Improvisation
Dr Kathryn Collins
28 April 2024
Improvisation is the act of making or something with whatever is available at the time. It is used in reference to a performance that an actor, musician, dancer or other performer has not practiced or planned. In various art forms there are specific classes that are dedicated exclusively to improvisation (e.g. contact improvisation in dance).
In what follows I describe one type of improvisation exercise, using the prompt: “Yes! And…” and explore its relevance for my research.
Improv in Practice – Conducting Research on Goodwin Sands
Practicalities and Ethical Considerations
References
Blom, L.A. and Chaplin, L.T., 1988. The moment of movement: Dance improvisation. University of Pittsburgh Press.
Cook, N., 2004. Making music together, or improvisation and its others. Jazz Research Journal, 1(1), pp.5-26.
Frost, A. and Yarrow, R., 2015. Improvisation in drama, theatre and performance: History, practice, theory. Macmillan International Higher Education.
Johnstone, K. and Wardle, I., 2012. Impro: Improvisation and the theatre. Routledge.
Pallant, C., 2006. Contact improvisation: An introduction to a vitalizing dance form. McFarland.
Peters, G., 2009. The philosophy of improvisation. University of Chicago Press.
If you are keen to explore how Improv methods could support your research, please contact Kathryn to discuss your idea: Kathryn@howellmarine.co.uk
