Long-Form Improv

Author: Ben Hauck
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing Inc.
ISBN: 1581159811
Category : Humor
Languages : en
Pages : 289

Book Description
Long-Form Improv deftly teaches the wildly popular form of improvisation that is so foundational to the comedy stylings of many of today’s top actors and thriving comedians. Crammed with innovative ideas for conceptualizing improvised scenework and “finding the game of the scene,” this crisply written manual covers techniques for experienced improvisers, curious actors, and even non-actors. A complete long-form improv resource comprising topics like ideation and character creation, improvising scenes for extended periods of time and enhancing them—and even performing the most famous expression of long-form improv, the half-hour improvised form known as “The Harold”—this astute text is written in a friendly, supportive voice by an experienced improv teacher and professional actor whose own frustration in learning the craft drove an obsession to create a program free of confounding teachings and contradictory concepts. The book’s groundbreaking infusion with drama theory and game theory brings new life to the teachings of the craft, breaking down various aspects of long-form improv into short chapters for swift, step-by-step intake of its vital lessons. Students of acting and long-form improv alike should expect Long-Form Improv to bolster their education and fast-track their course to improv greatness.

Long Form Improvisation and American Comedy

Author: M. Fotis
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1137376589
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Book Description
Long form scenic improv began with the Harold. The comic philosophy of this form started an era of comedy marked by support, trust, and collaboration. This book tells of the Harold, beginning with the development of improv theatre, through the tensions and evolutions that led to its creation at iO, and to its use in contemporary filmmaking.

Improvisation at the Speed of Life

Author: T. J. Jagodowski
Publisher: Solo Roma, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780977309337
Category : Improvisation (Acting)
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
"Jagodowski and Pasquesi, award-winning master improvisers from Chicago's legendary comedy scene, are internationally known for their acclaimed, two-man longform show, TJ & Dave. [This is] their authoritative and entertaining look at techniques, principles, theory, and ideas behind their approach"--Cover.

The Art of Chicago Improv

Author: Rob Kozlowski
Publisher: Heinemann Drama
ISBN:
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Book Description
Kozlowski traces the history of improvisational acting in Chicago from the days of Viola Spolin to the appearance of the Compass, Second City, and today's practitioners

The Improviser's Way

Author: Katy Schutte
Publisher: Nick Hern Books
ISBN: 9781848427389
Category : Improvisation (Acting)
Languages : en
Pages : 226

Book Description
Structured as a twelve-week course, this book provides techniques, advice and exercises that can be done on your own or in groups - with activities to complete as you go - for learning faster and becoming (more) amazing at improvisation. It draws on the author's own experience of performing and teaching improv around the world, with added gems of wisdom from key experts. Starting with the basics of improvisation, it moves on to explore areas of the craft such as rehearsals, character, editing, form and style; plus career advice including how to cope with bad gigs, jealousy, fear of missing out and your Inner Critic. The Improviser's Way is ideal for improvisers at any level - from those new to improv entirely, through those familiar with shortform who are looking to extend their reach, to experienced longform performers and teachers looking to refresh their approach and embrace new ideas. It is also invaluable to anyone looking to discover more about this popular, thrillingly creative and empowering form of performance. By the end, you won't just be a better improviser - you'll be a better person!

Truth in Comedy

Author: Charna Halpern
Publisher: Meriwether Publishing
ISBN: 9781566080033
Category : Improvisation (Acting)
Languages : en
Pages : 164

Book Description
The 'Harold', an innovative improvisational tool, helped many actors on the road to TV and film stardom, including George Wendt (Norm on Cheers). Now it is described fully in this new book for would-be actors and comics. The 'Harold' is a form of competitive improv involving 6 or 7 players. They take a theme suggestion from the audience and 'free associate' on the theme into a series of rapid-fire one-liners that build into totally unpredictable skits with hilarious results. The 'Harold' is a fun way to 'loosen up' and learn to think quickly, build continuity, develop characterisations and sharpen humour.

Behind the Scenes: Improvising Long Form

Author: Mick Napier
Publisher: Meriwether Publishing
ISBN: 9781566082211
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Book Description
In this follow-up to his highly regarded book Improvise. Scene from the Inside Out, globally acclaimed improviser, director, and instructor Mick Napier focuses on the complexities and theories of long form improvisation. This extended form of improvisation invites performers to be inspired for at least thirty minutes by a single suggestion as they push their creativity to the limit.Napier taps into more than 30 years of experience and distills his tools for success into practical, engaging lessons: --The art of introductions and edits --Different approaches to openers --Pros and cons of the back line --Why it's okay to be funny --Finding the dominant energy --Sustaining a strong character

Improv Nation

Author: Sam Wasson
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 0544557204
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 485

Book Description
A sweeping yet intimate--and often hilarious--history of a uniquely American art form that has never been more popular

The Improv Handbook

Author: Tom Salinsky
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1350026174
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 521

Book Description
The Improv Handbook is the most comprehensive, smart, helpful and inspiring guide to improv available today. Applicable to comedians, actors, public speakers and anyone who needs to think on their toes, it features a range of games, interviews, descriptions and exercises that illuminate and illustrate the exciting world of improvised performance. First published in 2008, this second edition features a new foreword by comedian Mike McShane, as well as new exercises on endings, managing blind offers and master-servant games, plus new and expanded interviews with Keith Johnstone, Neil Mullarkey, Jeffrey Sweet and Paul Rogan. The Improv Handbook is a one-stop guide to the exciting world of improvisation. Whether you're a beginner, an expert, or would just love to try it if you weren't too scared, The Improv Handbook will guide you every step of the way.

Improv Nonsense

Author: Will Hines
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780982625743
Category : Performing Arts
Languages : en
Pages : 600

Book Description
A collection of all six years of posts from the hit (?) blog about long-form improv, Improv Nonsense.