Improv Theater Acting

In 1963, 30-year-old Friedman - who had recently quit his job as a Boston advertising executive and returned to his hometown of New York to become a theatrical producer - opened a coffee house for Broadway performers called the Improvisation. His goal? Simply to make a living, and if all went according to plan, to also make enough professional contacts to be able to mount his first Broadway show within a year's time. Later shortened to the Improv, its first West 44th Street location was in a seedy section of Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen.

In this step-by-step guide, an actor and improvisational teacher brings his tested methods to the page to show how actors can take risks and gain spontaneity in all genres of scripted theater. Through 28 lessons - each of which includes warm-ups, points of concentration, and improvisation exercises - Improv for Actors provides insights into thinking and reacting with fluidity, exploring a character’s social status, using the voice and body as effective tools of storytelling, and more.

This sequel to The Tao of Improv drills down to the subatomic level of good scenes. It's a personal way of looking at improv, focusing on how to do more things without thinking so you can devote your brain power to extending your creativity. Loaded with real-word tips based on experience and analysis, as well as a sprinkling of nerdiness for those so inclined. Tao Two Quantum Impro is a helpful audiobook that proves one basic premise: This stuff is easy.