The Compass: The Improvisational Theatre that Revolutionized American Comedy (Centennial Publications of The University of Chicago Press) (Paperback)

by Janet Coleman (Author) "The great gray neo-Gothic buildings of the University of Chicago were the gift of a Baptist, John D. Rockefeller..." (more)
Key Phrases: improvisational theatre, proletarian theatre, teaching scene, New York, David Shepherd, Mike Nichols (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Standards for improvisational comedy were set by the Compass Players, a troupe in bohemian 1950s Chicago whose skits satirized American culture and influenced the Second City theatrical revue. ``Although disjointed and episodic, this history of stet cap.pk The Compass and its progeny is ultimately a moving, inspirational, anecdote-studded feast for comedy and show-biz buffs,'' said PW. Photos.

Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Janet Coleman brilliantly recreates the time, the place, the personalities, and the neurotic magic whereby the Compass made theater history in America. The Compass began in a storefront theater near the University of Chicago campus in the summer of 1955 and lasted only a few years before its players—including David Shepherd, Paul Sills, Elaine May, Mike Nichols, Barbara Harris, and Shelley Berman—moved on. Out of this group was born a new form: improvisational theater and a radically new kind of comedian. "They did not plan to be funny or to change the course of comedy," writes Coleman. "But that is what happened."

"For anyone who is interested in theatre, underground theatre, improvisational theatre, and the sheer madness of trying something new with a repertory group, The Compass will prove a welcome history with fascinating details."—Norman Mailer

"Janet Coleman has done a spectacular job of capturing the history, the almost alarmingly diverse cultural influences, and the extraordinary people who made up the Compass."—Neal Weaver, Los Angeles Village View

"Engrossing. . . . An open window on a part of the theater that should be known."—Arthur Miller

"A valuable chronicle of an important chapter in the history of comedy and theater."—William Wolf, New York Observer

"The eruptive, disruptive talents who made the theater memorable are the same ones who make The Compass a good read."—Jay Cocks, Time

"A moving, inspirational, anecdote-studded feast."—Publishers Weekly

Product Details

• Paperback: 362 pages
• Publisher: University Of Chicago Press (November 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0226113450
• ISBN-13: 978-0226113456
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #970,734 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YES you need this book, AND you are a fool not to get it., June 16, 2000

By	Jane Tarzana "Groovelover" (La La Land, California) - See all my reviews

This book is pinnacle to your success as an improvisor. Understanding the evolution of improvisation as well as the tried and true tactics are mandatory to being a good performer. Please do not hesitate. You will never forgive yourself! Really! This is endorsed by really big improvisors. Also see "Truth in Comedy" by Del Close and Charna Halpern! Truth in Comedy is also a great book that will open your little "short-form" mind to a "long-form" world!

2 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, informative, fascinating, July 27, 1998

By A Customer

This book is chock full of information about the "Beginning" of modern improv. It's an excellent story well told. It reminds me of a story I know about sheetrock.