ImproVision | Bird City Improv

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ImproVision

The Bird Blog

An Introduction from Tavish Forsyth

Welcome to ImproVision. This an intersectional blog written by me. Originally started in 2019, this is where I share my my ideas about improv and being human. ImproVision is a digital space for contemplating artistry, action and self-care, sharing gratitude and personal reflections along the way

These posts are as much for me as they are for you, so I'd love to hear your feedback. I invite you to share or ask a question. If you want to see a post on a certain topic, feel free to send me a request.

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ImproVision

Tavish Forsyth, a tall, slim, Celtic male with brown hair, eyes, and beard stands in front of a pink rose bush contemplating with his hand on his chin.

Tavish Forsyth, a tall, slim, Celtic male with brown hair, eyes, and beard stands in front of a pink rose bush contemplating with his hand on his chin.

Trump's War on Artists: A Peace Protest

Tavish Forsyth, a leader at the Kennedy Center before being fired by a dictator for defending free speech. If you believe in peace, if...

Apr 47 min read

Vulnerability

Vulnerability

Vulnerability

To be a successful improviser we must keep ourselves tethered to the joy of creating, to the mischief of improvising.

Mar 13, 20205 min read

Downshifting

Downshifting

Downshifting

Many beginner improv scenes fail because both players feel threatened by the experience. They are acting in a downshifted state.

Feb 28, 20204 min read

The Speed of Fun

The Speed of Fun

The Speed of Fun

The Speed of Fun is the speed that challenges us. It’s the speed where breakthroughs happen.

Feb 21, 20202 min read

Celebrating Failure

Celebrating Failure

Celebrating Failure

Improv reminds us of childhood because we may once again view the world as limitless.

Feb 21, 20202 min read

Breaking the Binary

Breaking the Binary

Breaking the Binary

What’s the opposite of failure? It’s not success. We think it’s success, but it is not. The opposite failure is non-failure.

Feb 13, 20202 min read

Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset

Don’t forget the fear that motivated you to try something new. Follow that fear. Seek new experiences.

Feb 12, 20203 min read

Divesting from Failure

Divesting from Failure

Divesting from Failure

The remedy to our obsessive fear lies in a shift in our perspective, to see failure as an overwhelmingly positive event, one that is...

Feb 12, 20205 min read

Unscripted

Unscripted

Unscripted

Improv takes courage. And courage might mean something different for each individual.

Feb 6, 20204 min read

Practicing Yes, And

Practicing Yes, And

Practicing Yes, And

It’s spirit is in every improv game, but for beginners, I like to address it directly with a few simple reflections, ad libs, and exercises.

Feb 6, 20207 min read

The Negativity Bias

The Negativity Bias

The Negativity Bias

Why are we addicted to saying no? This bias plays a significant role in decision making, and affects our ability to improvise.

Feb 6, 20205 min read

Always Say Yes

Always Say Yes

Always Say Yes

"Yes, And" is the system by which all improvisation operates. It teaches performers how to go with the flow and co-create.

Feb 4, 20202 min read

Practicing Improvisational Flow

Practicing Improvisational Flow

Practicing Improvisational Flow

To be a successful improviser we must coordinate our thoughts with our actions. In the 21st century, that’s a uniquely difficult challenge.

Feb 1, 20208 min read

The Flow

The Flow

The Flow

Without fail my beginner students insist that improv is about going with the flow. Yes. Duh. But what does that mean?

Jan 30, 20204 min read

Preconceptions

Preconceptions

Preconceptions

Ostensibly, improv is theater for non-actors. When I teach a group of beginners I ask two questions. The first one is, “what brought you...

Jan 29, 20202 min read

Improv for the Dissatisfied Human: An Introduction

Improv for the Dissatisfied Human: An Introduction

Improv for the Dissatisfied Human: An Introduction

By Tavish Forsyth I was once accused of never being satisfied with anything. I argued feverishly to the contrary, but when I was left...

Jan 27, 20207 min read

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