Review – The applied improvisation mindset: tools for transforming organizations and communities

Abstract

In many improv training centers, what’s called a ‘rule’ here is not necessarily taught that way. I like to think of them as ‘training wheels’, those extra wheels on bikes for new riders. When they are no longer needed, they are taken off the bike and the rider (or improvisor) takes off on their adventures. Stiles devotes a chapter to the rule ‘Don’t Ask Questions’, and she’s absolutely right the rule does not make sense for intermediate and advanced improvisors. Beginners can use that rule, though; we should call it a tool. Questions from beginners to other beginners are the result of fear and an unwillingness to make a decision or offer of their own. Without the guidance of ‘make a decision instead of asking a question’, everyone gets frustrated. Experienced improvisors can handle questions from others, and their questions can be the keys that open doors in improv. It’s also apparent from Stiles’ experience that many groups and training centers are teaching what was once advice or a tool to get someone past a roadblock as absolute rules that should never be broken even if, as in the example of the ‘dark side of Yes And’, they put improvisors at risk. When tools and advice get hardened into unbreakable rules, and are used in situations for which they weren’t developed, we are getting in our own way and our students’ way. Stiles makes a strong case for using different terminology, and to use tools appropriate to the task at hand. Improvise Freely is especially useful for teachers, trainers and coaches. Stiles enthusiastically communicates the joy of improv; her personality and expertise are readily apparent on the page.