Truth in comedy

Truth in comedy

1994 • 150 pages

Ratings2

Average rating4

15

This is a fantastic introduction to Improvisation, and the fundamental principles of the ‘game' - and of course, the many ‘games' that are introduced along the way.

Truth in Comedy clearly breaks down what is coined a “Harold”; an improvisation performance exercise, dissecting it not only into its parts but also the foundations that make it such a strong way to create improvised work.

Don't brush over all of the maxims that are shared - as the book can roll on for a little while, delving into concepts that should be experienced much more than they should be read about, but I found making note of the key principles intensely useful, not just for improv but acting in general, and on that interacting with others.

Key takeways:
- “the only way is the organic way, the ending cannot be decided until the spur of the moment”
- “laughs come from connections made in the work”
- “players must remember, not invent”
- improv is about discovering, not making things up.

& most importantly, if you want to do a violent scene, do it in slow motion.
Enjoyable, fast and useful read.

May 19, 2018Report this review