Books › The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual
The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual
384 pages
A rigorous, energetic masterclass that treats the chaotic magic of comedy as a learnable, collaborative science.
What it feels like
Reading this manual feels like stepping into a bustling, brightly lit rehearsal room with the sharpest comedic minds in the business. It strips away the intimidating mystique of being naturally funny and replaces it with a steady, empowering framework of rules, active listening, and collaborative trust. The tone is authoritative yet deeply encouraging, breaking down the abstract chaos of improvisation into a rigorous, almost scientific study of the game. While it is a practical textbook filled with exercises and structural breakdowns, the underlying mood is one of infectious, playful energy. It is a must-read for aspiring performers, writers, or anyone fascinated by the mechanics of humor, offering a transformative lens on how to build something brilliant out of absolutely nothing.
- Mood
- energetic
- collaborative
- playful
- focused
- Tone
- instructional
- encouraging
- analytical
- humorous
- authoritative
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- creative collaboration · finding the game · trusting your instincts · the mechanics of humor · active listening
- The writing
- Clear, pragmatic, and conversational, breaking down abstract comedic concepts into digestible, actionable steps.
- The arc
- Moves from the intimidating blank slate of a stage to the empowering realization of structured, collaborative play.
- Who it's for
- Aspiring comedians, actors, and writers looking for a rigorous, practical framework to demystify the art of being funny on the spot.
About the book
The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual is a comprehensive guide to the UCB style of long form comedy improvisation. Written by UCB founding members Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh, the manual covers everything from the basics of two person scene work (with a heavy emphasis on finding "the game" of the scene), to the complexities of working within an ensemble to perform long form structures, such as "The Harold" and "The Movie". A practical "how to" book, the guide provides exercises throughout to help the reader master each new concept and technique introduced. While the manual is written to be understood by beginners with no previous exposure to improvisational comedy, experienced improvisors will find it to be an excellent resource for honing their skills, clarifying concepts, and generally taking their work to a higher level.
Description from Open Library.
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