📖 Overview
Keith Johnstone (1933-2023) was a pioneering figure in improvisational theatre and creator of the influential Impro System. His innovative methods revolutionized theatre training and led to the development of Theatresports, a competitive improvisational format now practiced worldwide.
Originally a teacher and playwright at London's Royal Court Theatre, Johnstone developed his unique approach by deliberately contradicting conventional teaching methods to foster spontaneity and creativity in performers. His seminal books "Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre" (1979) and "Impro for Storytellers" (1999) have become foundational texts in theatre education.
In 1972, Johnstone relocated to Calgary, where he taught at the University of Calgary and co-founded the Loose Moose Theatre Company. This venue became the primary laboratory for developing and refining his improvisation techniques, which emphasize status transactions, spontaneity, and narrative skills.
Johnstone's methods have influenced not only theatre practice but also fields including education, psychology, and business training. His work pioneered concepts such as accepting offers, status play, and the removal of performance blocks that are now standard elements of improvisation training worldwide.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Johnstone's practical exercises and clear explanations of status dynamics in social interactions. Many note how his techniques apply beyond theatre to daily life and business. Teachers and performers frequently cite specific exercises that helped them understand blocking, accepting offers, and status play.
On Goodreads, "Impro" readers highlight Johnstone's observational skills and anthropological approach. Several mention the mask work chapter's impact on their understanding of creativity. Business readers appreciate the status transaction insights.
Common criticisms include:
- Dense academic writing style in some sections
- Dated cultural references
- Limited practical examples in later chapters
- Some find the mask work section too esoteric
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads: "Impro" - 4.24/5 (5,800+ ratings)
"Impro for Storytellers" - 4.16/5 (1,100+ ratings)
Amazon: "Impro" - 4.7/5 (400+ reviews)
"Impro for Storytellers" - 4.6/5 (150+ reviews)
📚 Books by Keith Johnstone
Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre (1979)
A comprehensive guide to improvisational techniques covering status, spontaneity, narrative skills, and masks, based on Johnstone's teaching experiences at the Royal Court Theatre.
Impro for Storytellers (1999) A practical manual detailing specific games, exercises, and techniques for developing narrative improvisation skills, with particular focus on Theatresports formats.
Don't Be Prepared: A New Approach to Creative Teaching (1982) A text exploring Johnstone's educational philosophy and methods for teaching creativity in classroom settings.
A Life in the Theatre (2022) A collection of Johnstone's autobiographical writings chronicling his experiences and development of improvisational techniques throughout his career.
Impro for Storytellers (1999) A practical manual detailing specific games, exercises, and techniques for developing narrative improvisation skills, with particular focus on Theatresports formats.
Don't Be Prepared: A New Approach to Creative Teaching (1982) A text exploring Johnstone's educational philosophy and methods for teaching creativity in classroom settings.
A Life in the Theatre (2022) A collection of Johnstone's autobiographical writings chronicling his experiences and development of improvisational techniques throughout his career.
👥 Similar authors
Viola Spolin - Created foundational theater games and improvisation techniques that formed the basis of modern improv training. Her book "Improvisation for the Theater" established systematic approaches to teaching spontaneity that parallel Johnstone's work.
Del Close - Developed long-form improvisation and taught at Second City, influencing generations of performers through his "Harold" format. His book "Truth in Comedy" explores similar themes to Johnstone about finding authentic moments in performance.
Augusto Boal - Created Theatre of the Oppressed and developed techniques for using theater as a tool for social change. His work shares Johnstone's interest in status dynamics and the relationship between performers and audience.
Clive Barker - Wrote "Theatre Games" and developed physical approaches to actor training that complement Johnstone's methods. His focus on the body and movement in performance provides practical exercises that work alongside status and spontaneity training.
Jacques Lecoq - Founded an influential physical theatre school and developed methods for movement-based performance training. His approach to mime and physical comedy connects with Johnstone's work on status and physical presence in performance.
Del Close - Developed long-form improvisation and taught at Second City, influencing generations of performers through his "Harold" format. His book "Truth in Comedy" explores similar themes to Johnstone about finding authentic moments in performance.
Augusto Boal - Created Theatre of the Oppressed and developed techniques for using theater as a tool for social change. His work shares Johnstone's interest in status dynamics and the relationship between performers and audience.
Clive Barker - Wrote "Theatre Games" and developed physical approaches to actor training that complement Johnstone's methods. His focus on the body and movement in performance provides practical exercises that work alongside status and spontaneity training.
Jacques Lecoq - Founded an influential physical theatre school and developed methods for movement-based performance training. His approach to mime and physical comedy connects with Johnstone's work on status and physical presence in performance.