Books on Improv

Art By Committee, by Charna Halpern -- It's a slim volume yet there are new insights into the structure of classic long form improv, plus a DVD that let's you see live improv from Oi. While improv does not translate very well to TV (certainly not as recorded here) the DVD included is worth repeated viewings for exploring how The Harold works. The interviews are nice, too. The book is must reading for anyone involved in improv.

Book on Acting: Improvisation Technique for the Professional Actor in Film, Theater & Television, by Stephen Book -- This is a vast volume but an investment in your time and money well worth making. Book has trained many successful actors and his techniques here build beyond the basics to advanced methods of creating compelling, believable characters that will energize you and your audiences. He includes workshop details, games, and exercises that will strengthen any actor and add depth to any performance.

Impro by Keith Johnstone. This is a sensational and thorough examination of key improv principles including "accept all all offers" and playing with status. If you are a beginner this is a key to the insider's world of improv, and if you are a seasoned improv professional this is essential reading. Put this in your top 5 books to buy list at number one or two.

Impro For Storytellers by Keith Johnstone. This is a good follow-up book to read after you've read Impro and yearn to learn more. This has more of a focus on constructing and creating scenes and stories and will be a valuable resource for any improv director, producer, and performer.

Improvisation for The Theatre by Viola Spolin. This is the classic and the number one place to start no matter what your improvisational intentions. This fabulous book contains all of the basic improv vocabulary, all of the foundational games, entire sequences that you can use as workshops, and every essential element that you need to get started and sustain your energy in improv. This book is wonderful for every age group.

Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater by Carol Hazenfield. This is a powerful resource when you are serious about having fun with improv. It covers a wealth of material including everything from raising the curtain, to defining your character, to playing with expanded long forms, to seeking an improvised path along your artist journey. This is essential reading for creating success through artistic play.

Truth In Comedy, by Del Close, Charna Halpern, Kim "Howard" Johnson -- While this is a quick read you've got to re-read a few passages to get all those insights lit up in your head they way they glow on stage. This is an important entry in improv literature and not to be missed.

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