Product Description: "The Improv Handbook" is a great new guide that covers the history of improvisation and includes chapters on spontaneity and the fundamentals of storytelling.Although there are already several successful books on the market about the theory and practice of improvised theatre, there's nothing comprehensive, helpful, fun and full of experience and advice."The Improv Handbook" is a great new guide from a husband and wife team who have years of studying, performance and teaching behind them. Beginning with a history of improvisation, the book works through different types of format and performance including TheatreSports and the inventions of Keith Johnstone and Del Close. The core section of the book is called, simply, "How To Improvise" and includes chapters on spontaneity, the fundamentals of storytelling, working together, upping the ante and characters.Having established the fundamentals, the two authors go on to elaborate on more advanced techniques and skills. The book concludes with sections on how to improvise in front of an audience and - just as crucially - how to attract an audience in the first place." The Improv Handbook" should become a standard book in the field - it's smart, fun, helpful, and inspiring, and it's on a mission to bring Improv to a much wider audience.
YES!! And Yes And! Buy this book! FIVE Stars (though this site wont let me click the last star.) This book is brilliant, hugely informative, immensely clarifying and thus inspirational. Written by two of the most exciting, experienced teachers and performers of improv. The book is a necessity for students and teachers of this addictive art form. Also provides much-appreciated historical context, and practical tools to help one apply the skills and precepts that makes good improv great art. I found this book especially refreshing in that it offers what I think is the first comprehensive, global perspective on improv - they've seen and done so much in the UK, Canada, Chicago, NY, Australia, and have hosted so many international teams. Along with Napier's Improvise, this book is a must-have for those serious about being good and getting better -- a great, practical, entertaining read for anyone -- from those with experience to those just starting to wonder if they might want to get up there and finally join in.
Great, Practical Guide This is the long-awaited 'how-to' guide by my two colleagues at the Spontaneity Shop - the fruit of long experience teaching, directing and performing.
Fascinating sections on narrative (usually neglected by Impro manuals with the honourable exception of Keith Johnstone) and on diagnosing and curing performer's tendencies and difficulties. This book manages to be practical and readable - especially useful for teachers everywhere.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tony's Online Tips
Trevor
