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This is intended for anyone interested in learning about improvisation, commonly called improv. Improv is theater based on audience suggestion and performed without rehearsal, usually by an ensemble (or "troupe") with skits, games and songs. Improv is generally performed by one ensemble, but in the case of competitive improv comedy, two teams will battle it out for audience rating. Print and Web-based sources are included, as well as information about national improv organizations.
The Improv Page
http://sunee.uwaterloo.ca/~broehl/improv/index.html
As its name suggests, this site gives a very complete and well-written look at what
improv is all about, including a brief history of the art form and an astounding list of
existing improv groups.
Zot's Improv Page
http://www.crl.com/~zot/improv.html
This site offers a good definition of improv, along with an excellent link to books about improv.
The Spolin Center
http://www.spolin.com/
This site promotes improvisation based on Viola Spolin's creation of theatrical games and
techniques to promote self-expression. It also includes links to other improv-related sites.
See below the reference to Spolin's book, Improvisation for the Theater.
Keith Johnstone
http://www.ultralink.com/johnstone
This site, based on the work and writings of English improviser Keith Johnstone, offers
historical information about his development of Theatresports and other forms of competitive
improv.
Once you have your feet wet, you may want to lurk or even post to the following improv-related
newsgroups, known for firm opinions and lively discussion:
The selections below offer a strong theoretical foundation, as well as a history of the art of improvisation.
Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre
Keith Johnstone: Routledge, 1981.
Keith Johnstone is sometimes called the father of improvisation. His text moves from Johnstone's
very beginnings as an improviser and instructor through a series of discussions about aspects
of improvisation that, when mastered, change the learner's overall outlook as a performer.
Improvisation for the Theater
Viola Spolin: Northwestern University Press, 1990.
If Johnstone is the father of improv, Spolin is its mother. She developed a series of
theater games based on experience with the WPA and post-WWII Hollywood, later sparking
the growth of improvisation in the US. Her son, Paul Sills, went on to co-found the U.S.'s
first professional improvisational theater, The Compass. Spolin's book offers many games and
techniques, as well as ways to work with actors of widely ranging ages and experience, and
a useful glossary of terms.
Truth In Comedy: The manual of improvisation
Charna Halpern, Del Close and Kim Johnson: Meriwether, 1994.
This book also offers tips on improvisational training games and techniques, seasoned
with Close's very definite views on what is and is not effective in improvisation. The
book's goal is to familiarize readers with the "Harold", the improvisational structure
originated by Close and now used worldwide by improvisational ensembles.
The Second City
Donna McCrohan: Perigee, 1987.
This chronicles the tumultuous history of America's famous training ground for Saturday
Night Live cast members and comedic movie stars. While Second City shows do not consist
entirely of improv, key improvisational skills are used in developing sketches, and the company
offers extensive improv training programs. A must-read for the star-struck.
ComedySportz
http://www.comedysportz.com/
ComedySportz is comprised of competitive teams in 24 US cities. Founded
in 1984, it was originally based on Johnstone's Theatresports techniques. Regional teams
offer training workshops. Information on structure, participating
cities, and showtimes is available on the Web site, or by calling 1-800-277-8887.
Theatresports
http://www.theatresports.com/
The definitive site about Theatresports, an international organization comprised of over 85
teams who perform competitive improvisation developed by Keith Johnstone. For further information
about Theatresports, contact:
International Theatresports Institute
P.O. Box 82084
1400 - 12 Ave. S.W.
Calgary, AB T3C 3W5 CANADA
Phone: (403) 246-5496 Fax: (403) 249-8670
e-mail: admin@intl-theatresports.ab.ca
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Last updated Jun 22, 2000