shows, you probably know some of them like -
Yes, And
No blocking
Don't ask questions
Her book unpacks our reliance on these "rules" and offers up perspectives on how to remember they exist while giving yourself and your fellow improvisers lots of space to ignore or creatively break them. She reminds us to connect and continually re-connect to the energy of playfulness, discovery and surprise. You know, the things that probably drew us to improv in the first place LOL.
She also addresses the dark underbelly of the scene. How toxic masculinity, bullying, power imbalances, abuse of power and consent violations created improv spaces and companies that were unsafe for many performers.
Stiles shares credit freely, referencing and quoting other notable improvisers throughout the book. Recalling things she's learned from others. She also points readers back to the source if they're looking for game suggestions - classic improv books by Keith Johnstone (Impro and Impro for Storytellers) and Viola Spolin's Improvisation for the Theatre, etc.
Every improv group should have a couple copies of this book on hand to pull out when they find shows or training getting stale and feeling more cookie cutter performative. Thanks, Patti!
It is the book we have needed for quite some time!
Author and improviser extraordinaire Patti Stiles points out that crucially, improvisation is an energy more than it is a particular technique or rule. Yes, there are processes that are taught to help new and experienced improvisers alike structure scenes and strengthen their skills. She argues that the biz of improv has gotten too wound up in these"rules" of improv. If you've done improv, or watched a lot of shows, you probably know some of them like -
Yes, And
No blocking
Don't ask questions
Her book unpacks our reliance on these "rules" and offers up perspectives on how to remember they exist while giving yourself and your fellow improvisers lots of space to ignore or creatively break them. She reminds us to connect and continually re-connect to the energy of playfulness, discovery and surprise. You know, the things that probably drew us to improv in the first place LOL.
She also addresses the dark underbelly of the scene. How toxic masculinity, bullying, power imbalances, abuse of power and consent violations created improv spaces and companies that were unsafe for many performers.
Stiles shares credit freely, referencing and quoting other notable improvisers throughout the book. Recalling things she's learned from others. She also points readers back to the source if they're looking for game suggestions - classic improv books by Keith Johnstone (Impro and Impro for Storytellers) and Viola Spolin's Improvisation for the Theatre, etc.
Every improv group should have a couple copies of this book on hand to pull out when they find shows or training getting stale and feeling more cookie cutter performative. Thanks, Patti!
More...