The Improv Illusionist

Object work, environment and physicality are essential for improvisational theatre. Skilled improvisers can draw audiences into the performance by helping them see things that aren't there.The Improv Illusionist is the first book dedicated to physical improv. It reveals why these skills are so important, how to fix bad habits that develop over time and practical techniques for being more physical on stage.The book features over 50 exercises to help improvisers develop their skills through solo and group work. Instructors will also find notes and tips for teaching physical improv.Improvisers of all ages and experience levels will learn how to: * become more playful through exploring physical activity; * eliminate miscommunication with other players by adding precision to object work; * get new ideas for scenes by exploring the environment and activities; * develop an eye for real-world detail and how to reproduce it in improv; * add more visual flair to scenes; * stay safe, both physically and emotionally, in shows, rehearsals and classesEven the most seasoned improv performers often struggle to be more physical, so this book fills an important niche in improv actor training.

David Raitt has been performing and teaching improv for over 25 years. Having originally studied Cognitive Science and then Law, he started taking improv classes at The Second City, Toronto, in 1996. By 2000, he'd been hired into their Canadian National Touring Company. He joined the Mainstage ensemble and was also on the Training Centre Education faculty for 17 years.

Foreword by Bruce Hunter
Introduction
Part I: Foundations
1. Why Bother with Environment?
2. First Principles
Part II: Object Work
3. Making the Invisible Visible
4. Activities & Routines
5. Bad Habits
Part III: Environment
6. Starting with Where
7. Building Worlds
8. Refreshing the Environment
9. Research
10. Unusual Environments
Part IV: Problem-Solving
11. Making Discoveries from Environment
12. Three Elements: How to Handle Tricky Situations
13. Physical Stage Effects
Part V: Safety
14. Physical Safety
15. Emotional Safety
Part VI: The Working Improviser
16. Performing and Learning from Shows
17. Improvising Online
18. Teaching Physical Improv
Final Thoughts
Acknowledgements
Want to learn more about Physical Improv?
Appendix: Exercises
Glossary of Improv Terms
Bibliography
Index