The Other Blocking: Teaching and Performing Improvisation

Author(s): Tom Smith

Edition: 2

Copyright: 2017

Pages: 146

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Ebook

$52.92 USD

ISBN 9781524909765

Details Electronic Delivery EBOOK 180 days

The The Other Blocking: Teaching and Performing Improvisation serves as a practical guide for students, educators, and performers seeking to develop the skills and techniques of theatrical improvisation. Blending instructional strategies with performance theory, the book explores the history of improv, the differences between short-form and long-form improvisation, audience engagement, performance techniques, and the integration of established acting methods such as Stanislavski. Through interviews with experienced improvisers and educators, readers gain valuable insight into the creative, collaborative, and educational aspects of improvisational theater.

Throughout the book, readers are introduced to a variety of improv games, teaching methods, performance exercises, and classroom applications designed to build confidence, creativity, communication, and teamwork. Practical examples, interviews, and supplementary resources provide guidance for leading improv activities, structuring courses, and developing successful performances. By combining theoretical foundations with hands-on instruction, the book prepares students, performers, and educators to use improvisation as a powerful tool for artistic expression, collaboration, and personal growth.

Introduction

Chapter One: How We Got Here...

Chapter Two: Long Form, Short Form
        Interview with... Andrew McMasters

Chapter Three: The Guides
        Interview with... Amanda Rountree

Chapter Four: Short Form Games

Chapter Five: Long Form and Transitions
        Interview with... Jay Hitt

Chapter Six: Ten Theories, Ten Clichés
        Interview with... Brian MacMillan

Chapter Seven: Audience Psychology/Emceeing
        Interview with... John Boyle

Chapter Eight: A Sample Semester
        Interview with... Randy Dixon

Chapter Nine: Integrating Stanislavski

Chapter Ten: The Most Perfect Game Ever

Chapter Eleven: Advice from the Players

Appendix A: Glossary of Common Improv Terms

Appendix B: Ask-Fors

Appendix C: Improv Game Websites

Appendix D: Improv Companies

Appendix E: Books on Improvisation

Tom Smith

Tom Smith took his first improv class in 1985, and has been performing and teaching it ever since.  He founded Walla Walla Theatresports in 1988 and has taught hundreds of improv workshops and classes, from Creede, Colorado to Dresden and Mosbach, Germany.  He has performed with numerous long and short form groups, including Arkansas Toothpick Extravaganza, Seattle Theatresports, and Crooked Mirror. 

The The Other Blocking: Teaching and Performing Improvisation serves as a practical guide for students, educators, and performers seeking to develop the skills and techniques of theatrical improvisation. Blending instructional strategies with performance theory, the book explores the history of improv, the differences between short-form and long-form improvisation, audience engagement, performance techniques, and the integration of established acting methods such as Stanislavski. Through interviews with experienced improvisers and educators, readers gain valuable insight into the creative, collaborative, and educational aspects of improvisational theater.

Throughout the book, readers are introduced to a variety of improv games, teaching methods, performance exercises, and classroom applications designed to build confidence, creativity, communication, and teamwork. Practical examples, interviews, and supplementary resources provide guidance for leading improv activities, structuring courses, and developing successful performances. By combining theoretical foundations with hands-on instruction, the book prepares students, performers, and educators to use improvisation as a powerful tool for artistic expression, collaboration, and personal growth.

Introduction

Chapter One: How We Got Here...

Chapter Two: Long Form, Short Form
        Interview with... Andrew McMasters

Chapter Three: The Guides
        Interview with... Amanda Rountree

Chapter Four: Short Form Games

Chapter Five: Long Form and Transitions
        Interview with... Jay Hitt

Chapter Six: Ten Theories, Ten Clichés
        Interview with... Brian MacMillan

Chapter Seven: Audience Psychology/Emceeing
        Interview with... John Boyle

Chapter Eight: A Sample Semester
        Interview with... Randy Dixon

Chapter Nine: Integrating Stanislavski

Chapter Ten: The Most Perfect Game Ever

Chapter Eleven: Advice from the Players

Appendix A: Glossary of Common Improv Terms

Appendix B: Ask-Fors

Appendix C: Improv Game Websites

Appendix D: Improv Companies

Appendix E: Books on Improvisation

Tom Smith

Tom Smith took his first improv class in 1985, and has been performing and teaching it ever since.  He founded Walla Walla Theatresports in 1988 and has taught hundreds of improv workshops and classes, from Creede, Colorado to Dresden and Mosbach, Germany.  He has performed with numerous long and short form groups, including Arkansas Toothpick Extravaganza, Seattle Theatresports, and Crooked Mirror.