The Ultimate Improv Book: A Complete Guide to Comedy Improvisation

By Edward J. Nevraumont, Nicholas P. Hanson, Kurt Smeaton

Book Overview

This strikingly comprehensive manual effectively shows the who, what, when, why, and how of comedy improvisation. Unlike other improv books, this text provides the tools you need to start an improvisational team or club at your school. The book presents a complete improv curriculum program divided into 24 valuable class-length units organized into four sections. "The Introduction" explains what improv is and how to create an improv team. "Improvisational Skills" shows some basic rules, physicalization, characterization, teamwork, and use of suggestion. "Structuring" describes the who, what, and how to make "suggestion" and "reality-based" improv structures. "Strategies" gives hints and tips for putting on a show and evaluating the performance. In addition, a unique section that shows you how to structure and create your own new improv games is also included. Finally, you'll find the appendices full of games and exercises invaluable.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1566080754
• ISBN13: 9781566080750
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: Meriwether Publishing
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Improvisation Instruction at its best

This is the best improvisation book I have come across because it actually has instruction and rules about improvisation. It's not just a list of improv situations and games - it's a real "how-to" and "why" and "what appeals to an audience" book. I teach improvisation and even though other books are great resources, this one is a front runner just because of its instruction aspect of the whole concept of Improvisation.

The improv bible

ANYONE and EVERYONE involved with the Canadian improv games should own this book. Teams who are just starting out, teachers who are thinking of starting a team, and players who have been improvising for years can all benefit from the information. Great skill-developing games, lists of characteristics, genres, and so on to help teams practise, and conprehensive descriptions of each game. Outlines dos and don't of improv. I love this book more than life itself.

One book that lives up to its title!

If you are interested in becoming a "player" or coach with an improv team or troupe - this book is all you will ever need. It is organized for easy action and understanding. It is almost always hands-on, explains each technique with real-life examples and never misses the mark. It is like buying a teacher's manual and includes an awesome training schedule and system for whipping any group into a great improv team. I highly recommend this book. I have used it to take 2 teams to the Canadian Improv Games national finals in Ottawa! Buy it!

A complete curriculum in 24 class-length units

Edward Nevraumont and Nicholas Hanson's Ultimate Improv Book provides a complete curriculum in 24 class-length units, covering the basics of improvisational skills, comedy basics, and improv work. Games and skits lend to honing skills as well as putting on productions.