"A marvelous guide to freedom and delight. Improv has become a wisdom tradition of its own and Patricia shows how its lessons can bring out the best in us." --John Tarrant, author of Bring Me the Rhinoceros
"Patricia Ryan Madson is one of Stanford's truly inspired teachers; she has changed the lives of thousands of students over the past twenty-eight years. In her smiling book, Improv Wisdom, she reminds us that being alive is like riding a bicycle--we always feel a little off-balance and insecure, but 'in the act of balancing we come alive.' She makes you want to get up and do something--try it out, make mistakes, laugh, play, and try it again." --Charles Junkerman, Associate Provost and Dean of Continuing Studies, Stanford University
"Reading even just a few pages of Patricia Madson's book might change your life forever. That's what has happened to me. These pages are chock-full of wisdom, clarity, and helpful techniques on enhancing spontaneity in everyday life. Read this book--you will be glad and so will everyone else in your life." --Nina Wise, author of A Big New Free Happy Unusual Life
"I have witnessed Patricia Madson's magic touch in both her classes and her performances. Her students often describe her as a 'goddess,' but that may be an understatement. I rejoice that her wisdom is now available to new audiences." --Philip G. Zimbardo, author of Psychology and Life and Shyness
"The premise of Patricia Madson's book is astonishing: to practice the basic rules of improvisational theater is to walk a path toward a spiritually satisfying life. Her underlying claim is simple and sound: if you are willing to be completely present, making full use of whatever happens, you will find goodness in any situation. This is a lucid, wise, and free-spirited book." --Norman Fischer, founder and teacher of the Everyday Zen Foundation
