As a person used to making up an improvised play on the spot, let me just say that writing, revising, structuring, editing, restructuring, proofing, and laying out a whole 189 page book takes for flipping ever! But it’s done. It’s time to celebrate and share it with the world, or, at least, you: my friends, family, and improv community.
Your attention please! May I present:
Instant Alchemy: The Science and Magic of Narrative Longform Improv
by Colin T. Bates and Shana Merlin
Some backstory: on January 3rd, 2022, my friend and former student and castmate, Colin Bates reached out. He’d finished his PhD in Microbiology at Oklahoma University and was ready to move on from academia. He’d been using the lessons he’d learned from me at Merlin Works as well as his own research to teach narrative longform in Oklahoma City for years and was wondering if I wanted to collaborate with him on writing a book capturing our methods. I was honored by this invitation, especially since it came from someone who had already finished a dissertation all on his own! We’ve been working on it on and off ever since.
This book has all the goodies that we teach about how to make an entertaining and compelling piece of theater on the spot in our Narrative Longform Classes at Merlin Works. There are 67 unique exercises you can do in your next rehearsal or class. We cover basics like “Chapter Two: Finding Our Hero and What They Want” to advanced skills like “Chapter Nine: Universal Narrative Themes” and “Chapter Eleven: Raising the Stakes.”
This book is for the improv nerds who like to go deep on theory from film, tv, and literature. Colin does his research and brings his science background–complete with footnotes–to the manuscript. Each chapter ends with me sharing a magical “Crystal Ball,” a simple intuitive approach to help you quickly find flow and stay playful while creating unscripted stories.
It’s the culmination of more than two decades of teaching and performing narrative longform. The release date is set for April 14th (Happy Birthday, Mom!) I’ll send the presale link as soon as it’s ready. In the meantime please RSVP to our Book Launch Party on Saturday April 19th at 8pm at Creative Action to buy your copy in person and get it signed by yours truly.
