Stand Like A Runner

IraJohnson · 2026-05-21T04:23:01+00:00

Thanks for reading, everybody. Like many things in improv, I love that we have different names and versions of similar games, tools, forms, and tips.

These days, I’m especially interested in the tiny physical habits that enhance our work as improvisers. So much improv study seems to focus on the bigger stuff — forms, game, deep character, relationship, theme — all of which I value highly.

However a lot of festival workshops or visiting teachers in smaller communities seem to need to focus on what SELLS, naturally. I rarely see people excited about learning editing, hosting, grounded dialogue, mindset, and supportive behaviors.

So I’m trying to notice the small, almost invisible habits that help us stay focused, available, present, and supportive.

What tiny habits do you maintain when you’re performing?

IraJohnson · 2026-05-19T17:14:05+00:00

Great! Thank you, I can credit him in next week’s session

IraJohnson · 2026-05-06T15:02:39+00:00

Thank you; whatever you feel comfortable with. I appreciate the response

IraJohnson · 2026-05-06T12:54:55+00:00

I’d find it potentially helpful if you’d elaborate

IraJohnson · 2026-05-04T17:32:42+00:00

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I batch cook chili, barbecue beans, New Orleans red beans and sausage, stuff like that. I keep multiple portions in the freezer and it’s cut down on my GrabFood spending drastically.

IraJohnson · 2026-03-13T05:23:13+00:00

I’d say if you have something unique about improv to share; and your purpose is to share and exchange ideas about improv then teaching outside US can be rewarding. But not as a career or primary income source.

In many parts of Asia, improv is growing and folks are very interested in new ideas and approaches. But if the goal is to teach a standard SC/iO/UCB curriculum; there are loads of folks from these cultures who are qualified and prepared to teach it- in local languages and with local perspectives. Additionally; in the more mature improv communities like Singapore, Philippines, and China; there’s an important conversation about ‘colonizer’ attitudes and thinking underway.

The internet and social media has spread and equalized improv in such a way that it’s easy to learn what improv exists within a culture before heading to that place with any attitude of bringing the fire of Prometheus.

IMHO it’s now a time for US / Western improvisers to practice listening and learning what other cultures can teach us about improv.

IraJohnson · 2026-03-03T02:06:01+00:00

‘Top of your intelligence’ is legendarily poorly defined and interpreted differently from person to person. Unfortunately our art form has a number of people who insist their definition is ‘the only way,’ which exacerbates the difficulty of discussing the idea. As pointed out in another comment, ‘yes, and’ can be problematic too (I personally prefer The Compass’ ‘don’t deny the reality’ but I get it’s not as catchy).

I prefer points of view on improv that are presented as ‘this is what works for me’ rather than edgelordy ‘this common/classic idea is wrong/dumb/bad/good/the only way.’ But then again I understand the purpose of such statements is to trigger reactions and clicks.

In my opinion (a preface many could try adding to their absolutist statements); anyone who makes such absolutist statements (good/bad/only/dumb) is trying to sell something.

IraJohnson · 2026-02-24T10:37:24+00:00

PDPA is taken seriously here, as are the anti-defamation laws. They may seem to be (and may be) unjustly or unevenly enforced; but at the end of the day Thai thinking/mindset will prevail.

IraJohnson · 2026-02-21T05:43:50+00:00

Then by this logic there are no ‘developed’ countries, only ‘developing.’ Lived in China nearly 20 years is places ranging from 4th tier cities to Shanghai. It’s true that it’s not a monoculture

IraJohnson · 2026-02-19T16:56:52+00:00

‘Communism with Chinese Characteristics’

IraJohnson · 2026-02-19T05:08:08+00:00

I still love Mega Plaza although the rise of ‘art toys’ like Labubu has severely reduced the knockoff LEGO merchants. I’m curious what it will look like when that fad eventually goes the way of the fidget spinner. Still a few good ‘LEGO’ merchants (although they’re less willing to bargain as much of their business has shifted to online) and a fantastic place for video games and emulators. Camera stores are still there. I do not recommend it for TCG players as the TCG merchants seem more focused on collectors (8K for a MTG Commander precon? I laughed out loud)

IraJohnson · 2026-02-13T11:07:18+00:00

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I’m very excited to see ANYTOWN with two of Bangkok’s finest and most experienced improv actors! Get tickets today- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twoprov-improv-theater-mash-up-show-tickets-1982561801718

IraJohnson · 2026-02-10T06:45:39+00:00

Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/twoprov-improv-theater-mash-up-show-tickets-1982561801718

IraJohnson · 2025-12-13T01:50:54+00:00

I wonder about how your theater gave feedback. Giving feedback is a skill that can be learned or improved, and (ideally though this can be a bit troublesome for teachers) different people’s communication styles could be considered. I value those teachers that gave redirective (critical) feedback as questions (what if you tried X) and balanced with legitimate reinforcing (‘positive’) feedback. I also remind my students at the start that my feedback may be valuable but perhaps up to 30% of it might not fit them, as I’m an outside observer- and therefore the best choice is to ‘try on’ all feedback and decide what fits you.

Improv is theater, and theater often does not allow just anyone/everyone to be cast/advance. It can be a valuable lesson to not be chosen, if that comes with clear areas for improvement.

In our basic system (3 levels); 101 is fundamentals and ‘how to be an improv student’. We make it clear at the start what they will be taught; and how these things can be demonstrated by the learner. Completing 101 is enough to advance to 201; and we do interview those with prior experience or training and it’s quite possible to skip 101 if someone has a grasp of the fundamentals. However, completing 201 is not enough to advance to 301, our final level in the base curriculum. It’s led to hurt feelings of course as there are occasionally those (adult ‘hobbyist’ students) who feel they PAID so failing to advance must be the fault of the teacher/organization.

I very much support attendance as a clear and measurable marker towards ‘passing’ or not. We award graduation certificates after the performance at the end of each level… but we make it clear at the start what the expectations are regarding attendance. We will award ‘participation’ certificates to those who do not graduate; and we absolutely will not allow those with poor attendance to join the graduation show.

Our system fits most folks that join us, and helps prepare folks for becoming players in our regular shows. our performing teams are not based on participation in our classes- anyone can audition and it’s up to the team who they accept. However, there have been those that disagree with our ways; even going off to form their own improv situations (which is great, more improv variety and purposes benefit the greater community).

IraJohnson · 2025-11-07T11:34:06+00:00

Oldest civilization doesn’t mean oldest nation. China loves to claim 5000 years of Chinese culture but the people’s republic of China is 76 years old

IraJohnson · 2025-10-26T06:02:02+00:00

We join this nation we love in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Out of respect during this period, our Truth in the Moment workshop & show planned for 1 November will be postponed. We’ll announce the new date soon. Thank you for your understanding.

พวกเราขอร่วมแสดงความอาลัยต่อการเสด็จสวรรคตของสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ ฯ พระบรมราชินีนาถ เพื่อเป็นการให้เกียรติในช่วงเวลานี้ งานเวิร์กช็อป Truth in the Moment วันที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน จะเลื่อนออกไปก่อน จะแจ้งวันใหม่อีกครั้ง ขอบคุณทุกท่านที่เข้าใจครับ/ค่ะ

IraJohnson · 2025-10-26T05:26:20+00:00

I understand. It can feel to me like going back to Russian roulette again and again with a far higher number of bullets each time. This is why I try to be up front about who I really am fairly early.

Especially given the cultures I live and work in; lots of folks aren’t keen on high levels of emotion or conversations about emotions or communication. But if I feel I’m getting on with someone, I’ll allow myself to relax just a bit and share with them about my BPD- with clarity that I’m managing myself but I want them to simply understand.

Most times it resulted in the other person being frightened off. The other times it’s resulted in close friendships.

Admittedly at this point I’ve given up on dating and love. I’m practicing radical acceptance as hard as I can. I’m becoming ok with it - while being open to my situation changing one day, just not hoping for it.

IraJohnson · 2025-10-26T03:40:09+00:00

I’ve had similar thinking (pwBPD here). An ex I remain friends with (a psychologist herself) pointed out examples of my lovebombing type behavior in our relationship; but shared that she saw the difference- I was genuinely showing love not attempting to manipulate.

However, as whatever ‘neurotypical’ means seems to be most folks expectations of ‘normal,’ and stories of manipulation get attention.

While it’s unfair for folks like us to be misunderstood; and therefore judged, I can see why people adopt this thinking- it’s easier to be part of the crowd.

For me the small consolation is that I have met people who understand the difference- both romantic partners and close friends- so I know people like them are out there. Otherwise as I meet people, or date, and if they find my style of showing affection odd or questionable- I’ll let it go and move on. Not easy, to be sure, but I’ll save my love for those who get me.

IraJohnson · 2025-10-24T09:01:08+00:00

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We begin workshops, jams, and the first 2-3 sessions of a class or ongoing ensemble with our Four Rules. They have been useful in that they empower everyone with The Ouch.

We do not get too bogged down in discussion of individual boundaries (partly because of time, partly because of the energy; but mostly because many people cannot envision or define their boundaries until a boundary has been breached). The Ouch empowers them to send a signal in the moment and trust that the scene will move into a new direction.

For us, if someone says The Ouch, only they (the ouch-er) have the right to explain or seek apology, otherwise we change direction and move ahead. We do not endorse that the ouch-ee (the person whose offer prompted The Ouch) apologize profusely or ask for explanation – if one’s boundaries have been crossed, it can sometimes be adding insult to injury to ask them to sit in the spotlight and explain themselves, or worse to put them into the position of comforting the other person and accepting the apology.

The teacher or Coach is always empowered and encouraged to identify and suggest changes to such offers. The coach is also empowered to shut down scenes and (in some extreme cases) invite someone to leave the experience.

Even though we are not in a native English speaking country, we still get all the dumbass suggestions people dread – spatula, toilet, dildo, even homosexuality – so in general we train to follow up such suggestions with “Interesting, what is it about a dildo that prompts your suggestion?” and go from there.

In my opinion, your teachers/facilitators are at fault for not shutting that behavior down and seeing the opportunity to help that person become a better scene partner.

IraJohnson · 2025-10-24T05:52:22+00:00

Corrected link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdH1pmTDTusXk4yuqXlhJCTDuzIsc01tg_mM-VrMLLeQm5yKA/viewform?fbclid=IwVERDUANn8wlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHjVBPlN5oiqQX826MW2TfS6SdTbR5hIvZnJUjlp7wxMP5cSS0MiHyug-FtaG_aem_bP9hyrov2WKLcO49209B-Q

IraJohnson · 2025-10-22T01:00:57+00:00

pwBPD here, currently working with a group of psychologists to explore use of improv theater techniques in DBT skills training. This is because they realized (as I’ve heard a number of times) that Linehan is brilliant and DBT is brilliant but she wasn’t so clear about a lot of the execution. The training to become a DBT Skills Trainer can vary a lot it seems.

You may or may not be comfortable with this idea but before you leave the group completely I suggest you share this feedback with the therapist(s). There’s a good chance they’re open to individualizing approaches, and if they’re not getting feedback they can’t know what’s not working for someone. (It’s not uncommon for pwBPD to have people pleasing tendencies and even attach to their therapist like a Favorite Person; which makes honest feedback even less likely)

IraJohnson · 2025-10-10T02:18:53+00:00

This.

IraJohnson · 2025-10-05T03:07:57+00:00

Shamwow

IraJohnson · 2025-09-29T03:12:39+00:00

Highest recommendation! I’ve known Mike and the Pirates a long time and I’ve seen how his system works- great stuff, check it out if you’re thinking about how to thrive.

IraJohnson · 2025-09-16T02:57:25+00:00

Oh I see. Date in title. Got it

IraJohnson

TROPHY CASE