This strikingly comprehensive manual effectively shows the who, what, when, why, and how of comedy improvisation. Unlike other improv books, this text provides the tools you need to start an improvisational team or club at your school. The book presents a complete improv curriculum program divided into 24 valuable class-length units organized into four sections. "The Introduction" explains what improv is and how to create an improv team. "Improvisational Skills" shows some basic rules, physicalization, characterization, teamwork, and use of suggestion. "Structuring" describes the who, what, and how to make "suggestion" and "reality-based" improv structures. "Strategies" gives hints and tips for putting on a show and evaluating the performance. In addition, a unique section that shows you how to structure and create your own new improv games is also included. Finally, you'll find the appendices full of games and exercises invaluable. The Ultimate Improv Book is the improvisational treasure for which you've been looking!
Hanson, Nicholas P.: - Kurt Smeaton is a professional actor/writer, based in Toronto. A graduate of the George Brown Theatre School, Kurt is a former regional and national champion with the Canadian Improv Games. He has judged, trained, and adjudicated improv across Ontario, and was a founding member of an Ottawa-based sketch troupe: The Pez Family. Kurt has worked extensively in the theatre, performing with such renowned companies as Soulpepper, Theatre Direct Canada, and Actors' Repertory Company. He is currently using his improv skills writing and performing in a number of comedy pilots for television.
Nevraumont, Edward J.: - Edward J. Nevraumont began improvising with the Canadian Improv Games while in high school. Since then his improv scope has broadened considerably. He has worked in improvised dinner theatre, coached a high school improv team for six years, created the Kingston Improv Games, developed training materials, and facilitated events for drama teachers across Canada. He has studied many different improv schools of thought and worked with everyone from Keith Johnstone to Paul Sills, from Garry Austin to Michael Gellman. He has written training materials for utilizing improvisation in the business world for Queen's University School of Industrial Relations. Currently Edward is using his improvisation techniques as a manager with Procter and Gamble and as one of three directors of "Improv Toronto.
Smeaton, Kurt: - Kurt Smeaton is a professional actor/writer, based in Toronto. A graduate of the George Brown Theatre School, Kurt is a former regional and national champion with the Canadian Improv Games. He has judged, trained, and adjudicated improv across Ontario, and was a founding member of an Ottawa-based sketch troupe: The Pez Family. Kurt has worked extensively in the theatre, performing with such renowned companies as Soulpepper, Theatre Direct Canada, and Actors' Repertory Company. He is currently using his improv skills writing and performing in a number of comedy pilots for television.
