Noting that English and drama have a major common concern which is central to the educational process--namely, language--this book shows English teachers how to implement improvisational drama in their classrooms. Two chapters present theoretical background on the way in which individuals alter their language patterns in response to different situations, and on three models of imitative behavior that are relevant to classroom drama. Other chapters deal with overcoming initial problems in the teaching of drama; four elements--place, time, character, and relationship--that must be present in an improvisation; setting up a lesson that includes preliminary work, performance, and discussion; using improvisation to extend students' awareness of different types of social situations; placing an interaction in context in the lives of the characters involved; using various forms of theatrical communication; and helping students to use written directions and scripts. Annotated lists of resources for teachers of drama are included. (GW)