Les McGehee Plays Well with Others: A "Grown-Up" Handbook of Improvisation and Play

by Les Mcgehee, Gabrielle Arrowsmith, Owen Egerton

With techniques the author uses in MBA and government programs, this how-to book provides the basics for the layman and clear advanced tricks of the trade for the professional improviser. It also... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0974070327
• ISBN13: 9780974070322
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Dalton Publishing
• Length: 181 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.9" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Insights into the world of improvisation comedy

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/07) In a fun-filled entertaining way, Les McGehee shares biographical insights into the world of improvisation comedy in "Les McGehee Plays Well with Others." The comment, "Needs improvement in playing with others," on his first report card, changed Les' life. An outgrowth of that change is this book - "A `Grown Up' Handbook of Improvisation and Play." The book is made up of three main sections: Part I: Memoirs and road stories. Part II: Information and research data on play and improvisation. Part III: Handbook of games and exercises. Les also includes an "enlarged appendix" made up of tools, rules, and testimonials. A complete table of contents makes this a user-friendly handbook for future reference. Clever "Les Icons" accompany the numerous sidebars featured throughout the book highlighting important improvisational life principles. Improved positive attitudes resulting from the synergy and power of a group mind through incorporating improvisational living into personal ethics, core values, and business practice will help make your world a better place. I appreciated the insights I gained personally from the chapter "Communion, Community, Communication." The concept of embracing the moment became especially meaningful. This is a book for business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, trainers, professional and amateur comedians, and anyone wanting to lighten up. It is Les' sincere desire that the reader incorporate the games and suggestions in this book to "go play," to follow their own instincts, and enjoy the benefits, of fun, productivity, improved health, better relationships, and business success. In "Les McGehee Plays Well with Others," Les challenges the reader with: "Playing Well With Others. It's the highest skill on your grown-up report card."

A fine blend of autobiographical tidbits, comedy field guide, life on the improv circuit memoir

Les McGehee Plays Well With Others: A "Grown-Up" Handbook of Improvisation and Play is a guide to enriching one's life through improvisational comedy, by veteran improv artist Les McGehee whose long list of credentials includes appearances with cast members of "Saturday Night Live" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?". Written not just for aspiring comedians, but readers from all walks of life, Les McGehee Plays Well With Others offers tips for fostering creativity; using humor to heighten health, productivity, and morale in the office; numerous warm-ups, exercises, and improv games that help comedy professionals get the golden energy flowing; and much more."'Things in...' is a warm-up game where one player asks another to name five things in a category. For instance, name five things in Einstein's sock drawer or name five things in Angelina Jolie's purse. The other player gets to use their imagination to answer... This can also be played with friends all at the same time, and yes, Party Reader, it can even be another drinking game." A fine blend of autobiographical tidbits, comedy field guide, life on the improv circuit memoir, and how-to guide to spice up one's work or social life.

Pearls of Wisdom and wise improvisational advice...

Les McGehee's "Plays well with others" is not only a veritable Bible of improvisational facts, advice, and games, but a humorous look into the life of a master of improvisation. The book provides insight not only into Les' life and the experiences that made him a guru of improvisational comedy, but provides a philosophy that hits the mark not only for improvisational comedy performance, but for life as well. Les McGehee is like a combination of Johnathan Winters, Bozo the Clown, and Bruce Lee... This is a must have for any aspiring improv comic performer.

Life-Enhancing Improvisation

"While improvising, I have been fortunate enough to see a great many things around the world and I've seen what it does for the people who use it. I have seen improvisation turn people's lives around." ~ Les McGhee Les McGhee has provided "improv" training to prestigious business schools and Fortune 500 companies like AT & T, IBM and Dell. He has over 20 years experience and is the founder of the Comedy League of America. "Les McGhee Plays Well With Others" is an autobiography with lessons learned and advice for anyone who wishes to live a more spontaneous life. "You can have a better time. You can be smarter, stronger, and faster when improvising. You can have joy like you used to. You can like people again and look forward to their input. You can remember the sheer beauty of creation and remember how perfect things are." ~ Les McGhee The first section delves into memoirs and road stories and then moves into the areas of how play and improvisation can be applied to life and business situations. The third section provides handbook-style games and exercises. Some of the highlights include: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Teamwork Humor and Productivity Confidence and Trust Listening Tour Journal Excerpts Five Basic Rules for Improv Scenes The writing style is fresh and honest like a conversation with a friend. The unique witty stories keep you on the edge of your seat. Les McGhee says he often feels like a "vicarious psychologist." In his book, he does seem to be analyzing the life of a comedian as he gives insight into how anyone can develop a stage presence and engage an audience. ~The Rebecca Review

A book full of heart!

Les McGehee is a philosopher in the moment. He offers us in this book, permission to return to a time when life was simpler without compromising one moment of our complicated lives. Life really is easier if you know how to play! Take the time out to read this book!