Improv Comedy (Paperback)

by Andy Goldberg (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Most of us are familiar with improvisational comedy without realizing that it follows a basic structure. However, the author states in his introduction that "for every so-called rule of improvisation . . . you will sometimes break the rest of the rules. The heart of improv comedy is spontaneous creativity." Goldberg is a director and performer with the Off-the-Wall improvisational comedy group, and has been teaching improv since 1978. The various exercises which he presents build on the three elements of improvisation--character, plot, and scene. This book should serve well as the definitive text for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the field. Recommended for performing arts collections.
-Howard E. Miller, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Missouri Lib., St. Louis
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Presents the building blocks of an improv comedy -- characterisation, plot and environment -- an extensive series of progressive scene set-ups and exercises, and practical advice on forming and running an improv comedy troupe. Improv Comedy is a definitive course in the practice of this popular theatre genre, as well as a valuable text for writers wishing to study the basics of controlled spontaneity as a path to believable humour.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Samuel French; 1st edition (January 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0573606080
• ISBN-13: 978-0573606083
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #160,580 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent and approachable manual of comedy improvisation, November 4, 2007

By	Dai B. Kornberg "DaiBato" (Panorama City, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is an excellent manual for any improviser, no matter what level of experience he or she may have. The book is broken down into four sections:

1. An Introduction

2. The Elements

3. The Performance

4. Workshop

The first section goes into the language of improv, which describes the breakdown of the scene. Character, environment, and plot are discussed in detail, as are sub-elements such as activity, attitude, conflict, specifics, point of view, and dialogue. The importance of beginning, middle, and end is covered, as is the importance of being specific. Then the four basic rules are broached: don't deny; show us, don't tell us; play the moment, and play the scene legitimately. And despite what the other reviews have erroneously suggested, the author specifically states NOT to say one-liners or make jokes. Mr. Goldberg also suggests learning from others.

Without spoiling the Elements section of the book, suffice it to say that this book goes into detail about the elements of improv, CHARACTER, ENVIRONMENT, & PLOT with equal attention to detail.

The Performance section goes into practical topics such as: Assembling a Troupe, Who's In Charge, Ensemble Playing, Workshopping, The Show Structure: Pacing and Variety, What To Ask For in a Suggestion, Is It All Right To Turn Down a Scene Suggestion?, The Huddle, Lighting, Music and Sound Effects, Is It Ever the Audience's Fault?, Leave Your Worries at the Doorstep, How Much of an Improv Show Is Improvised, and Originality.

The Workshop section discusses: Getting Started, The Order and Choice of Exercises and Scene Setups, and a Glossary of Workshop Terms. It then goes on to describe 83 improv games!

Now there is nothing wrong with Viola Spolin's works; they form the backbone of improv in the U.S.A. But this book is detailed without being overbearing about it; it's totally readable and fascinating to those who do improv...and even those who don't. Even if you are just a fan, you will find this book a page-turner.

And Andy knows what he's talking about: he's been doing improv for over thirty years; he has his own improv troupe, OFF THE WALL, who still perform monthly in Santa Monica. He's worked closely with Robin Williams (they were in the same improv troupe together), John Ritter, Corbin Bernsen, etc., as well as countless producers and working actors.

This book is the real work, forged from many years of experience teaching improv from a true professional. Buy it, read it, USE it. It will pay you back many times over whether you just watch improv or do improv for fun and/or profit.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for comics, October 29, 1998

By A Customer

Andy's book sticks to what he knows best, improvisational comedy, so he doesn't allow the performer much depth. Good basic improv rules and comedy exercises. Also look at "Improv! A Handbook for the Actor" by Greg Atkins and "Improvisational Theater" by Viola Spolin.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, May 5, 2005

By	Harry Kniznik - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I heartily disagree with the other reviewers. There is a lot of really good information in this book and I strongly recommend it. Great practical advice as well as some excercises and games in the back to play with others. My copy has many dog-eared pages, asterisks and highlited sections. Buy it, read it, learn it!