Actor's Book of Improvisation: Dramatic Situations for the Teacher and the Actor

I took a class with one of the co-authors at UCLA Extension and she taught me more than any of my Theatre classes ever did. If you can't get into one of her classes, then this book is the second best thing. The authors teach you that acting is really psychological and the best way to perform a character is to BECOME that character. This book gives you exercises and tips on how to create characterizations that becomes a persona of yourself. Not many teachers can teach that fact. Any actor knows that to "nail" a part is to give the best performance ever. This books shows how you can become the character and how that character can become you. Prepare for your Oscar speech!

An insightful and enjoyable work, invaluable for all actors, aspiring actors, directors and teachers. The experience of the authors, in acting and directing, really shows through. It is a goldmine of ideas. It is also excellent for stimulating creativity; the book is fun, not a manual but a book of tools for exploration.

This book is an invaluable guide for the teacher and the actor alike. There is no other book on the market which handles the subject of improvisation with the variety or depth of this volume. In addition, the book's unique structure, drawing on an impressive wealth of source material, makes it an exciting tool in approaching this formerly rather sketchy though important aubject. In short, a must for the library of all actors, teachers or students.

Well written, interesting and useful. I found this a practical and stimulating book and would recommend it to other actors without reservation.