Improvisation for Roleplayers
As you might know, but probably don’t, I’ve done a bit of improvisation.
I started in San Francisco, in 2001. My girlfriend, at the time, enjoyed improvisation, and was adamant I shouldn’t do it, because it was her thing. Naturally, I wanted to find out more.
I took classes at BATS in San Francisco. I recommend them. Later, I returned to the UK, and took classes with The Spontaneity Shop in London. I recommend them very, very highly. Later, I drifted into playing the piano for The Spontaneity Shop.
Gradually, I moved into roleplaying games instead: first LARPs, then tabletops. But my impro experience was invaluable. To this day, I use impro techniques when I play and GM.
If you want to learn about impro, I suggest the following, in decreasing order of usefulness:
1. Take a course.
2. Read Impro by Keith Johnstone
3. Read the posts I’m about to make.
Still here? Right…
Edited to add: By the way, I’ve made lots of the Improvisation for Roleplayers posts private. That’s to persuade you to buy the book, Play Unsafe. Please do. It’ll make me happy.
4 comments
Hah! Done 2), obviously expectant for 3)… and as of Thursday, signed up for 1) with, yes, the Spontaneity Shop. I’m a demographic!
What about Impro For Storytellers? Is it as good as the original?
Hey Brand. One of my friends (who has signed up for the improv classes with me) has got hold of that and is really enjoying it. However, I’ve heard people say it;s really different and perhaps not as good.
Yeah, Impro for Storytellers is different. Much more a manual of specific things and techniques. More practical but less trippy. Worth reading, though.