Customer Reviews

Improv for Actors

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3 star:		(1)
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. . . The Teacher Will Appear. So, when I was teaching improv classes for the second time and preparing to assemble and train a new performing group, this book was one of five improv books I picked up for inspiration.
I was amazed at Dan Diggles' gift for taking all the lessons I'd already learned but didn't believe and turning them into memorable and logical life lessons for performing! This book is a wonderful resource for any actor or improviser. Almost every page made me smile or gasp at the simplicity of things I'd been making too complicated.
Thanks, Dan, for making me a better actor, improviser and person.

This new book by Dan Diggles is a fantabulous thing.

It's generally directed at an Improv teacher (probably teaching at a school). So, unless you are in that (rare-ish) position, you can gloss over some bits about not talking about your friends in class and the grading thing.

But otherwise, this is a Great book about the 3 big rules:
- Say, "Yes, and..."
- Say the first thing that comes to mind.
- Make your partner look good.

Sure, we hear that a lot, but he really makes it stick to your ribs.

It's not chock full of games, just a few that he focuses on as great building blocks. (You can find a million games online and in other books.)

This book is definitely great for improvisers, actors, and anyone else that needs to get up on a stage. The 3 rules are great for performances and perhaps for living as well.

I really think that everyone could get something useful out of this one.

Great book! Not only does Dan have a passionate commitment to the requirements AND joy of group participation, he's wonderfully articulate. I've been looking for a book on improvisation for my theatre students that isn't either a confusing list of games...or that offers so many teaching options, none of which I can choose from because I don't know the skills. Dan, on the other hand, takes you step by step through the process. I can't wait to introduce it. More later.

Improvis truely one of the most difficult things you could do. It is not for the weak willed or undedicated. You can simply read this book and think well I m going to be a professional. You must work at. I have been taking classes for years and I m still not that good. If you want to learn improv look for classes in your area. Or take acting classes taht have imrpov in them. there is more then just games. True improv is scenes and characters not Blind dating games with characters that pre chosen. Its deeper and more like short scripted play. It doesnt have to be funny.

a real improv scene should be impossible to tell from s scrpited one. the purchase of this book will give a well rounded base of improv theory and thinking. If you have already some expierance buy this book to become more well rounded. I suggest you buy this book and read as you take classes not before or after.