Creating Improvised Theatre: Tools, Techniques, Theories for Short Form / Narrative Improvisation by Mark Jane from Focal Press provides a modern view of improvised theater based on the rapid evolution of this art form, shedding new light on classic theories as well as developing lesser known and emerging techniques, such as the Trance Mask. Instead of simply referencing classic theories, the book revisits them and places them in the context of contemporary improvisation techniques. Designed as a practical support, this guide contains over 130 exercises that allow its theories to come alive in workshops, rehearsals, and performance.
Part 1: Nuts and Bolts
2. The basics
3. Spontaneous creativity
4. Creating with others
5. Masks and the art of being in the present
Part 2: Short Form
6. Introducing short form
7. What’s the story?
8. Playing the platform and detecting tilts
9. Riding the rollercoaster to the end
10. The three change tools and Status
11. Physical change
12. Emotional change
13. Mischief and provoking change
Part 3: Narrative Improvisation
14. What is narrative improvisation?
15. Narrative theories
16. The Initial world – locations and relations
17. The Initial world – calls and protagonists
18. Making choices to Get in trouble
19. The Crisis – ordeal and understanding
20. The Climax and the End world
21. Transitions
22. Narrative archetypes
23. Final tips for narrative improvisation
Part 4: The Bits Box
24. Useful "bits"
25. Warm-ups
26. Over to you