Description
Book SynopsisThe importance of play and fun to people's lives cannot be stressed enough in today's cultural climate of high stress, high stakes, and competition. One activity that gains recognition and credibility as both fun and transformative is theatrical improvisation or improv. In this book, Ruth Yamamoto reviews her research on the influences of improvisation on community college students. Educators, theatre artists, improvisers, or anyone interested building community, developing self-awareness, and affecting positive social change will want to read this book. Dr. Yamamoto examines the principles of improvisation and the concepts of play and flow to add credibility to a craft and practice that is often viewed a frivolous and silly. Ruth Yamamoto extends her research through interviews with applied improvisation professionals, examples and suggestions of games and exercises, and provides solid evidence of the serious, positive benefits of improvisation.
Table of ContentsContents List of Tables Preface Acknowledgements Part I The Origins 1 Introduction: Why Have Fun? 2 What Is Improv? 3 Play and Why It Matters 4 What Is Flow? 5 The Paradox of Fun Part II The Study: The Shared Experiences of College Improvisers 6 Literature Review of Related Qualitative Studies 7 Examining the Shared Improv Experiences 8 The Themes Part III How Improv Can Change the World 9 Everything I Needed to Learn in Life I Learned Through Improv 10 Finding Improv in Everyday 11 Applied Improvisation 12 Improv Games and Exercises 13 Serious Fun for Life Appendices Appendix A: Interview and Focus Group Protocols Appendix B: Theatre Games and Exercises Appendix C: Substantive Quotes Resources References
