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Average Customer Rating:

A rare joy

Customer Rating:

i'm disappointed to say i discovered this book only after graduating from university; which is a shame as i think Johnstones writing is the sort of thing that would excite any up and coming drama student. my worn and well read copy now follows me round the country working in both professional and amateur theatre alike. the section on Mask and trance is like nothing else you'll ever read, and is presented in a way that is totally engaging. having gone on to use this technique, i wonder how i ever rehearsed without it! a must have for anyone interested in the creation of true theatre

Interesting	Customer Rating:
This book is interesting and entertaining especially for anyone interesting in, or involved with working in the theatre. There are even some home truths adapted into the book about actors behaviours and the producers decisions. However, I have came across better books on impro and the theatre.

Truly excellent, both to read and for it's insights	Customer Rating:
This is an excellent, concise and insightful book that gave me a whole new view of human interaction. Just that alone has allowed me to see through my own daily interactions with friends and colleagues. The first chapter that discusses status will have you hooked for the remainder of the book. You'll read it twice, in the first week or two I suspect. Well worth your time!

Human interaction masterclass for everyone, not just improvisers

Customer Rating:

Keith Johnstone is a visionary in the field of improvisation theatre. His concepts of status hierarchies are ground-breaking. They show that humans, like animals, are at ease with each other when the underlying status hierarchy is understood and undisputed. However, all kinds of interesting tensions are created when the status hierarchy IS disputed. For actors, this concept from Keith's book is golden: 1) If you want to be seen as a natural performer, you need to know your status in relation to the other humans, and even things around you. 2) If you want to create interesting drama, you and your co-actors need to manipulate your statuses in interesting ways. These dynamic movements and challenges are interesting and funny for the audience. Keith describes this and much, much more in his fascinating book. The generous use of actual improvisation situations makes the book very hands-on, funny and analytical. Impro also expands from improvisation acting to such areas as creative writing, teaching and mask and trance work. Even the bits one does not agree with are superbly constructed and offer an insightful view on the sometimes weird and wonderful world of creative minds at work. The improvisation actors in such shows as "Whose line is it anyway?" or London's Comedy Store borrow many of their techniques from Keith. This book is one to read, whether you are an actor, spectator or just plain interested in smooth, congruent human interactions. Pure genius.

More than just a book for actors	Customer Rating:
I'm an actor but this book is a useful life-guide for anyone who needs a fresh approach. My well-thumbed volume used to accompany me on my travels and also helped me in interviews for regular jobs. It helps you to look at the world as the sublimely absurd place it truly is and helps all who read it to confirm that they are, in fact, not quite as sane as you thought.