Welcome!

I'm Michael Burns, Artistic Director of The Mop & Bucket Theatre Co., a professional improv troupe based in the Capital District of NY State. Working solo and with my partner, Kat Koppett, I've trained many performers over the years. But we've also trained thousands of people of all ages, and from all walks of life, in the techniques of improv theatre.

We've worked with teachers, kids, corporate executives, sales teams, crisis workers, counselors, lawyers, college students, clergy, and you-name-it in a number of settings. And we keep hearing the same thing: "This stuff is amazing!"

I agree. I humbly propose that the techniques of improv theatre can change one's life for the better, in no time at all. So in this and following posts, I am going to lay out the basics, and talk about the reasons for the basics. I'll point out where various things can be helpful on stage and off, and I'll give you exercises to try on your own.

What can you expect to find here?

As you read upcoming posts, you will find proven ways to:

• Improve your interpersonal communication skills
• Heighten your creativity
• Build your team
  
• Solve problems in more effective, faster, less cumbersome ways
• Overcome negativity (your own and others')
  
• Develop yourself as an actor, artist, or writer
• have a lot of fun!
  

Wow. I am reading this list, and thinking here comes the sales pitch....But no. No pitch. Oh, we sell things, don't get me wrong. And we'll provide you with links and all that good stuff. In fact, for those of you who MUST believe I've got a sales agenda, there's a link to Kat's excellent book about improv as a business training tool at the end of this post. But link notwithstanding, this blog, I guarantee you, will provide you with a lot of meaningful, applicable, free content, with no catch.

Or I'll refund every penny you haven't spent.

So check back soon, and we'll get started. While you're waiting with bated breath, you can find out about upcoming Mop & Bucket Company shows at www.mopco.org .

Coming Up:
The power of Yes And.

And here's that link: Kat Koppett's Book, Training To Imagine
http://www.amazon.com/Training-Imagine-Improvisational-Techniques-Creativity/dp/1579220339