Improv Anywhere: Matthew Beard’s Yes And Journal

Every once in a while something comes along that makes us go, “Fuck yeah!” Case in point: The Yes And Journal. It’s a new way to bring a little improv joy into each day, with exercises and affirmations you can do at home.

Since not everyone can perform or take classes on a regular basis, it’s a great idea for keeping creative wheels greased and freeing yourself of judgement.

You can pre-order now on Kickstarter. With just five days to go, it’s almost fully funded. Kudos to Matthew Beard and everyone involved for making it happen!

Image © Matthew Beard

Book Some Time With Mick Napier

Mick Napier’s Improvise. Scene from the Inside Out and Behind the Scenes: Improvising Long Form are two of our favourite books on improvisation. They’re not just packed with brilliant insights, they’re also laugh-out-loud funny.

Now he’s written a new tome on creativity and collaboration, and he’s sharing it online. Says Mick:

“Over the past few years I wrote a book about creating. It covers all aspects of creating, from meetings to brainstorming to how to drink coffee. It’s a large book that I haven’t published. I decided to get my site up, and use it to publish a chapter every once in a while on a blog. I would love comments, as I’m going to cut the book in half and publish it. If you are interested, it’s at micknapier.com.”

Brian G. Smith On The Beauty Of Beginner’s Mind

“As an improv teacher, I’m much more interested in the therapeutic value than in the show business angle. I find teaching beginners to be the most fulfilling, ’cause it’s where the greatest personal transformations occur. There is a trajectory of joy in the first few classes that will never be repeated; they’re discovering that they, and the others in their new tribe, have magic powers. Literally – magic powers.”