One Rule Improv presents a fast and easy approach to understanding improv so anyone who wants to learn, teach or apply improv to their lives or in the workplace can do so with confidence. This approach works for both the performer and the non-performer, the extrovert and introvert, for the enthusiastic participant and for the person uninterested or apprehensive about improv. One Rule Improv will help you: •Explain what improv is and how and why it works •Teach, facilitate and play the games, so the many benefits are achieved •Apply improv skills and concepts so the benefits of improv are sustainedThis book is great resource for:•A trainer or coach who wants to bring improv to their organization and get it to stick.•A drama instructor who would like to easily introduce improv to help their students quickly become a supportive ensemble and gain valuable improvisational skills.•The improviser who would like to promote and teach improv to others through classes or workshops.•The experienced improv director/teacher who needs to prepare students or group members to effectively teach at workshops and events.•The students/clients of trainers, coaches or improv teachers, so they may sustain their interest and understanding of improv; and continue to correctly practice it between workshops and sessions. "In One Rule Improv Mary DeMichele cracks the shell of improv wide open for everyone to enjoy. She deconstructs this incredible art and makes transferring its tenets easy to access, digest and use. Moreover, Mary's spirit vibrates throughout this book. If you are interested in teaching, coaching &/or incorporating improv into your life, One Rule Improv is a terrific resource for you!" Bob Kulhan , co-founder of Baby Wants Candy and author of getting to Yes, And: The Art of Business Improv "One Rule Improv is simply the best way to understand how to transform lives using the process and power of improv. As a psychotherapist, I consider this a must read for integrating effective experiential therapies. " Rob Gent, M.A., LPC. Chief Clinical Officer, Embark Behavioral Health "This practical easy to follow guide is an essential tool for anyone harnessing the creative power of improv. As a former Off Broadway actor, I can tell you Mary DeMichele certainly knows her stuff. I learned so much from reading it!" Dr. Rich Allen , international speaker and author of Green Light Education " One Rule Improv is and incredibly clear, concise and easy-to-follow guide for instructors ad improvisors. I'ts a wonderful resource for understanding how true improv is created, and its many benefits and uses on and off the stage." Ted Wrigley, Director/Instructor of Acting and Improvisation at the New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts "Mary DeMichele has taken the best things about Improv and has made them accessible and valuable to a wide variety of people across multiple disciplines. She has unlocked the mystery of what makes improvisation a transcendent art form thatcan CHANGE YOUR LIFE. Whatever your interest in Improv- performance, education,corporate, developmental, actor training- this book has the tools you need to use and learn Improv successfully. Read this book and you will be on your way to a better you!" Joel James Founding member On the Spot Improv; founder and director Give It Up! Improv (tm). Whether you have experience or have never tried improv, On Rule Improv will help you: Explain what improv is and how and why it works - Teach, facilitate and play the games, so the many benefits are achieved - Apply improv skills and concepts so the benefits of improv are sustained Put the benefits of improv to work in your life, both personally and professionally now! Mary DeMichele is a coach, consultant and improviser with over 25 years experience in educational, clinical and professional settings. She is the founder and owner of Academic Play, which uses activities and concepts from the performing arts to enhance learning and performance. A founding member of the New York City area improv troupe Nutty By Nature, (originally called On the Spot), she continues to perform as well as share the benefits of improv through events and training. Mary began her career as a social studies teacher in an award winning urban school district in New Jersey where she taught for over 10 years. There she founded a very successful performing arts program, teaching both drama and improv, as well as integrating them with academic subjects. Mary would go on to teach in other inner city, suburban and rural districts throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, as a social studies teacher, special needs teacher and educational director for foster care youth. Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Master of Social Science from Syracuse University. She trained as an associate trainer with Dr. Rich Allen owner of Green Light Education, in presentation and facilitation skills; and with About Learn