Reading List

Some of my go-to improv and performance books.

Improvise.

Mich Napier

My favorite book on the subject. There is an emphasis on character and creating scenic depth while still having maximum creativity working with others.

Impro

Keith Johnstone

A very theater-forward actor-y set of instruction.

Improvisation for the Theater

Viola Spolin

A treasure trove of exercises and approaches for developing theatrical improv. From the abstact to the concrete there is a huge amount of inspiration in here.

Killer for warmups.

Directing Improv

Asaf Ronen

Best book on coaching/directing improv out there. Much of how I approach working with groups comes from the ideas in this book. If you’re serious about creating a process for improvement for your teams or self this is a valuable book.

Whose Improv Is It Anyway?

Amy Seham

Great look into improv as a community (at the time of writing at least). Interesting stories about the main Chicago theaters and the evolution of the form from theater weirdos to the cultural force it is now. Deals with the social dynamics that often come up and tells the stories of voices that aren’t usually elevated.

Truth in Comedy

Charna Halpern, Del Close, Kim Johnson

The classic improv comedy book. Lots of stories, good advice. I don’t pick it up often but it’s a nice book to have read if you’re in the scene.

Behind The Laughs

Michael Jefferies

Awesome look into the friction between comedy, business, and social structures.

Improvisation at the Speed of Life

TJ and Dave

They are improv magicians. The epitome of confident, grounded, and heartfelt work. This book goes over their approach and its very different than the typical manual.

You should also watch Trust Us This is All Made Up

How to Improvise a Full-Length Play

Kenn Adams

Does what it says on the tin. Narrative improv can be difficult to get your head around in a way that’s fun for both you and the audience. This is a structured approach to finding success.

Musical Improv Comedy

Michael Pollock

Another great technical manual to getting into musical improv as an actor and how to design shows.