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Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre - Keith
Johnstone
Impro ought to be required reading not only for theatre people
generally but also for teachers, educators, and students of all
kinds and persuassions. Readers of this book are not going to
agree with everything in it; but if they are not challenged by
it, if they do not ultimately succumb to its wisdom and whimsicality,
they are in a very sad state indeed . . . .Johnstone seeks to
liberate the imagination, to cultivate in the adult the creative
power of the child . . . .Deserves to be widely read and tested
in the classroom and rehearsal hall . . .Full of excellent good
sense, actual observations and inspired assetions. |
 
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Improvisation for the Theater 3E : A Handbook
of Teaching and Directing Techniques (Drama and Performance Studies)
- Eva Spolin
This new edition of a highly acclaimed handbook, last published
in 1983 and widely used by theater teachers and directors, is
sure to be welcomed by members of the theater profession. Spolin,
who died in 1994, developed her improvisational techniques of
using "game" exercises while teaching with the WPA
Recreational Project in Chicago. Editor Sills, her son and founder
of the Second City Theater, here updates over 200 classic exercises
and adds 30 new ones. The creative group work and games, which
can be used with all levels and ages of performers, and workshop
techniques that enhance performers' natural abilities and intuition
are all clearly explained. Also included are useful definitions
of theater terms and a glossary of side-coaching phrases. Libraries
with older editions will want this excellent update. Highly recommended
for all theater arts collections. |
 
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Truth in Comedy: The Manual of Improvisation
The brain wave of three improv gurus, this book is a complete
guide to improvisation for both novice and professional actors
and comics. An outgrowth of the successful curriculum initiated
by two of the authors at the ImprovOlympic, it describes improvisational
tools and techniques, from the "Pattern Game" and "The
Hot Spot" to the innovative and sophisticated "Harold."
Far from an ordinary how-to handbook, this clearly composed authority
on comedic improvisation stresses intuitive thinking, listening
skills, continuity, characterization, and, most important, teamwork.
Numerous testimonials from reputed actors strengthen the text's
credibility, already secured by the expertise of its authorship.
The authors' primary focus is the achievement of the group mind,
and the book's chapter construction necessarily culminates with
that creative misnomer known as the Harold. The manual is flexibly
designed to allow for easy performance in both acting classes
and professional settings and will prove a valuable reference
source to actors and directors alike. |
 
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Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater
Acting on Impulse is a new approach to the art of improvising.
Carol Hazenfield combines new theory with practical exercises
and a unique understanding of the rewards and challenges faced
by performers. This in-depth look at improv is written in a conversational
style with an easy blend of humor and passion. Acting on Impulse
seeks to challenge the status quo (and slay some sacred cows)
in the pursuit of dynamic, spontaneous theater.
Drawing on techniques
from traditional theater, you will learn to be an improvisational
actor, ready to portray all aspects of human behavior. Acting
on Impulse invites you to set a new standard for improv, to re-define
risk and take the plunge into uncharted theatrical territory. |
