Training to Imagine is the definitive guide to using improvisational theater techniques to enhance creativity, teamwork, leadership, and growth in professional settings.
This third edition explores the principles of improvisation—trust, spontaneity, accepting offers, listening and awareness, storytelling, and presence—and demonstrates how they can be applied to real-world situations. Koppett includes updated research on the value of improvisation, fresh examples, detailed activity design flows, and over 50 activities that can be used for individual self-development, small groups, and organizational development. This edition has been updated to more explicitly tie improv principles to building inclusive environments, supporting diverse voices, and creating connection and community, ideal for both higher education and organizational contexts.
Leaders, educators, and facilitators interested in using improv to strengthen their interpersonal skills will find immense value in this book.
Table of Contents:
Section One: Principles 1. The Principles 2. Trust 3. Spontaneity 4. Listening and Awareness 5. Accepting Offers 6. Storytelling 7. Performing with Presence Section Two: Activities 8. Introduction to the Activities 9. Activities
About the Author :
Kat Koppett is the founder of Koppett and co-director of The Mopco Improv Theatre. She works with organizations globally to expand performance awareness and range. Kat is a founding member of the Applied Improvisation Network and the winner of NASAGA’s 2019 Ifill-Raynolds Lifetime Achievement Award.
Review :
"Training to Imagine is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to incorporate creativity, collaboration, and effective communication into their courses and trainings. It is a well‑balanced blend of research and practical activities that is relevant to a wide range of academic disciplines. I have used Training to Imagine in courses ranging from small groups to creative thinking to physics! For those who are brand new to applied improv as well as those who are experienced practitioners, Training to Imagine is a great tool to add to your toolkit!"
Vicki Crooks, Communication Professor and President of the Applied Improvisation Network (AIN)
"Kat Koppett is a giant in the field of Applied Improvisation. Her book is a must for anyone who wants to use improv‑based exercises to enhance imagination, agility, creativity, collaboration, connection, and trust—in any group. She tells you what to do, how to do it, and why it works."
Dan Klein, Lecturer of Management at the Graduate School of Business and an Advanced Lecturer in the Theater and Performance Studies Department, Stanford University, USA
