Training to Imagine: Practical Improvisational Theatre Techniques to Enhance Creativity, Teamwork, Leadership and Learning

by Kat Koppett, Sivasailam Thiagi Thiagarajan (Foreword)

In today's fast-paced, "right-sized," competitive environment businesses increasingly need staff who are creative, think on their feet, take the unexpected in their stride, and work effectively in fluid teams. How can they instill and develop these critical skills?

The answer may be to improvise! Improvisational actors make up scenes, dialog and entire plays on the spot. They work collaboratively in front of paying customers who expect to be entertained and amazed. Improv actors use no script, cannot predict what will happen next, and have no chance to go back or rewrite. They rely on their knowledge, practiced skills and their colleagues.

This book is the first to apply the improv methodologies of the theater to developing the business skills that are in high demand. Kat Koppett--a professional trainer, management consultant and professional actor–demonstrates to trainers and managers how they can effectively transfer improv training techniques to their day to day business environment.

Training to Imagine translates the theories and exercises of improv into straightforward and practical guidelines and training activities.

This book is written for trainers, HR personnel, managers and team leaders who are interested in increasing their tool kit, and enhancing the impact, fun and retention levels of their workshops. It assumes no previous experience with improvisation or performing, offers all the needed background and provides clear and practical instructions with a range of simple and effective exercises. Trainers and managers may find the book improves their own presentation and teaching skills.

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Psychology, Management

224 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2011

Reviews

[Leda Samita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is immensely useful not only for the theater but for performance arts, in general. The balance between theory and practice assists the reader in acquiring significant information concerning the dynamics of improvisational theater but also public speaking and, most importantly, public engagement. I would definitely recommend this book for thespians as well as non-professional actors. Teachers and public speakers would also find the advice delineated in this book worthy of note.

[Leah Wescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat Koppett is one smart improv lady. I thought I was buying a book of activities but she lays out theory and context through the first half, including in-depth descriptions of how to apply some of the exercises. The collection of activities all feel purposeful and I've already tried some with great success. The descriptions make sense and her tips for coaching participants through the games and the suggested alterations of the game provide even more variety.

[Sergio Ledward · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Espectacular! Training to imagine se acaba de convertir en uno de mis libros de cabecera. Si te dedicas a la capacitación, el coaching o el liderazgo de equipos no te puedes perder esta lectura.
Divertido, ligero, útil, profundo. Muchas gracias Kat Koppet.

[Ryan Barretto]

Superb book which provides amazing techniques to using improv in training.