Improv Nation

A sweeping yet intimate--and often hilarious--history of a uniquely American art form that has never been more popular

Improv is an art form in which participants act and respond in the present, trusting that each thoughtful action will lead to a wonderful outcome--even if it isn't the intended result. In this book, the principles and practices of unscripted theater are applied to non-theatrical circumstances. This book is based on a highly successful business school course, and aids in the development of communication, teamwork, creativity, confidence, emotional intelligence and other abilities. Each chapter assesses a different component of improv--how it connects to stage success and how it can be used in professional, academic and social settings. This is the only text that lays out an entire course on applied improv, providing activities with detailed instructions and descriptions. With roots in higher education, the book is informal, entertaining, and designed to be beneficial for anybody. Behavioral science, philosophy, art and athletics are all used to inform this discussion of improv and its real-world applications.

The central experience of the Ramones and their music is of being an outsider, an outcast, a person who’s somehow defective, and the revolt against shame and self-loathing. The fans, argues Donna Gaines, got it right away, from their own experience of alienation at home, at school, on the streets, and from themselves. This sense of estrangement and marginality permeates everything the Ramones still offer us as artists, and as people. Why the Ramones Matter compellingly makes the case that the Ramones gave us everything; they saved rock and roll, modeled DIY ethics, and addressed our deepest collective traumas, from the personal to the historical.

Improvisation is an art of spontaneity, freedom and impulse. Audiences the world over flock to shows where anything could happen! But lurking at the heart of many companies that perform it is a contradiction, a bait and switch. Students who sign up for classes are taught 'The Rules': the strictly right and wrong way to play make-believe. How the hell did that happen?Patti Stiles is an actor, improvisor, director, teacher and playwright who has worked professionally in theatre since 1983. In Improvise Freely, she turns 'The Rules' of improvising on their head and shows that there is another way. Is it okay to ask questions? Why do we Who? What? Where? And what if it's time to say 'No thanks' to 'Yes And'?

The pop culture historian and best-selling author of Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. presents a revealing portrait of the renowned dancer, choreographer, screenwriter and director that traces his numerous reinventions and prodigious professional achievements as well as his romantic relationships and excessive appetites. 40,000 first printing.

The Compass began in a storefront theater near the U. of Chicago campus in the summer of 1955 and lasted only a few years before its players--including Paul Sills, Elaine May, Mike Nichols, Barbara Harris, Severn Darden, and Shelley Berman--moved on. Coleman recreates the time, the place, the personalities, and the neurotic magic whereby the Campus made theater history in America. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.

Inside Improvisation explores, compares and details the main methods of theatrical improvisation, from the Chicago method improv and Harold, to Keith Johnstone's impro and Theatresports, and everything of significance in-between. All while exploring the history and science behind how improvisation works, and how to become a better improvisor.

Improve your life, where everything’s not made up and the points do matter. Drew Carey’s show Whose Line Is It Anyway? has turned improvisational comedy into a pop culture phenomenon. But improv is more than just laughs—it’s a valuable training tool that will make you a more effective business professional. Inside, you will discover how to: Š Replace negative phrases like “Yes, but...” with successful terms like “Yes, and...” Š Park your agenda and really hear your client out. By listening to understand, you can adapt to their ideas and produce a more positive outcome. Š Grow your client relationships beyond the numbers to build rapport, comfort, and trust. Improv is no Joke is must-read for accountants, bankers, and other financial professionals to sharpen the invaluable leadership and communication skills you need to successfully relate to clients and communicate complex information in a user-friendly way. “Peter is the first CPA speaker who actually made me laugh. Who knew accountants could be funny AND inspiring? Now, if I could just get my taxes to not be a joke!” —Judy Carter, author of The Comedy Bible and The Message of You