[.ca] Improv for Actors (ISBN 1581153252)

When the Student is Ready. . .:
. . . The Teacher Will Appear. So, when I was teaching improv classes for the second time and preparing to assemble and train a new performing group, this book was one of five improv books I picked up for inspiration. I was amazed at Dan Diggles' gift for taking all the lessons I'd already learned but didn't believe and turning them into memorable and logical life lessons for performing! This book is a wonderful resource for any actor or improviser. Almost every page made me smile or gasp at the simplicity of things I'd been making too complicated. Thanks, Dan, for making me a better actor, improviser and person.

What I've been looking for!:
Great book! Not only does Dan have a passionate commitment to the requirements AND joy of group participation, he's wonderfully articulate. I've been looking for a book on improvisation for my theatre students that isn't either a confusing list of games...or that offers so many teaching options, none of which I can choose from because I don't know the skills. Dan, on the other hand, takes you step by step through the process. I can't wait to introduce it. More later.

Fantastic building blocks!:
This new book by Dan Diggles is a fantabulous thing. It's generally directed at an Improv teacher (probably teaching at a school). So, unless you are in that (rare-ish) position, you can gloss over some bits about not talking about your friends in class and the grading thing. But otherwise, this is a Great book about the 3 big rules: - Say, "Yes, and..." - Say the first thing that comes to mind. - Make your partner look good. Sure, we hear that a lot, but he really makes it stick to your ribs. It's not chock full of games, just a few that he focuses on as great building blocks. (You can find a million games online and in other books.) This book is definitely great for improvisers, actors, and anyone else that needs to get up on a stage. The 3 rules are great for performances and perhaps for living as well. I really think that everyone could get something useful out of this one.