The Second City Almanac of Improvisation

By Anne Libera

Book Overview

It all began in a converted Chinese laundry on Chicago's north side on a cold December night in 1959. No one could have known that by the next century, The Second City would have established itself as the premier comedy institution in the world. Taking its act north, The Second City would build a second permanent home in Toronto where it would create the Emmy-Award winning television series "SCTV." Pioneering the use of improvisation in developing talent and creating satiric revue comedy, The Second City has become - in the words of the New York Times - "A Comedy Empire."

The Second City Almanac of Improvisation - like the theatre itself - is a collection of diverse ideas, viewpoints, and memories, written by a vast array of teachers, actors, and directors who all got their start at the legendary comedy theatre. Fred Willard recalls his introduction to The Second City style in the mid-Sixties; Tim Kazurinsky gives a hilarious visual demonstration on the art of object work; "Saturday Night Live" star Tina Fey talks about re-improvising material as a mode of writing revue comedy; noted director Mick Napier takes on the thorny debate between long-form improvisation and short-form improvisation. Anne Libera guides the reader through each essay by providing a road map for understanding how The Second City method of improv-based comedy has become the industry standard.

Mike Nichols, Elaine May, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Robert Klein, Peter Boyle, Harold Ramis, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, John Candy, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, George Wendt, Jim Belushi, Bonnie Hunt, Mike Myers, Ryan Stiles, Rachel Dratch, Nia Vardalos - no other theatre can boast an alumni list of this magnitude. The Second City Almanac of Improvisation provides practical instruction, personal details, and inspiration to both improvisers and their fans.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810118017
• ISBN13: 9780810118010
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Northwestern University Press
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Insightful

I love the anecdotes from some of the veterans of improvisational comedy. The almanac itself is scattered throughout the book (seven parts) and outlines what it means to play, or be a player, in an ensemble. This book is a great addition to your reference library if you are a student of the art, or are just interested in this type of comedy, and will definitely increase your appreciation of the art.

The most effective book of it's kind

Written by a long list of some of the most talented minds in improv comedy, both past and present, The Second City Almanac is a scrapbook of useful and often contradictory information about improv and sketch comedy. Leading new comedic actors through how to start a group, direct, and maximize your improv potential, it is required reading for comedians, actors of all stripes, or anyone interested in live comedy. I found portions written by Tina Fey and Mick Napier to be the most revealing. A word of warning, though. At times this book can feel disjointed. It's not a bad thing, just a disorienting one.

Improv from the Masters

You can skip around in this book as much as you wish. There are gems of information all through it.

Great Book!

Item shipped promptly and in the condition as advertised. Would do business again and highly recommend this seller.

THE new bible of improv.

Every 20 years or so a new book comes out that sets itself apart as the definitive book of improvisation. Not since "Truth in Comedy," have I read such a useful and practical guide to improv by some of its greatest leaders. With more specialized authors and obviously more contemporary contributors Libera has written and compiled a work that is sure to be the improv industry standard for at least the next 20 years if not more. It has definitely helped me get more laughs on stage.