Resources

This is a growing collection of resources and links which I find useful, fun or otherwise engaging.
They are a mixture of applied improvisation, improvisation theatre, and personal/professional development materials.
They have all been authored by other people and commented on by me. You can read my own writing here.

Articles

Building Resilience - The Solutions Focus

This article explains what personal and organisational resilience is and gives practical tools and questions which can be applied immediately. I find it useful because building resilience is a key element of my work - helping people to deal with uncertainty and complexity. Article

Dealing with difficult audience suggestions - Steve Roe

Being an MC can be hard work if the audience decides it would rather have a laugh at your expense than with you. The same can happen when leading workshops or having a conversation with a group of people. Here are some suggestions for how to deal with disruptions with humour and style. Article

Experiential Learning - Northern Illinois University

All of my classes offer fully experiential learning. Pages 1-5 provide an easy read summary of the theory and practice of getting students to learn together and from each other. Here you can also read about the type of debriefing and discussions which I include in my sessions. Article

Books

Easy: Your LIFEPASS to Confidence and Creativity - Paul Z Jackson

As the title promises, this is probably the easiest introduction to using improvisation techniques in your day to day life.

It is a thoughtful and amusing read with lots of interesting improvisation history nuggets scattered throughout. The book is full of activities and explanations of how to use them immediately, even if you have never done or taught improvisation before.

And I drew the pictures.

Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre - Keith Johnstone

Often called the most important work on improvisation theatre, this book is a must read. Keith makes improvisation accessible even for people who don't know much about theatre.

It is full of examples and amusing stories and is an engaging read throughout. The last chapter is on trance masks, which is a targeted chapter for those interested in exploring the theme and can be easily skipped when looking for ways to apply improvisation to life. This is the first book on improvisation which I read and I have been hooked ever since.

Improvisation and the Theatre - Viola Spolin

I am about half way through this book and can't try out the exercises fast enough to keep up with the book.

This is one big resource for activities of all sorts. Meant as a book for teachers working with primary school children, Viola guides you through teaching improvisation and structuring classes with very detailed descriptions and scenarios. Exercises can be used in her order or mixed and matched according to needs and preferences. She also includes advice on what to look out for and what to focus on.

Improvise: Scene from inside out - Mick Napier

Although aimed at improvisation theatre enthusiasts, I found that Mick's advice translates well to every day life too.

He provides helpful tips such as 'take care of yourself before you take care of others' (much like putting on an oxygen mask on the plane first). He also breaks down the idea of following strict rules on how to improvise well. A reminder of being cautious when an improvisation facilitator stresses a certain way of improvising is the right way and others are wrong. This book has made me a much more confident improviser and is full of tools.

Positively Speaking - Paul Z Jackson & Janine Waldman

This book is a fantastic DIY resource for people who want to be coached for personal/professional development, for aspiring coaches, and anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.

Paul and Janine take you on a journey to discover your resources, build on your strengths, explore possibilities and become self-reflective and observing of others. I have put their techniques to immediate use during my conversations with (potential) clients and have had very positive reactions and results.

What every Body is saying - Joe Navarro

Improvisation and communication are full body activities and this book breaks down the non-verbal aspect from head to toe. Or more accurately from toe to head, as Navarro starts the journey through the body at the feet and really draws attention to those parts, which we often ignore but that are very indicative of sentiments.

I now find myself observing people much closer and can much better read people's body language, whether they are strangers on public transport or friends in conversation. I also include his work practically in my classes.

Pictures

Click on the images to enlarge them and read comments

Videos

Avner the Eccentric on clowning, breathing and the stage

Avner is a wonderful clown and clowning is a wonderful performance art. Not the scary and loud type, but the clever and quiet ones.

In this short video, Avner talks about being interested and observing what is happening. Improvisation works much the same way and I also use breathing techniques to get people used to standing in front of an audience.

Improv in Humanitarian work & Climate Risk Management

This is a very insightful talk about using Improvisation exercises in humanitarian work.

Pablo brilliantly describes why saying "yes and" is not always the right choice. I totally agree and believe that there are many situations when "no" is the best choice in the moment. That's why I start my communication sessions with learning to say "no".

Moving forward vs taking a step back and observing

I very much enjoy this short video explaining how improvisers create their scenes simply by taking a step back, listening and observing what is going on around them.

This is a skill we can also use in real life. It is essentially being mindful and looking at what is going on right in front of us, appreciating what we have, rather than panicking about making more interesting things happen.

Using Improvisation Skills in Life and at Work

This is a webinar by Paul Z Jackson, explaining his acronym LIFEPASS, the easy introduction to applied improvisation.

It is a 1h summary of his book (see above) and gives a good insight into his workshops at the Improvisation Academy.

He provides the listener with easy to use tools and practices.

Websites

Applied Improvisation Network

This is an international network of people who all use improvisation techniques for other purposes besides theatre performances. You can become a member for FREE and join in the discussion and meetings.

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Crunchy Frog Collective

If you are interested in seeing an improvised show or attending improvisation theatre workshops in the UK, this is currently the website with the most comprehensive calendar overview.

Website

Improv Encyclopedia

A big pool of games for improv performers who like Theatresports, want to facilitate their own workshop or explore a specific theme within the impro world. It is organised into categories and searchable.

Website

Open Space Technology

Open Space Technology (OST) is an improvisational approach to hosting meetings, conferences and events, focused on a specific purpose or task. The agenda is developed at the beginning on a bulletin board and can be adapted throughout the event.

Website Wikipedia

RESOURCES & FUN STUFF