Infusion Improv London is going really well so far. And I've been working on the weekends with The Institute, an impro group here that runs workshops on Sundays. Although I love teaching improv, it's so great to be a student again! I'm learning some new techniques and approaches, and I've fed some of them already into my improv program.

I'm keeping open to performance opportunities here, hopeful that I'll be able to do some improv before an audience before I leave. And tonight, in a strange fit of inspiration, I rewrote my book, powered by an understanding of how I was thinking when I first was struck by the ideas that motivated it. I wrote maybe 10 chapters, short and connected, and they were pretty clear from what I remember. I even overcame a few mental issues I had in writing the original drafts. Will this spell a new version of The Humanation of Chaos: Artistry & The Long-Form Improviser? I can't tell. A short and sweet version is certainly not what I was originally expecting to create, but it seems to me it has a kind of "promise" to it as short.

I'm pondering teaching a long-form improv workshop out here. I get the sense there's demand. Riding on the high of a great improv class definitely feeds that desire. If you're in London and reading this entry and want to take my long-form improv workshop this summer, drop me an email and let me know.

 

 
June 22, 2008 (Sunday)

I'm motoring along in writing my book. In just three sittings, I've hammered out about 25 short chapters, which is just astounding to me--the sentences just keep flowing, and when I stop for a moment, I find other topics to cover and keep adding.

The draft is admittedly rough, which could benefit from some rewording to improve the flow and conciseness, but for the most part, I am really happy with it and how it's unfolding.

My biggest question is whether the person who reads it can grasp it, take the stage, and then start doing amazing long-form improv soon after. My other question is whether the person who has chronic problems in performing long-form improv is able to quickly eliminate those problems. The teachings I lay down in the book have helped improvisers quickly in real life, but I don't know if they have the same impact when those teachings are read. Suffice it to say, I hope so!

In 25 short chapters, I feel I've covered a bulk of the "theory" I wanted to lay out. There are still other things I want to cover other than just theory, but it almost seems to me that if I continue to have the time to focus on my book, and the drive and flow that I currently experience, then a proper first draft is within sight. Could it be in two weeks' time that I have a readable rough draft? Could it be August when I've revised things to a point to submit for publication?

I have to say that being in London and away from NYC has helped clear my thoughts. The London improv (impro) scene has been magical for me so far. I've been "in" the NYC improv scene for so long, and I think to a particular extent it has been oppressive, at least for my thinking.

Anyway, wish me luck!

 

 
June 24, 2008 (Tuesday)

I'm thrilled that I'll be performing with >The Institute at Carnival des Phenomenes this Friday. My London "impro" debut!

 

 
June 27, 2008 (Friday)

Tonight I took the stage with Paul, Vanessa, and Nick of The Institute to perform an Armando at Carnival des Phenomenes. It felt great to be back onstage doing improv!