The Comedy Improv Handbook
A Comprehensive Guide to University Improvisational Comedy in Theatre & Performance

PictureDesign by Taylor Rae Cole

The Comedy Improv Handbook is an "Improv 101" textbook featuring a compilation of improv history, theory, maxims, exercises, games, and structures. It gives an overview of the history of improvisation, its major influences, structures, and theories, as well as categorized exercises, games, and long form structures. For those of you in a leadership position (or aspiring toward one) this handbook is also designed to be a teaching tool with categorized exercises and games, along with helpful teaching tips. It also addresses some issues associated with being a college improviser – like auditions, rehearsals, performances, and dating. We’ve also included a guide to professional training. Let us be clear: reading this handbook alone won’t make you a better improviser. You need to get on stage and improvise. Reading this handbook will give you an array of tools to use from a variety of improv “schools” when you are up on stage.

*Written with Siobhan O'Hara