Public Teaching Schedule 2008
Patricia Ryan Madson
For Continuing Studies Stanford University
Winter Quarter
Improvising Your Life DRA 173 A Tuesday evenings - a ten week class
The study of improvisation provides us with a way to learn to trust our own ideas. If you doubt your ability to adapt to change, and to think and speak spontaneously, this class will give you the tools to experience a new way to respond. True creativity lies in honoring your own voice. Improv basics include attention to reality, learning how to work with a spirit of cooperation, and coping positively with mistakes. It's a safe way to learn management, social, and personal skills. Improvisation is not about comedy or being clever; it is about recovering and using our native common sense to solve problems. In addition to the eight class sessions, students will attend a San Francisco improvised theatrical performance on a Friday night. Attendance at the first class is mandatory.
Spring Quarter
"Improv Marathon: Entertaining Ourselves" WSP 24
Saturday, April 26, 2008 9:30 - 5:00 pm Limited enrollment: 24
Those who have studied improvisation often long for a chance just to perform. This day long workshop is designed for those who have already taken the basic course in improvising and who want to enjoy the fruits of play. After a physical and mental warmup players will divide into six teams of four. The teams will then challenge each other to improvisation games and exercises, creating stories and games on the fly. Your coach and instructor, Patricia Madson will be your Emcee and ringmaster for the day. Following the morning session, students will break for a class picnic. Everyone is expected to bring his own "brown bag lunch" and the class will go outside for a break at noon. After lunch we shall resume the improv marathon, playing all afternoon. Anyone who has taken Patricia's CS improvisation class over the past 15 years is welcome to join the mayhem. Talent is not a prerequisite, but hutzpah is a plus!
Improv Wisdom: Showing Up for Your Life, -Weekend of August 15-17, 2008, Patricia Ryan Madson.
Improvising can be seen as a way of approaching life mindfully with both common sense and chutzpah. Play improvisation games to discover your natural spontaneity. True creativity lies in honoring your own voice. Improv basics include attention to reality, learning how to work with a spirit of cooperation, and coping positively with mistakes. It's a safe way to learn management, social, and personal skills. Improvisation is not about comedy or being clever; it is about recovering and using our native common sense to solve problems and to learn how to enjoy your life.
January, 2008
