Improvisation as a Writer

Think Fast Improv reports:

"Scripted theater and Improvisation are, by definition, opposites.  Although performance skills are shared between the two, their goals are different.  Improvisation seeks to organically create themes, plot[,] and characters at a moment’s notice, never to be seen again, while traditional theater predetermines those elements and through repetition asks performers to interpret and bring them to life.  Yet, despite these differences, the ideas generated from improvisation can provide a strong base on which to write broader stories...One of the most important components of improv is teamwork, and one of the most valuable products of teamwork is the variety of ideas and perspectives that are brought into a scene.  No matter how imaginative you are, the combined brilliance of several playful and creative minds is superior.  People who improvise live for those moments when two or more players collectively discover a rich reality that would have been nearly impossible to create singularly.  Through improv you access more scenarios and character choices, and you are guaranteed to be exposed to ideas and dialogue that you would not have thought of on your own.  By working with a stage partner you will come up with character responses that you would not have expected from yourself, because of the unique perspective and prompting of your partner...[D]o not limit the possibilities.  Even a simple off-hand remark given within a scene can be inspiration for a written piece of action/adventure, romance, or mystery.  A basic idea from an improv scene can later be flushed out in your writing, regardless of the genre you are working in...On your own, the skills of improv help when you find yourself in front of a blank screen or piece of paper.  Improv games and muscles can be exercised for creating plot twists, characters, relationships, and strong dialogue choices.  Improv skills also help you manage separate characters as they interact with each other, making sincere choices that will move your story forward...In short, an improv class or show is an excellent cure for writer’s block.  Whether working on your own or with a group, the ideas and moments that come from improvisation can be used to further your own writing."