101 Improv Games for Children and Adults: A Smart Fun Book for Ages 5 and Up

Made popular by the television show "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?" improv has captured the interest of young and old alike. Like magic, improvisation is the art of appearing to create something out of nothing. What most people don't realize is that improv -- ad-libbing, or making up interactions and dramatic sketches as you go along -- is something we do in our conversations every day. Bob Bedore explains how to translate this into delightful games that encourage imagination, spontaneity and creative expression. All players need is enthusiasm and a willingness to let go and have fun. During improv, people explore and develop important skills such as listening, quick thinking, risk-taking and self-confidence -- skills that help actors and speakers, but that also bring success in the world. From building blocks for beginners to antics for the advanced, this book shows how to bring improv to all ages and experience levels. The 101 games range from easy warm-ups to basic scenes, character games, games involving teamwork and more. Helpful hints explain how to create scenes out of thin air. Popular crowd pleasers include Fairy Tale News, Blues Song and Idiot Poker. A special section on "Putting on a Show" explains how to form an improv group. Most games require no props and can be staged anywhere.