Impro by Keith Johnstone: A Comprehensive Guide

Impro is a seminal work by Keith Johnstone, exploring the art of improvisation in theatre. It delves into freeing the human spirit, spontaneity, and creativity. Johnstone emphasizes the importance of playfulness and breaking away from societal constraints.

Johnstone introduces the concept of status transactions, where interactions are influenced by perceived rankings. Understanding these dynamics can help performers create more authentic scenes, as real-life interactions are often subject to subconscious status shifts.

The book explores masks and trance, revealing that masks can unlock hidden aspects of a performer’s personality. Johnstone’s exercises demonstrate how wearing a mask can induce a trance-like state, resulting in uninhibited and genuine performances.

Johnstone emphasizes the importance of narrative skills in improvisation. He argues that good stories emerge naturally when performers trust their instincts and listen to each other. This approach fosters creativity and enhances the storytelling experience.

Impro highlights the vital role of creativity and playfulness in improvisation. Johnstone encourages performers to embrace failure and take risks, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and unexpected, delightful moments can occur.

Keith Johnstone once used a gorilla mask to teach spontaneity, which led to unexpectedly profound performances by seasoned actors.