Process: An Improviser's Journey

Process gives a very accurate, in depth look at an improviser's journey through lessons with Michael Gellman. Throughout Process, you learn with Geoff and relive mistakes that taught you lessons and return from these reveries with a newer, deeper understanding of what great improvisation does. More than a method of "making the funnies" great improvisation enables great actors to create, spontaneously, new and profound works of theatre. My favorite part is the narrative style used which helps to digest the important material which would, otherwise, be difficult to read through. I recommend Process to anyone especially those interested in improving the quality of their improvisation.

I have read many books on improv comedy and this one is a real jewel! That comes as no surprise to me, however, since Second City Director Michael Gellman is unmistakably and unarguably one of the very best teachers of improv comedy to ever teach or direct this challenging art form. This is a must-read for any actor who wants to perform or who is already performing improvisational comedy. If you are among that group, don't get on stage at all, or ever again, without having read this book first! Cherie Kerr, founding member, Los Angeles Groundlings

I heart Michael Gellman. Aside from giving me the single most effective side-coaching I think I've ever received in a workshop, he's genuinely giving as a teacher. (And an audience member. I remember very clearly hearing him "ooooooh" a game-move I made in a performance--and I thought, "BINGO, I've figured this scene out.") So I couldn't wait for his book, and it didn't disappoint. Because it's about a student going through his workshop, you get a real sense of the exercises, the notes and what goes on in your head when you succeed or fail. His teaching style is very organic--"process" is the perfect title. It's rare that a book can bring experiential learning to life. This one totally captured the feeling of studying with him. If you can't make it to one of his classes, this is the next best thing.

Being new to Chicago and Second City, I purchased this book to get a better understanding of improv and who better to learn from then author Michael Gellman. I found that the format of the book made it an easy read and it really got into the details of Second City improv and how to use these rules and other aspects to create improvised one act plays. The book follows a fictional Chicago actor as he figures out what to do to better himself as an actor, an improviser, and how to balance his job and acting. This book is ideal for both improvisers and directors, but I believe it would be even more beneficial to the beginning actors in Chicago. It not only educates you as if you are in a class with Mr. Gellman himself, but it also gives you some insight into how to better yourself as an actor and how the Second City system works. I highly recommend this book and it is a must read for anyone interested in acting or improvising.

Process: An Improviser's Journey is a great book. It is very well written and a pleasant surprise. This is an excellent resource for improvisers-especially students- because it is written from a student's perspective. There is such a long list of things that you shouldn't say or do in a scene but it goes a step further to explain why you shouldn't do these things and the resulting consequence on the scene if you do. It also spells out many guidelines that move a scene forward and make it a success. As a current student at Second City, it is also a relief to read that other students (even fictional ones) go through the same struggles in remembering all of these rules! I would definitely recommend this book for students because it makes you realize that you are not alone in having difficulty grasping seemingly simple improv concepts. This is also a must-read for teachers because you may always know why a scene is going wrong but it may help you reconnect with your students and better explain the process. If you have never taken an improv class but are interested in doing so, it may be a little difficult to visualize or understand some of the games and exercises mentioned in the book but don't let that prevent you from reading!