Harness the power of improvisation
Transform Your Life and Work
"If everything went as planned, you wouldn't need to improvise. But, it doesn't, so you do. Sharing the secrets improvisers use to solve problems quickly and well on stage, Mary Jane equips you to do the same at work and at home. Stories, examples, and more than 60 exercises provide a humorous, practical approach to ensuring you don't just manage change or merely survive the unexpected. Instead, you can seize the opportunity and thrive."
Finally, a business book that makes learning fun and delivers powerful insights! Jim Ayres, Managing Director, Amway North America
It's fun to read and packed with information. The best part is that the book has wonderful examples and exercises that are easy to relate to and can be applied immediately for instant results. Maureen Lynch, HR Manager, Flexco
This a textbook, a guidebook, and a good read. Mary Jane's experiences from her time at The Second City provide real-life examples as a catalyst for innovation. With a firm belief that collaboration is a key to the future of our economy, this book can help accomplish that vision. John R. Berry, author of Herman Miller: The Purpose of Design
Writing Projects
Projects and more...
As Associate Artist at Atlantic Center for the Arts’ 180th residency, Mary Jane has the honor of working with Randall Silvis, novelist, playwright, essayist, and screenwriter. He's a Senior Fulbright Fellow, Thurber House writer-in-residence, and Pabst Endowed Chair for Master Writers. His awards include the prestigious Drue Heinz Literature Prize, three National Playwrights Showcase Awards, two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, and he is a Pabst Endowed Chair for Master Writers.
I am in the process of finalizing my novel. I'll tease you with a summary:
Set against the backdrop of the economic and political landscape of 2008, the novel tells the story of the tragic results of one man’s good intentions. After being downsized from a manufacturing plant, the protagonist, John, moves his family from West Michigan to a small town in Western North Carolina, to start a new career. The novel explores how his misguided attempts to save a church, end in heartbreak, destroying families and altering the lives of those he loves and his faith forever.
24-Hour Theater - Winter 2020. My 10-minute play, Catch Phrase, was directed by Will Gearring. Grateful to Dog Story Theater for putting up my play along with 5 others to a full house. Watch this space for future shows.
In February 2019 I attended a three-week writers' residency with Bonnie Joe Campbell at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna, FL.
I write poetry, essays, short stories and plays when I'm not working on the novel.
Writing shows for The Second City was like getting a Ph.D. in writing at gun point. Still grateful for the experience and my life.
Published and/or Produced Works
• Nonfiction book, Yes, And! Harnessing the Power of Improvisation to Transform your Life and Work
• One-woman show Epiphany 3:29
• One-act play, Lakefront Property, Winner of the Ben Franklin Playwright Conte
