 | Improvisation for the Theater
The improv director's bible. This lady pretty much started our incarnation of comedy theater. |
 | Improvise
Only a few years old, it's a very basic breakdown of Annoyances
"Power Improv" style. A pretty darn good read. |
 | Improvising Better
Analysis and fixes for the top 10 mistakes experienced improvisers make. Great 2006 publication. |
 | Something Wonderful Right Away
This is more of a recounting of how the Second City came to be as
it is today. More just improv nerd history reading than an improv resource.
Still a pretty good read, though. |
 | Truth in Comedy
The current cannon of long form improv. "The best first book to read on improv" |
 | The Second City Almanac of Improvisation
Essays by tons of SC players as well as many great anecdotal tips. The last few chapters detail the method SC uses to create sketches and produce/direct shows |
 | Impro
It's a pretty standard tool written by the guy that invented
Theatersports, Johnstone. It's
recommended reading throughout the improv community. |
 | Impro for Storytellers
Another book by Keith Johnstone. A reccomended follow-up to his first book, Impro. |
 | Directing Improv
If you're ever even THINKING about directing a troupe, read this short topical book. You won't regret it. |
 | Improv for Actors
Diggles reapplies improv concepts to traditional theater |
 | Improv Comedy
Reccommended reading. Plenty of discussion of character and plot. |
 | Theater Games for the Lone Actor
Designed to help you practice Viola's techniques by yourself |
 | The Art of Chicago Improv
Starts with a historical perspective on improv, then speaks to what it means to do a long form. |
 | The Compass
History of The Compass. Details out the time, place, and people at the University of Chicago at the times of this revolutionary theater. |
 | The Second City: Backstage at the World's Greatest Comedy Theater
History of The Second City, starting with Spolin |
 | Acting on Impulse; The Art of Making Improv Theater
Very good improv book focusing on challenging stereotypical
short-form improv to become something bigger and better, with more
emotion, reality, and depth. |
 | Interactive Acting
Deals with improvised and audience-participation theater. |
 | Days and Nights at The Second City
Cool history and philosophy; also a great second half that deals with putting together a show |
 | Improv Wisdom
A self-help book that employs the principles of improv. I even walked away learning a thing or two about improv. |
 | Mr. Show: What Happened?
Enjoyable for fans of the excellent sketch show. Not particularly educational. |
 | The Pythons: Autobiography of The Pythons
A retrospective of what made this revolutionary sketch comedy troupe so evocative and how. |
 | Going Too Far
A look at comedy that creates controversey. Focuses on early examples, like Second City, MAD Magazine, National Lampoon, Lenny Bruce, etc. |
 | The Comedy Bible
Step-by-step direction on how to focus yourself to become a stand-up comedian. Funny read too. |
 | Writing Humor
a detailed analysis of how many famous writers have used humor in their books. Interviews with John Cleese, Fannie Flagg, Larry Gelbart, Cherie Eichen and Bill Steinkellner |
 | The Physical Comedy Handbook
Guidance in how to do physical comedy. Of course, It can't SHOW you, its just a book. |
 | The Mime Book
"Yes, I bought a book called the Mime Book. Stop judging me." |
 | Training to Imagine
Basics of running improv workshops for corporate clients. |
 | Comedy Writing Step by Step
Insight on how to make a career out of writing comedy. Not so much
on how to entertain, more on logistics of how to write and then sell the writing. |
 | If Chins Could Kill
Confessions of a B Movie Actor. It combines Bruce's life story with how-to guidance on making independent films and becoming a pop culture cult hero. |
 | Group Improvisation: The Manual of Ensemble Improv Games
The title makes it sound like it's improv games. It's not. It's warmup games. |
 | The Ultimate Improv Book
Beginners guide. Focuses on the rules. Seems kinda cerebral. Is essentially, the opposite of Napier's book. However, if you're Amish and want to start a troupe of your own, this might be a good book. |
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