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Maximize the Improv Magic

An Approach to Longform Improvisational Theatre

Maximize the Improv Magic cover

Maximize the Improv Magic

An Approach to Longform Improvisational Theatre

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Pre-order. Available May 13 2027
$22.45 RRP $24.95 Website price saving $2.50 (10%)

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Description

A practical guide to improv theatre that focuses on compassion, mindfulness and collaboration.

Relevant to practitioners working on either solo or ensemble work, this book offers up a new way of approaching the art of improv.

Drawing on the author's personal experience teaching and performing in the field - as well as advocating for greater ethical practice within it - this book enables you to understand her improv approach experientially, rather than intellectually, through exercises and practical prompts.

Compassionate Improv takes a much more contemporary approach to books that have come before it. It focuses more on creating a safe space for discourse and exploration, and less on improv primarily as a tool for comedy. It also unpacks a new framework - the model of "The Globe" - within which to build your improv practice.

The book takes as its starting point the notion that "you are enough as you are". With this as its foundation, the author offers exercises to help tap into this reality, going on to explore the technical mechanics of creating an improvised show - including how you can transition between scenes, what the show might look like as a whole, and how you can create an entire show through collaboration.

Improv, we come to see, is an incredible tool to utilize during such polarized times and one that can be rooted in self-care and care of others.

Table of Contents

PART ONE Habitat and Scenework
1. Maximize the Magic
2. Feeling the Magic
3. Creating the Habitat
4. What Scene Am I In?
5. Improvisation
6. Make It A Show
7. Rehearsals
8. Tools to Grab Onto

PART TWO The Show As A Whole
9. This Team
10. Show Mechanics
11. Show Concepts
12. Viewpoints
13. How Do I…?

PART THREE Your Team's Voice
14. Let Us Diverge
15. Elements of Joy
16. Your Show

PART FOUR The Globe
17. The Globe
18. Exercises to Play With
19. Where to Go From Here

PART FIVE Offstage Discussion
20. Learning to Discuss
21. The History of Improv
22. Ethical Questions

Appendices
Appendix A: Blank Pages
Appendix B: Established Forms/Formats
Appendix C: Sample Rehearsals
Appendix D: Emergency Numbers & Improv Resources
Appendix E: References
Appendix F: Exercise and Form Index
Appendix G: General Index
Appendix H: Tidbits

Product details

Explore Methuen Drama
Published May 13 2027
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Pages 264
ISBN 9781350582248
Imprint Methuen Drama
Illustrations 29 illustrations and 2 bw photos
Dimensions 10 x 7 inches
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

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