Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater [Paperback]

Carol Hazenfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

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.

Part One teaches players to perform truthfully from their instincts, emphasizing physical and emotional work as the basis for vibrant interactions. Part Two presents practical, accessible guidelines for narrative, character development, environments, group scenes, genre work and long-form improvisation. Readers will also learn the essentials of spontaneous acting through the use of objectives and tactics. A special chapter on how to make scenes work takes the mystery out of improv mastery. Instructors will appreciate the Appendix for Teachers, which offers tips on class design, constructive note-giving and additional exercises.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Acting on Impulse is a new approach to the craft of improvising. Here are the tools you need to create high-stakes spontaneous theater. Whether it's wild comedy or sudden drama, surprise your audience and yourself as you perform with new commitment and depth.

Discover how to: play from your instincts, take bigger risks on stage, tell stories that delight the audience, follow your body and give your brain the day off, build complex characters, and make choices that strengthen scenes.

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.

About the Author

Carol Hazenfield is a professional actor, director, and coach with 25 years of experience in the theater, thirteen of which have been devoted to improv. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she has performed and taught across the United States and in Canada. She is the founder and director of Living Improv, a popular training program for improvisational and scripted acting.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Coventry Creek Press; First Edition edition (June 2002)
• ISBN-10: 0971911231
• ISBN-13: 978-0971911239
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #840,775 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rasing the bar for Improv Acting, October 16, 2002

By 

Christian Utzman (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater (Paperback)

Carol is truly an amazing teacher. I've been waiting years for her book, and low and behold, here it is. Carol focuses on pulling a higher level of theater out of the genre of improv, raising the bar from silly throw away games to truly great acting. When I walk out on stage, I probably use the skills I've learned from Carol more than any other teacher's I've ever worked with. Acting on Impulse is a must own for any improv actor. - Christian, owner of IMPROVACTOR.COM

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read for Improvisers, Actors and Coaches alike, January 5, 2012

By 

K. Livingston "A New Fan" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater (Paperback)

As an actor and coach with over 20 years of experience doing improv, I have found that the "faster and funnier" approach to doing "make them laugh" games to be the unspoken standard in the industry. Studying Carol Hazenfield's method of improvising from the heart, to commit to the emotional truth of the moment and be unafraid to enter dramatic territory, was a huge breakthrough in performing improv for me - like turning on a light bulb over a stage that I hadn't realized was so poorly lit. For those unable to work with Carol directly, this book is the next best thing. Each chapter builds on the next, with exercises laid out in a clear and easy to follow format. Not only is this a must read for improvisers and drama coaches hungry to take the art of performing improv to the next level, it's also a great book for any actor working (or hoping to work) in film or TV where actors are often called upon to play moments beyond the script.

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond the hit and run, December 12, 2003

By 

Eve Smyth (Medford, OR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater (Paperback)

In her book, Acting on Impulse, Carol Hazenfield challenges improvisers to go beyond the quick hit and run comedy scene and find the depth and breadth that is available - if the improviser is willing to go there. Yes, this can be scary, but Carol holds your hand through the entire process. Not only does she explore and explain improv theories in an easy and accessible way, but offers up many exercises to walk you down the path. Many books will espouse on all the things you should be doing, but don't do anything to help you get there. Acting on Impulse does.

Carol's observations about improv are amazingly insightful and well written. She dares to question the status quo, tells you why, and tells you what you can do to challenge yourself to become a better improviser. And yes, you can still do those funny scenes, but now the audience will enjoy them even more because they're invested and connected to your character in a truer way.

As an improviser, teacher, and actor, I have found this book to be invaluable in every arena. I know this book will gather no dust as I am often grabbing it off the shelf to refer to an exercise, an idea (explained oh-so clearly) or because I just want something good and fun to read! Own this book, cherish this book, it is a good thing.