The Art of Improvisation

The thrill of performing on stage without a script or a score is undeniable. This episode of Spark gives you that taste of excitement and dread of winging it in front of an audience. Braving this high-wire theatrical walk, Rafe Chase, Tim Orr and Stephen Kearin of 3 For All turn suggestions from the audience into narrative stories that promise to amaze and amuse. Then we join the Rova Saxophone Quartet, a vanguard group 25 years in the making, as they improvise cutting-edge music art for series of musical pieces inspired by soprano saxophone legend Steve Lacy. Finally, we drop in on world-renowned master of improv Ruth Zaporah as she and her students take you through the sweat of her very ownAction Theater method of improvisation.

The Art of Improvisation 11 June,2003Spark

In this Episode


3 For All

Free fall with the improv group 3 For All as they hit the floor with no script, no format, no preconceptions, and no safety net.



Rova Saxophone Quartet

Rova Saxophone Quartet has been improvising their way along the cutting edge of the music scene for 25 years.



Ruth Zaporah

Drop in on a class taught by a world-renowned master of improv, Ruth Zaporah.


Sponsored by

Become a KQED sponsor