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book cover for The Principles of Comedy Improv

The Principles of Comedy Improv

Truths, Tales, and How to Improvise

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Pub Date Jun 01 2023 | Archive Date Jun 01 2023

University of Iowa Press | University Of Iowa Press


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Description

THEATRE / COMEDY

The Principles of Comedy Improv is an authoritative handbook for beginners and experts alike. More than just entertainment, improv’s tenets enable you to change every moment of your life. Your guide is Tom Blank, who crystallizes two decades of experience to convey improv in unparalleled scope, depth, and fun. 

Tom Blank is senior instructor at the Groundlings Theatre & School, where he teaches improv and sketch comedy. He lives in Los Angeles. Jennifer Coolidge has been a Hollywood mainstay ever since playing Stifler’s mom in American Pie. Her turn in HBO’s The White Lotus earned her an Emmy Award, a Critics Choice Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, and a Golden Globe Award nomination. Coolidge is beloved for her role as Paulette in Legally Blonde, and well-known for her frequent collaborations with director Christopher Guest, in films such as Best in Show.

THEATRE / COMEDY

The Principles of Comedy Improv is an authoritative handbook for beginners and experts alike. More than just entertainment, improv’s tenets enable you to change every moment of your...


Advance Praise

“Not only is this the most fun, joyful, and informative book about improv I know of, it’s also an invaluable crash course in life and communication.”—Heidi Gardner, actor, Saturday Night Live

“This book is a brilliant look into the fascinating and often mystical process of being creative in a flash. It’s fast, funny, and bursting with instant insights. Just like you when you’ve finished reading it. Warning: improv is highly addictive.”—Bill Steinkellner, writer/producer, Emmy Award winner

“Improv changed everything for me as an actor, writer, director, and human. Tom has written a smart and eye-opening book that has made me a student all over again. Happily so. Because, we can always be better. Especially at the human part.”—Jim Rash, actor, Academy Award winner

“An excellent teacher and improvisor, Tom has been around the block at the major improv theatres, and brings all his wisdom and humor to examine the psychological, social, and technical sides of improv. He is a joy to perform with and nerd out with afterward over a beer about all things improv. This book is the next best thing to that. Anyone would be lucky to read these insights. Enjoy!”—Stephanie Courtney, actor, Flo, the Progressive Insurance lady

“This ingenious book lets you improvise with great confidence. Tom’s take on the ins and outs of comedy improv is not only educational, it’s an exploration and celebration of all things creative. Read it or else . . . that’s not a threat, I’m just improvising.”—Jillian Bell, actor, Brittany Runs a Marathon

“Shhh, don’t tell Viola Spolin, but Tom Blank has written the definitive book on comedy improv with wit, and clarity. Whether or not you are in the comedy business, it will expand your mind and broaden your world.”—Steve Little, actor, Eastbound & Down

“Watching Tom Blank do improv is one of the great joys of my life. Working with Tom Blank has been one of the great joys in my life. Read this book if you want to know how to improvise with excellence.”—Jordan Black, actor, The Black Version

“Not only is this the most fun, joyful, and informative book about improv I know of, it’s also an invaluable crash course in life and communication.”—Heidi Gardner, actor, Saturday Night Live

“This...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781609388850
PRICE $25.00 (USD)
PAGES 262

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