7 Books for the Improviser in Your Life This Sant Jordi
Whether you're an improviser yourself or seeking the perfect gift for one, these books are sure to inspire creativity, hone skills, and ignite the imagination. From practical guides to insightful reflections, each recommendation offers valuable insights for both novice and seasoned improvisers alike. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the books we love - but it is a great place to start your improv reading journey!
Improvisation for the Theatre - Viola Spolin
Considered the bible of improvisational theater, this book provides a comprehensive guide to the foundational techniques and principles of improvisation. Ideal for beginners and experienced improvisers looking to deepen their understanding of the craft.
The Improv Handbook - Tom Salinsky & Deborah Frances-White
This comprehensive handbook covers everything from basic improvisation techniques to advanced performance strategies, making it a valuable resource for improvisers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, this book offers practical advice and exercises to help you excel in any improvisational setting.
The Improviser's Way: A Longform Workbook - Katy Schutte
This workbook offers a practical approach to longform improvisation, providing exercises, prompts, and reflections to help improvisers develop their skills and create dynamic, compelling scenes. Perfect for improvisers seeking a structured yet flexible framework for honing their craft.
The Little Book of Improv - Jill Bernard
With wit and wisdom, Jill shares her insights into the world of improvisation, offering practical tips, exercises, and anecdotes to inspire creativity and confidence onstage. Ideal for improvisers of all levels, this little book packs a big punch of wisdom and encouragement.
Improvise: Scene from the Inside Out - Mick Napier
In this insightful guide, Mick explores the inner workings of improvisational scenes, offering practical techniques and exercises to help improvisers unleash their creativity and develop authentic, engaging characters and relationships. Recommended for improvisers looking to deepen their understanding of scene work and take their performances to the next level.
Improvise Freely - Patti Stiles
Through this book, Patti encourages improvisers to embrace spontaneity and trust their instincts, fostering a mindset of fearless creativity. With exercises, anecdotes, and insights, Stiles empowers improvisers to break free from restrictions and explore new possibilities on stage, making it essential for those seeking to unleash their true improvisational potential.
Pirate, Robot, Ninja - Billy Merritt & Will Hines
This book explores the dynamic interplay between three iconic character archetypes in the world of improvisational theater. Improvisers can learn to embody these archetypes and create captivating scenes filled with adventure, humour, and intrigue. This improv fable provides endless inspiration for exploring the depths of character dynamics and storytelling on stage.
What did we miss? Tell us your favourite improv books and we’ll put them on the list for our upcoming book club meets!
