Ruth Zaporah, a pioneer in improvisational theater, presented her book “Improvisation on the Edge: Notes from On and Off the Stage” on Oct. 21 at the NYU Bookstore. Zaporah discussed her life as a performer and teacher.

“I make maps for my students to follow, each step a new opportunity to engage the possibilities around them,” Zaporah said.

Her methods, which are focused on bringing awareness to the body, have contributed to improvisational teaching techniques for the last 40 years. Rosemary Quinn, director of the Tisch Experimental Theatre Wing, praised Zaporah for her groundbreaking methods.

“She’s a master at looking at improv and what happens in the unfamiliar,” Quinn said. “It’s the process of making a choice that you had no idea was coming. What’s happening now and how will I respond to the contradictions of each moment?”

Zaporah agreed that life is really one big improvisation. She said improvisers are frontier-people who make personal experience available for the entire community.

“Let go of fear and follow your body,” Zaporah said.

Though more focused on comedic than dramatic expression, NYU improv groups can utilize her advice for their sketch groups whose members are also dedicated to the art.

Tisch senior Peter Kelly said working with his comedy group the Hammerkatz at NYU has taught him to trust other people creatively. He siad improv relies on a good performer listening and reacting honestly to his partners.

“It’s about relaxing and trusting the people around you,” Kelly said.

Tisch junior Patrick Sweeney also participates in an improv team at NYU.

“Improv is about discovery and knowing that whatever you plan will never be as good as what you find,” Sweeney said.

Tisch junior Jason Boxer, another improv troupe member, said improv is about trusting your impulses.

“It’s when actors access spontaneity without self-judgment and are free to express themselves,” Boxer said.

Both Sweeney and Boxer refer to improv as a game, the rules of which are defined by saying yes to new possibilities and not judging the impulses that arise during creation.

“Everyone should be able to join and append to that expression,” Boxer said.

A version of this article appeared in the Oct. 27 print edition. Email Bailey Wolff at [email protected].