The book is almost here!
Note: This is a reprint of a previous Improv Illusionist newsletter. If you’re not receiving my email newsletter, you can subscribe here and get my “Learning the Improv Illusion” series as a bonus.
Welcome to another issue of the Improv Illusionist Newsletter, a monthly update from me, David Raitt, with a focus on the improv skills of environment, object work, and physicality in character and performance. I’m honoured by your interest.
Welcome back, fellow improvisers!
I’m very excited about the upcoming book release. Let’s get right into it…
The Improv Illusionist book is almost here!
I began writing the book in July 2019. But in many ways, this has been going on for over 25 years.
As you’ll read in my Introduction to the book (available for previewing right now), one of my first teachers, Bruce Hunter, was heavily into object work and environment. With my love of physical comedy, I clicked with his style immediately, and I’ve been experimenting with these skills ever since.
(It’s an honour that Bruce has written a very inspirational Foreword to the book, which you can also preview right now!)
Physicality has been a huge boost to my career. When I worked for The Second City, I was at risk of being typecast as a “straight man.” Physicality helped me step out of that role and become larger than life on stage when I wanted to be.
I’ve also had a ton of fun playing with physicality in scenes. It gives you so many ways to add play, even when playing straight and serious characters. But more especially the mischievous ones. 😉
When I think back to the top moments of my improv career, nearly all of them have been related to physicality in some way. Or it helped set the scene in a way that made a casual line of dialogue extraordinary.
If you buy the book, I hope it’s the start of an equally wonderful journey for YOUR career.
But first, find out how you can win a signed copy for free!
Book Giveaway!
[Sorry, the Book Giveaway was only available to email subscribers. Special offers like these are one more reason you should subscribe to the monthly newsletter.]
Please help me promote the book
None of the following are required to enter the Book Giveaway above.
But if you’ve gotten any value out of my work up to now, you can support me by spreading the word to more improvisers who want to level up their Physical Improv skills.
Some suggestions:
- Share this post on Twitter (X) or this post on Facebook. Or this website page on any other social media.
- Post a comment about Improv Illusionist in any improv-related chat or social groups you’re a member of.
- Mention the book, website, and newsletter to your improv team or company. (They can get a copy and share it around.) The more players around you that get into Physical Improv, the more fun you can have!
- Pre-order your copy now! Pre-orders are a big deal in the publishing industry, attracting interest and marketing resources that propel the book even further.
- After you’ve read the book, leave an honest review on GoodReads or Amazon (or anywhere else).
If you do any of these, please let me know so I can thank you profusely.
More for the Improv Illusionist
There’s more than just the book! Lots more FREE content on my website…
Improv Exercises for Physical Skills
Improv Books — Reviews & Recommendations
Improv Podcasts — Reviews & Recommendations
Do you have any feedback about Improv Illusionist, either these newsletters or the website? Send me a message or just reply to this email. Seriously, I read and respond to just about everything.
I’ll be back with a new “big idea” about Physical Improv on September 7th!
Ex nihilo!
—Dave
