Customer Reviews

Acting on Impulse: The Art of Making Improv Theater

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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

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.

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.

Life is improv. None of us was born with script in hand, but practicing and performing improv is a whole different enchilada, and moving away from stand up comedy to fun and inspiring scenework is a fantastic goal many aspire to, but so few reach. In a sea of improv and acting books, Carol Hazenfield's "Acting on Impulse" is beautifully written, easy to follow, and damn funny. It's a virtual blue print toward the goal of inspired improv, which leads the reader past the twin obstacles of treating improv like stand-up's less funny stepsister, and believing it can't be as real as scripted theater. I loved her writing style, her succinctness and the book in general. Her presentation is wonderfully simple and beautiful, and the book is funny to boot, which is always a bonus with me! It had been recommended to me by virtually every improviser I know, and when I read it I knew why.

I turned around and recommended Carol's book to everyone in my improv troupe, and then decided to purchase a copy for each of them because I wanted them to share my joy at this discovery. When I read it, I couldn't put it down; started over at the beginning as soon as I finished it, with highlighter in hand; laughed out loud in some parts and figuratively smacked myself on the forehead in recognition in other parts. There wasn't a moment during reading the book (or since!) that I haven't devoutly wished our group might have a Carol of our own. She is a wonderful teacher who uplifts without patronizing, and who moves her own ego out of the way in order to really see what her students and fellow improvisers need.

Whether you've been doing improv for years, or you're just starting, Carol's book is a MUST HAVE.

"Carol Hazenfields 'Acting On Impulse' finally asks and answers the big questions of improv! An absolute must read for improvisational artists of all levels and theater theorists everywhere."

What a fantastic book! I think it's close to genius and I'm not exaggerating. The more I read it the more I like it and I liked it a good deal from the first reading. It is a marvellous book for both the actor and the improvisor alike and not only that, it's actually a pretty darn good book for learning about life.

I love this book! Tons of great concepts, practical, well written and easy to apply. An excellent resource for teaching as well. If you are an improviser, read this book!

-Galen

I bought this book for an improv class and I really like it. I don't know if it's just that I'm really ready for what this book has to say right now, or what. But, I love it.