Book cover of Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre

Book description

Keith Johnstone's involvement with the theatre began when George Devine and Tony Richardson, artistic directors of the Royal Court Theatre, commissioned a play from him. This was in 1956. A few years later he was himself Associate Artistic Director, working as a play-reader and director, in particular helping to run…


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Why read it?

2 authors picked Impro as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I picked up this book to learn about improvisation and the theatre, but like all memorable books, it taught me about spontaneity and how freeing ourselves from the constraint of wanting to seem smart or original actually allows us to be more creative.

I loved its focus on playfulness and experimentation, as well as being a child at heart. Many of its lessons are relevant outside the theatre.

Impro is a fascinating read that not only teaches actors the art of improvisation theater, but also unveils a key reason behind customers' purchase of luxury products: the concept of status.

Status plays a vital role in driving consumer behavior, as individuals seek to maintain or elevate their standing within a community by acquiring items that align with their perceived status.

In the realm of improvisation, playing with status dynamics—such as treating a low-status character as if they hold high status, or vice versa—can create humor and intrigue.

Similarly, in the business world, understanding and catering to the status that…

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