Improv Notebook » Archive for August 2009
KJ6 – Blocking – when does NO mean yes?
Saying “yes, And…” is fundamental to improv, right? And by some axiom of algebra that I have long since forgotten, that must mean that saying “no” is wrong. I often hear people call it blocking and reserved for bad improvisers. Well, NO. For years, that was how I thought about blocking. It was how I learned and how I taught. After a while, there is an inevitable conversation about “when it is ok to say the … Read entire article »
Filed under: Keith Johnstone, Performing Improv, Workshops
The stories we tell ourselves
I was late. I was late and stuck. I was late and stuck in the line at the gas pump. And worst of all, I could see the people holding up the line I could not get out of. I watched for several minutes as all three people talked, joked, and admired the side of their car. And worst of all, they just sitting there, next to the pump, and not even pumping gas. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Improv in Life
What do you do: Improv or Improvisation?
Which do you do: Improv Improvisation Impro [in certain parts of the world] A Google search suggests that Improv is a theatrical term and Improvisation is a musical term. In talking with companies in the US and abroad this is what I’ve found. … Read entire article »
Filed under: General, Improv Exercises, Teaching Improv
KJ Series – Notes from Keith Johnstone work in August 2009
William and I had the opportunity to work with Keith Johnstone and many wonderful improvisers in August 2009. We captures lots of notes, ideas and inspirations from all of this work and are sharing these ideas in a series of posts. Each post is labeled KJ for Keith Johnstone because that was the inspiration for the work. We did our best to capture what we could and any quotations, misquotes, or variation is certainly our understanding … Read entire article »
Filed under: General, Keith Johnstone, Performing Improv, Teaching Improv, Workshops
Quick Choice – Make fast decisions in a group
It happens all the time. You are in a meeting at work, a club, a group – and you are faced with a decision. What kind of pizza? What’s the next topic to discuss? How should the group spend it’s time next? You need a decision and you need it now! … Read entire article »
Filed under: Applied Improv, Improv Exercises
KJ5 – Quiet mind or LOUD mind
Notes from Keith Johnstone retreat, August 11, 2009 Can you to stop your thoughts for 1 minute? Try it now – just sit, breathe and don’t think. I’ll wait… How did it go? Unless you have a daily meditation practice, it can be very hard to quiet your mind. That’s normal for most of us. Now try the opposite. Pick a nursery rhyme or line from a song you know well – something like “Bah Bah Black … Read entire article »
Filed under: General, Keith Johnstone, Performing Improv, Teaching Improv, Workshops
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