Directing Improv: Show the Way By Getting Out of the Way

by Asaf Ronen, Jill Bernard (Editor), Jonathan Pitts (Forword)

This book establishes a vocabulary for improvisational direction to help directors, teachers and coaches better aid their troupes, their students and themselves. Featured inside are examples from varying schools and philosophies and interview with such respected improv luminaries as Armando Diaz, Michael Gellman, Kevin Mullaney, Mick Napier, Dan O'Connor, Shira Piven, Gary Schwartz, Todd Stashwick, and many more. Find information on:
- Giving Notes and Sidecoaching
- Working with Mixed Experience Levels
- Directing Children
- Directing a Troupe with Which You Perform

Asaf Ronen has been involved in improv since 1990. He was the creator and Editor-in-Chief of YESand.com, a website devoted to improvisation and has taught throughout the world. He was also producer on TRUST US, THIS IS ALL MADE UP, a documentary on legendary improvisers TJ & Dave that premiered at Austin’s South by Southwest Festival in 2009 and helped develop the improvised film Days of Delusion with director Scott Myers. He currently resides in Austin where he is the Education Director of The Institution Theater.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literal years later, I’ve finished this one. A really good resource for newer improvisers and veterans alike.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super helpful and also really fun to read. It’s an extremely niche topic, but if you’re trying to direct improv, this book is wonderful.

[Dan Bogosian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Neat guide for coaches, teachers & directors.

[Dan Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wunderbares Handbuch für jeden, der Improtheater anleiten möchte. Wie setzt man die Kreativität anderer frei? Wie geht man mit Gruppen-Konflikten um? Wie unterrichte ich Anfänger und Fortgeschrittene?
Asaf Ronen ist selbst offen für verschiedene Ansätze und Impro-Philosophien.
Die Funktion des "Director" (künstlerischer Leiter einer Gruppe, der aber selbst nicht mitspielt) ist im deutschen Improtheater derzeit nicht so verbreitet. Dennoch ist dieses Buch auch für die deutsche Szene sehr empfehlenswert.

[Matt Archambault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a friend of mine...a good look at the challenges of the director of an improv group. Its prescription might not be for everyone, but its all good for discussion.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my understanding of how best to lead improv workshops, this book has been absolutely essential for me. Asaf knows what he's talking about!