Improvisation for the Spirit: Live a More Creative, Spontaneous, and Courageous Life Using the Tools of Improv Comedy

by Katie Goodman

"A practical, fascinating, and funny guidebook. I've already begun applying hints from Improvisation for the Spirit , and I'm hoping that from now on, when people point and laugh at me, it will be for more appropriate reasons. A delightful read, filled with wonderful strategies." ― Martha Beck, Life Coach Columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine, and author of Steering by Starlight Wish you could gag your Inner Critic? Feeling blocked creatively? Want to make a big change, but fear taking the leap? Comedy improv requires quick thinking, collaboration, getting out of your own way, and being in the moment without being a perfectionist. Katie Goodman, an internationally touring improv comedian and comedy writer, uses her witty and encouraging style to show you how to acquire the skills of improv comedy and apply them to every aspect of daily life. Along the way Goodman shares hilarious and insightful stories from her experiences onstage, as well as step-by-step exercises from her popular self-discovery workshops and retreats. Packed with creative, original, and, most importantly, fun exercises, Improvisation for the Spirit offers a truly transformational guide for anyone wanting to get more out of life. "Bottom Katie is funny. She teaches you to live your life like an improv scene - no fear and fully committed." ― Wayne Brady, improv comedian, Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Don't Forget the Lyrics "Katie Goodman's writing fl ows and then jumps with anecdotes and prescriptions for finding courage. Fun to read, hard to put down." ― Lesley Stahl, 60 Minutes "If you feel that something is holding you back, that the life you are meant to live is out there somewhere if only you could fi nd it, then this book should go straight to the top of your reading list." ― Carl Honore, author of In Praise of Slowness and Under Pressure

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Katie Goodman is an award-winning comedian, author and speaker. She has been seen on Showtime, Current TV, and TruTV, has toured internationally for over 12 years, and her comedy show is currently running Off-Broadway. Her comedy has amassed over 3 million views online. Katie holds a philosophy degree form the University of Pennsylvania. As a keynote speaker and trainer, Katie has taught over 10,000 people the art of bringing the tools of improvisational comedy into their work and every day life. She writes for O, The Oprah Magazine and is the author of Improvisation For The Spirit: Living A More Creative, Spontaneous and Courageous Life Using The Tools of Improv Comedy. Katie was nominated for the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant for her unique work in theatre.

Reviews

[Gyro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how useful it would be for a layman, but having been performing and teaching improv for going on 5 years, these are tools I already have and have been using in my own life. I admit it may sound kind of new-agey and handwavy to someone not already acquainted with improv, but having taught these skills and seen firsthand the wonderful difference they can make to an improv performance, I'm far more willing to accept that they could be useful in normal day-to-day living, too.)

[Doni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the material in this book is better served by in-person workshops, since there is only so much improv you can do by yourself. However, since that is not currently an option in this time of coronavirus, I am deeply grateful for the option of reading this book. It is exactly what I was looking for. And its exercises helped me gain perspective on a situation that has been troubling me for a long time, that I don't think I would have ever gotten otherwise.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible life stories from those who have been changed from improv. I myself have had my life changed by improv and it's so life-affirming to see others too!

[Mary Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the art of improv and living mindfully.

[Imran Shah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Follow weekly exercises and you will feel creative.

[Harsh Thakkar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice and easy read that merges improv theater with life. But it definitely could talk more about the tools as compared to the life.

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked through this book with four other women and we laughed and learned so much. The exercises and journaling prompts were fun and insightful even for someone with zero improv experience. The stories she shared throughout the book made the lessons come to life. Personally, I would love to attend one of her retreats!

[Niklas Eklund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some great insights and nuggets, my biggest issue with it was that the mix of improvisation and Buddhist felt forced at times.

To many exercises that assumed to much about the reader for my taste

[Barbara Melosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upbeat guide to a more spontaneous and joyful life…improv as self-help. Some great exercises and prompts, though ultimately I don't think improv can sustain the broad claims she makes for it.