Keith Johnstone Quotes

United Kingdom, Educator
February 22, 1933

Keith Johnstone is a British and Canadian pioneer of improvisational theatre, best known for inventing the Impro System, part of which are the Theatresports. He is also an educator, playwright, actor and theatre director.

Also known as Playwright, Actor, Theatre Director

The best laughs are on the recognition of truth.

Keith Johnstone
- Truth
- Recognition
- Laughs
There are people who prefer to say ‘Yes’, and there are people who prefer to say ‘No’. Those who say ‘Yes’ are rewarded by the adventures they have, and those who say ‘No’ are rewarded by the safety they attain.

Keith Johnstone
- People
- Adventure
- Safety

Good improvisers seem telepathic; everything looks pre-arranged, This is because they accept all offers made—which is something no ‘normal’ person would do.

Keith Johnstone
- Persons
- Accepting
- Seems
The improviser has to understand that his first skill lies in releasing his partner’s imagination.

Keith Johnstone
- Imagination
- Lying
- Skills
Many teachers think of children as immature adults. It might lead to better and more 'respectful' teaching, if we thought of adults as atrophied children.

Keith Johnstone
If you believe you're good already, you don't need to do extra stuff to impress us. Your best work comes when you're absorbed; because then your ego is away.

Keith Johnstone
- Believe
- Needs
- Extras
If you have a good idea, open your mouth and say something else.

Keith Johnstone
- Good
- Ideas
- Mouths
None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public.

Keith Johnstone
- Growing
- Public
- Behave

If people had no fear, you'd hardly need to have to teach them. It's the fear that screws everything up.

Keith Johnstone
- People
- Fear
- Needs
Imagination is as effortless as perception, unless we think it might be ‘wrong’, which is what our education encourages us to believe.

Keith Johnstone