The Actor's Book of Improvisation

An Unparalleled Guide to the Challenging World of Improvisation

Improvisation has long been acknowledged as one of the most valuable resources an actor and teacher can utilize. But until now there has never been a single, handy, comprehensive book of material on which to base these exercises.

Culled from a wide variety of sources, such as plays, films, novels, and news items, The Actor's Book of Improvisation offers a virtual cornucopia of material for improvisations. Nine separate chapters isolate specific aspects of acting and provide appropriate situations to facilitate growth in each area. Unlike theater games, the situations in this book are structured. Though the dialogue will be spontaneous, the actual performance will be built around a "skeleton" of background information and character detail that will add dimension not seen in the majority of off-the-cuff improvisations. The situations in this book are geared specifically toward the actor's development rather than just the entertainment of an audience.

A library of provocative material, this innovative guide offers both teacher and student an excellent array of dramatic possibilities.

(Source: The Actor's Book of Improvisation blurb)