Explanation

The following email is circling the globe. I would LOVE for you to copy it and paste it into a note and start sharing it with everyone you know doing improvisational theatre and comedy.
Spread the word so all can share in it!

Dear fellow improvisers,

I'm inviting you to share your local tales of the improv experience with the world.

My name is Milo Shapiro and I am compiling a book based on YOUR stories about "The Improv Experience": Good, bad, and everything in-between. For non-performers, it’s an inside look at the work that we do and the people in the communities that create it. For us, it’s a chance to immortalize great memories, connecting and learning from each other’s experiences.

As I'm compiling a book of them, I've been posting a few of my favorites at www.improventures.com/stories . Check the site periodically to see how it grows.

As much as I do want YOUR stories, what will REALLY make this project work is if you'll take a moment to circulate this note to other improvisers. I want to hear from everyone -- from local groups to stars with improv backgrounds (Anyone know Whoopie or Robin?)

So....can I enroll you in sharing this note with others, whether or not you ever send stories yourself? This note could actually reach EVERY IMPROVISER IN THE WORLD who has email. Imagine the stories we could share, whether it’s a few sentences or a whole page.

Possible themes include highlights or nightmares regarding:

~ audience participation ~ auditions ~ relationships with theaters

~ press ~ musicians ~ rehearsals

~ teaching ~ new games ~ private gigs

~ interpersonal issues ~ love stories ~ memorable scenes

~ missed offers ~ forgotten clues ~ prop failures

~ starting troupes

~ lessons from improv that carry over into your non-stage life (VERY desired!)

~ whatever else your imagination comes up with

Even if you can't think of any right now, keep this note around after you forward it -- in case new stories come up and you think, "THIS is one for the book!"

Thanks for your support and your stories. Now forward this around the world!

_______________________________________

THE DETAILS OF HOW TO SUBMIT

Send your stories (email notes or simple MS-Word documents) to the address found on the site.

The current address is theimprovexperience@improventures.com but, should that ever change, the site is the best way to let everyone know, so I encourage you to check there first. (Please don’t respond by clicking REPLY; remember, this note is traveling around the globe.)

Include your name and contact info (stories beyond the US would be great).

Your submitting it grants me the right to edit your submission and post it on the website. I can post/print anonymously upon request.

If your story is chosen for the book, you'll be re-contacted for written permission to use the material.

Watch for publication info on the website.

_______________________________________

WHO IS THIS GUY, ANYWAY?

I've been studying, performing, and teaching improv since 1991, mostly in San Diego, but also in classes in Calgary, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Edmonton.

Most of my work has been as a coach in the San Diego chapter of TheatreSports, which we founded in 1993.

I appreciate your time and interest in this global sharing of our love of The Improv Experience!

_______________________________________

ONE LAST THOUGHT

If the top of this note starts with lots of names because of frequent forwarding, feel free to cut the real note starting from “Dear fellow improvisers“ and paste it into a new note with the same subject.