I is for Improvisation

My high school improv class was taught by the same man who taught me English for the last three years of high school. Yeah, my school was pretty small. We only had the improv class because Mr. K decided we needed it.

I think he was right. In English and creative writing we used a lot of the same principles that we talked about in improv.

Always say yes.

Don't be afraid to look stupid.

Go with what comes, editing is for later.

Have fun.

I think rules are important. Structure, procedure. When you are writing an essay or short story or article or anything else there are guidelines you need to follow. But I think it is easy to get stuck in a rut. And improv is how we get out of it.

I know most of us aren't part of an improv group or anything, but there are still some fun games to play with friends, and I think letting ourselves go every once in a while and seeing what we come up with on the page could end up being pretty awesome.

Anyway, I'll leave you with my favorite improve game of all.

Have a good one!

Sarah Allen