Improv Ideas

Improv Ideas: A Book of Games and Lists, by Mary Ann Kelley and Justine Jones, is a massive and highly practical resource designed for teachers, camp counselors, and youth theater directors. Published in 2006 (with several updated editions), the book serves as an exhaustive 'encyclopedia' of over 200 exercises that cover every aspect of dramatic training: from ice-breakers and vocal warm-ups to complex character-building and storytelling games.

The work is organized for maximum utility, with exercises categorized by their technical objective and the 'age-appropriateness' of the challenge. Jones and Kelley move beyond the simple 'how' of each game, providing clear instructions on 'Lead-in' questions and 'Debriefing' strategies that help the facilitator connect the game's fun to more serious theatrical and social goals. The book is particularly noted for its 'Lists' section: providing hundreds of prompts, situations, and relationship 'starters' that can be used to spark immediate interaction. The authors emphasize the 'universal' nature of drama games as tools for building empathy, self-confidence, and teamwork. It provides a detailed guide on how to manage a classroom of diverse personalities and how to foster a safe, non-judgmental environment where 'there are no mistakes, only discoveries.'

The text is written in a warm, encouraging voice, filled with tips on how to adapt exercises for different group sizes and spatial constraints. Improv Ideas is a foundational tool for anyone looking to bring the spirit of play into the classroom and to use the tools of theater to empower and inspire the next generation of performers and creative thinkers.

Improv Ideas has become a staple in many educational and community theater programs. Reviewers often praise Jones and Kelley for their clear instructions and for the volume and variety of the exercises provided. The 'Lists' section is frequently cited as its most useful feature, providing the busy facilitator with a constant source of inspiration. It is regarded as a solid and dependable resource for anyone committed to the power of the drama game as a tool for growth and connection.