I read Improv Wisdom last summer by Patricia Madson. It was a revolutionary way to approach life that was so relevant during my hectic summer in my sling that was full of anger and complications. It has been a source of inspiration for me on many occasions and my sister also has found it as a resource during her current pregnancy and life to keep her calm and centered.
I decided to just show up to a class one of my fellow Stanford Improvisers teaches on Monday because he had asked us to at some point and I felt like I wanted to. Not only did I get to play with a young group of excited improvisers, I also got to play with Patricia Madson herself. She was the guest teacher for the day doing a class on shared control.
It was a treat to play with her, see her excitement at creating and telling stories with the group, enjoy her passion as a teacher and her smile every time anything different came up.
I now have another source of inspiration when sharing improv with people. I absolutely love my teacher Dan Klein and have learned so much from his guidance on how to do improv. He has a natural ability to understand peoples actions and creates a safe space to be different. Patricia is wonderfully compassionate and caring as an improv teacher. She is different as she coaches improv as a way of life, not a theater experience. Both are creative and help craft the way we think (or don’t think) about what we should say next.
I find myself feeling lucky to have met these great improvisers and people on my journey here at Stanford. If any of you are ever so lucky…please take a class and embrace the improv as a way of life.
13. May 2010 at 03:38
Few things move me more than to learn that a student has found value in my classroom. You are very kind to write about this experience and to encourage others to share the improv perspective and to take a look at my book. The way of the improviser is a sunny path, not always smooth or straightforward. But walking/gliding/dancing this path both alone and with others can bring a vibrancy to life. It makes me smile to think that you have plunged in to all this. Congratulations on becoming a SImp. Great life lessons to be had. I thank you, thank you, thank you, Danika- a way of life indeed. I’m so glad I wrote it on the board.
Patricia
18. May 2010 at 21:09
What a great post! And what a great response from Patricia!
I’ve noticed that improv has been such a positive force for you this year. I’m so happy that you threw yourself into it with open arms. And I think the work you are doing to share it with others in the design community is awesome.
Great job pip!