Improvisation Starters (Paperback)

by Philip Bernardi (Author) "I once asked a class of beginning actors how they planned to prepare for their first scene assignment..." (more)
Key Phrases: following guide questions, improvisation starters, facing full front, Player One, Player Two, Teen's Objective (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The author, himself an acting teacher and play director, believes that the key to great acting lies in the successful mastery of the art of improvisation, which brings the intensity and spontaneity that marks a truly memorable performance. He encourages actors to work without scripts during some rehearsals and offers 900 improvisational situations designed to stimulate development of character conflicts and the use of obstacles, the environment, and simple props. This title complements but does not duplicate the material covered in Andy Goldberg's Improv Comedy ( LJ 3/15/92). It should serve as an excellent teaching tool in drama classes. Recommended.
- Howard E. Miller, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Missouri Lib., St. Louis
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Includes 900 situations for improvisation which use character conflict, contrasts, obstacles in solo improvisation, physical positions for one or two actors, props, the environment, and lines of dialogue.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Betterway Books (April 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558702334
• ISBN-13: 978-1558702332
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #93,807 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A most valuable resource for actors, directors, and teachers, September 8, 2000

By A Customer

In my twenty-one years as a teacher of theater, I have found few books as valuable as this one. The book provides hundreds of interesting and challenging improvisation situations which have functioned to tap the most creative impulses my students have to offer. The situations have inspired my student actors to explore complexities of character conflict and motivational objectives that they don't often realize exist. I also found the chapter on using improvisation in play direction very worthwhile. I now use the author's suggestions during rehearsals for every play I direct, and my actors benefit greatly. No collection of books on acting, directing, or teaching theater is complete without this one. I give it my highest recommendation.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Resource, November 23, 2001

By	Michael Knudstrup (Lakeland, Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is an incredible value. There are, as the title indicates, hundreds of different improvisations. There are improvisations between coworkers, spouses, friends, salespeople/customers, managers/subordinates, and many more. There are also sections where scenes for one individual are introduced. In addition to the different improv situations, the author also includes instructions for teachers or instructors. I am not all that experienced with improvisation but this book makes it easy. Two thumbs up to Philip Bernardi for his excellent contribution to this area.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent foundation for improvisation..., May 15, 2007

By	Bowie V. Ibarra "author of Pit Fighters: Bapt... (In the great republic of Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Philip Bernardi's "Improvisation Starters" is a fantastic collection of scenes, moments, and games that will provide an excellent foundation for improvisational work, rehearsal, and performance. A must have for actors, teachers, and improvisors.