Writerly Play Kit: 005
Improvising with Yes, And … Thinking
WP Kit: 005
IMPROVISING WITH Yes, ANd … Thinking
What do you picture when you hear the word improvisation? Do you imagine stand-up comedians or jazz musicians? What qualities come to mind? Courage, a sense of humor, flexibility?
Improvisation can be flashy in performance, but it’s also a powerful tool that works in quieter ways, too. I remember how surprised I felt when my first lesson in improv focused on listening rather than speaking.
Writers can learn much about the craft of writing, as well as the art of living creatively, by studying improvisation.
In this Writerly Play Kit, we’ll experiment with the powerful tools of improvisation, starting with the art of saying “Yes, and …”
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CREATIVE LIFE
LEAVE ROOM FOR SURPRISE
When we don’t leave room in our plans, we squash the possibility of surprise. What’s worse, we often don’t realize we’re limiting ourselves.
What can we learn from improvisational actors about the art of creative living?
Activities
The Who, What, & Where Experiment
FOR ARCHITECTS
Use this structured improv game to experiment with options for your next scene.
Step Into Your Character's Shoes
FOR INVENTORS
Take on your character’s mindset and play through a scene in a variety of ways in this improv game for writers.
Improvised Storytelling
FOR COLLABORATORS
Create a collaborative scene with a partner, using their questions to help you better understand your main character’s point of view.
Improvise the Highlights
FOR SPECIAL AGENTS
Use this quick-thinking improv game to identify key moments in your scene and shortcut the experimentation process.
“Through spontaneity we are re-formed into ourselves … Spontaneity is the moment of personal freedom when we are faced with reality, and see it, explore it, and act accordingly.”
– Viola Spolin
The Writerly Play STUDIO
Improvisation is a core skill used in the Writerly Play Studio.
We visit this mental space when we’re ready to think expansively–brainstorming, improvising, and experimenting.
Wondering what Writerly Play is all about?
Writerly Play is designed to help you make the most of your creative potential. Each Writerly Play Kit is designed to help you stretch your thinking skills and develop practical strategies perfectly fit for you.
Want a shortcut? If you don’t have time to read today, but want a quick win, try this quick quiz to identify your creative strengths and weaknesses:
Once you know what works best for you, you need a perfect-for-you plan. Writerly Play functions more like a map rather than a cookie-cutter recipe. First, you’ll locate yourself on the map. Then, with a clear understanding of where you are, you can make informed choices about your next best steps.
