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— Mike Domeny
Thrown Off Script Trailer
Sound like an expert,
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It's my supreme goal to make you look like a rockstar, and make your audience the focus. I'm here to serve you and your audience, not the other way around. I know if I do my job well, your audience will feel valued and will naturally be interested in the book.
I'm sure we could talk off-the-cuff (the book is about improv, after all!), but I know a little preparation can go a long way. So, feel free to browse these sample questions and more before our conversation! 1) In a minute or less, what's Thrown Off Script about?
2) For those who may be unfamiliar, could you explain what improv is? 3) Tell me about your background in improv and what led you to write this book. 4) In Chapter 1, you categorize people into four different types, based on how they respond when the unexpected happens. Could you elaborate on that? And which type are you? 5) So, Improv 101. What are the basic things we should know, and how do they apply to real life? 6) I like the quote you mention, "Bring a brick, not a cathedral." Could you explain what that means? 7) You talk about Jesus being a Master Improviser. That's not an aspect of Jesus that people talk about much. What have you learned about that? 8) Which chapter has had the most impact on you personally? 9) Did COVID-19 influence this book in any way? 10) How can readers dig deeper into this material if they want to? |
CHAPTER 1 – The Actor’s Nightmare / The Pursuit of Predictability
- We are all living a life of improv. We don’t know what will happen, and we’re trying to do the best we can.
- Based on how people respond to the unexpected, they generally take on one of four roles: Analyzer, Agonizer, Arguer, and Avoider. This book will help people adopt a new response and role: the Improviser.
- Jesus was interrupted constantly! In each situation, however, we see him respond as a master improviser. In just a couple chapters, we see him as a relationship-builder, problem-solver, pace-setter, truth-teller, action-taker, and all-giver. We can learn to do the same.
- How did Jesus deal with interruptions? He didn’t view them as interruptions! He considered each an opportunity to love, serve, and shepherd.
- “Bring a brick, not a cathedral.” Make plans, sure, but keep a ‘loose grip’ on them.
- I believe a truly fulfilling life—one defined by joy and peace instead of frustration and anxiety—can be found by recognizing interruptions as Jesus’ call to a closer relationship with Him.
- Listen before responding so you can respond to, and not just respond with.
- There are hundreds of voices and messages trying to provide input. You control the mix. You control the volume of the input.
- Adopt an attitude of “yes” by agreeing to the reality of the situation and being willing to yield to a plan that is broader than your own.
- Be a Fountain. See value and have value so you can add value.
- Honor others by giving up your right to take credit, setting up for their success, and standing up for what they decide.
- Offer specific value when to address others’ needs, and dare to be specific in the way you communicate with God.
- Be fully present. This not only means being present with those around you, but also keeping the “scene” in the present (instead of being focused on past and present regrets and worries).
- Ask yourself “If this is true, what else is true?” and let truth guide, ground, and guard you.
- Improvisers on stage know you can’t do nothing! The best way to climb out of your rut is to, well, do something!
- Your lack of fulfillment in life is probably due to your lack of full commitment. Go all in!
- Mike Domeny (pronounced DAHM-en-ee) graduated from Cedarville University in Ohio in 2009 with a BA in Organization Communication (what even is that?), and minors in Theatre, Psychology, and Bible (Mike, just pick one already!).
- From 2009 to 2011, Mike and his wife traveled the country, living out of suitcases and driving a cargo van to host character-building assemblies in public schools. They didn't even open their wedding gifts until these two years were over!
- In 2011, he joined 321 Improv Comedy (www.321improv.com), the nation's premiere improv comedy ministry.
- Mike currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife, Kelsey, and his daughter, Addy. They attend Next Level Church, where he frequently serves as a creative writer.
- When he's not on the road, he enjoys drawing, brewing tea, bocce, and shooting Nerf guns.