How Improv Helps Students Connect with Real Readers

Authentic writing allows students to write for audiences other than the teacher for reasons that matter to them and that lead to changing how an audience thinks, feels, or acts. How can teachers prioritize authentic writing instruction and help students become successful writers? Lauren Esposito does this through improv, an art form that develops students' abilities to relate to an audience in purposeful ways by strengthening their awareness of what will move or interest a reader. "Improv," a term that refers to improvisational theater, illustrates the degree to which paying attention to another person's ideas is essential to creating a story together. An improv show consists of a group of performers creating stories on the spot based on a spontaneous suggestion. Nothing in improv is decided beforehand, so participants base their contributions on those of their fellow performers. By the act of getting on stage, improvisers enter into an agreement to work together. This skill, which improvisers call "Yes, and . . . ," teaches individuals to listen before they speak so that when they do talk, their message is designed specifically for its intended audience. This skill is essential to developing real writers. Engaging students in improv-based activities invites them not only to generate ideas, explore perspectives, and create a story together but also trains them to be receptive to the expectations of readers. Students develop an awareness and ability to craft a message that meets the needs and interests of authentic audiences. In this article, Esposito describes improv exercises she uses to help students consider the audiences for their written arguments.