April 02, 2008

Noted author to discuss improvising in life

by Eric Welch

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Improvisation – a unique form of art with no script, no lines and no limits. Anything can happen at anytime. Sounds a little like life, doesn't it?

Patricia Ryan Madson thinks it does, and she will discuss why improvising your life can actually be rewarding when she comes to Southern Illinois University Carbondale to deliver the Charles D. Tenney Distinguished Lecture on Tuesday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center Auditorium.

The lecture is free and open to the public, with a reception and book signing following.

Madson, who taught in Stanford University's drama department for nearly 30 years, will give insight from her latest book, "Improv Wisdom: Don't Prepare, Just Show Up." It was named "One of the Best Spiritual Books of 2005" by Spirituality and Health for its invigorating style and transformation of what most would see as terrifying risk-taking into adventure and fulfillment.

The philosophy has blossomed as Madson has applied it to all areas of life, conducting workshops for Google and even lecturing in the Stanford School of Engineering.

The lecture is part of a series sponsored by the University Honors Program. Charles D. Tenney was vice president and provost of SIUC from 1952 to 1971.