In February 2008, True!mprov performed and taught 2 workshops on using improvisational theater as ministry at IGNITION, a Christian young adult leadership summit in Dallas, TX. This page is an archive of the training materials we used, along with a list of other resources that we have found valuable in starting a church-based improv ministry.
Handouts
- Starting an Improv Ministry at Your Local Church (PDF, 126KB)
- The Basics of Improv (PDF, 146KB)
- Player Agreement (PDF, 22KB)
Required Reading
- Improv Evangelism: An Invitation (PDF, 113KB). This is an unpublished senior project by Tina Guldhammer and Bryan Cafferky, to fulfill graduation requirements at Walla Walla University in 2004. It offers an excellent introduction to theological questions related to improvisational theater from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective, as well as recommendations for using improv in ministry. Required reading for improv ministry leaders.
- Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation
, by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim Johnson. This introduction to improv is required reading for all new players, and even the veterans have found it helpful to review this book every year or so.
- Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater
, by Carol Hazenfield. An excellent book for intermediate improvisers. Many of the True!mprov team found this book especially helpful and inspiring.
Additional Reading
- Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre
, by Keith Johnstone. The first chapter alone is worth getting this book, where the author recounts his discovery of improv techniques. Because Johnstone developed the improv discipline in England, in relative isolation from American improv, Johnstone’s takes a unique approach which can add a new dimension to your improv skills.
- How To Start Your Own Improv Comedy Group
, by Paul Stokstad. Just as the title says, this is 264 pages of how to get started with your own group. Includes a selection of 32 games.
- Impro for Storytellers
, by Keith Johnstone. A follow-up to Johnstone’s Impro.
- Improvisation, Inc.: Harnessing Spontaneity to Engage People and Groups
, by Robert Lowe. While this book is more focused on using improvisational techniques in the workplace, it strips down improv concepts into everyday English to make it more accessible.
- The Power of Personal Storytelling
, by Jack Maguire. A guide to help individuals improve their storytelling skills.
Helpful Websites
- Learn Improv. A collection of improv structures for use in training.
- Improv Encyclopedia. Comprehensive collection of warmups, games and exercises for improvisational theatre.
- Improv Games. A list of websites offering improv games.