Understanding Keith Johnstone’s Contribution to Improvisation in Theatre
Keith Johnstone
Understanding Keith Johnstone’s Contribution to Improvisation in Theatre
Keith Johnstone, a distinguished educator and theatre director, has transformed the realm of improvisation through his innovative ideologies and methodologies. Through his literary works and instructional sessions, Johnston has provided performers with invaluable knowledge on improvisation, enabling them to unleash their creativity and spontaneity while performing on stage. In this article, we examine the core principles explained by Johnston in his books, along with the indispensable rules for achieving effective improvisation.
Keith Johnstone’s in-depth understanding of human behaviour and the art of storytelling forms the foundation of his improvisational teachings. In his influential book, “Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre,” he outlines several principles that actors and improvisers can use to enhance their craft.
Say “Yes, And…”:
This principle emphasises the importance of accepting and affirming the ideas and offers made by fellow performers. By building upon each other’s contributions, the actors can create a rich and dynamic scene. Avoiding negation and blocking enables the scene to evolve naturally, pushing the boundaries of creativity and collaboration.
Focus on the Here and Now:
Johnstone emphasises the importance of complete presence in the improvisational moment. Being fully attuned to one’s surroundings, fellow performers, and the emotional nuances of a scene facilitates the manifestation of genuine reactions and sincere connections. The ability of actors to stay in the present moment allows them to avoid being influenced by preconceived ideas or future expectations, resulting in performances that are more immediate and genuine.
Play with Status:
Johnston presents the idea that status is a valuable tool for improvisation. The term “status” encompasses the social standing and power dynamics among characters. Adding depth and complexity to scenes can be achieved by exploring and manipulating status. Using contrasting statuses by performers adds excitement and charm to scenes, as it generates tension, humour, and conflict, ultimately making them more engaging.
Make Offers and Embrace Mistakes:
Making offers, which involve presenting ideas, actions, or emotions, is highlighted by Johnstone as a key element in driving the scene forward. Verbal and non-verbal gestures can both serve as offers, bringing about surprising and exhilarating possibilities. Johnstone highlights the importance of embracing and celebrating mistakes for fostering growth and creativity in improvisation. Mistakes can be transformed into opportunities, often leading to unanticipated and delightful outcomes.
Although these principles form a firm basis for improvisational work, there are additional specific rules that are crucial for successful improvisation on stage. Despite the contradictions, rules in improvisation offer performers clear guidelines to navigate and find meaning in the unpredictable and spontaneous nature of the art form.
Some key rules include:
Establish and Respect the “Spacework” and Environment:
The proper establishment of the physical space and its contained objects is a critical aspect of improvisation. Actors have a responsibility to honour and expand upon the choices made by their fellow performers regarding the environment, miming actions, or interacting with imaginary objects. Adopting this approach ensures consistency in the scene and minimizes the risk of confusion.
Avoid Asking Questions:
The act of questioning can impose the responsibility of decision-making onto others. Instead, make statements that provide information or offer ideas for the scene to progress. This facilitates a greater collaborative storytelling while maintaining the progression of the narrative.
Embrace and Maintain Character Consistency:
Once an actor makes a decision regarding their character, they must consistently portray it throughout the scene. A narrative becomes believable and captivating when character traits, mannerisms, and objectives remain consistent throughout.
Support and Collaborate:
Collaboration and teamwork are essential for the flourishing of improvisation. It is imperative that performers actively support and attentively listen to their fellow actors to establish a unified and harmonious scene. The act of reacting and building upon one another’s ideas promotes a sense of collective ownership of the performance.
Keith Johnstone’s principles and rules have transformed the way improvisation is approached in the world of theatre. By embracing the core principles of “Yes, And,” presence, status play, and embracing mistakes, performers can reach new levels of creativity and spontaneity. Additionally, adhering to the specific rules of improvisation onstage fosters cooperation and collaboration, resulting in captivating and unforgettable performances. With Johnston’s teachings as a guide, actors can unlock their potential, enabling the magic of improv to come alive on stage.
One of the most important books by Keith Johnstone, is “Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre”. This book, published in 1981, is a classic in the field of improvisational theatre. It explores the principles and techniques of improvisation, providing insights into the creative process and the development of spontaneous performance.
“Impro for Storytellers: Theatresports and the Art of Making Things Happen” by Keith Johnstone
Keith Johnstone Video Series by Canada´s Theatre Museum