Creating Improvised Theatre - Practical Guide for Performers

In this review of Creating Improvised Theatre, the bottom line is clear: this book is a practical, classroom-friendly guide for performers and instructors who want a contemporary, exercise-driven approach to improv. Mark Jane positions the work as both a refresher on classic models and a source of newer techniques, and the text delivers a usable collection of exercises and theory that can be dropped into workshops or rehearsals. Readers looking for hands-on material will appreciate the balance between explanation and practice.

Key Features

• Comprehensive exercises: Over 130 exercises are provided, letting instructors and performers test concepts directly in workshops or rehearsals.
• Modern perspective: Classic improvisation theories are revisited and placed in a contemporary context to make older ideas relevant to current practice.
• New techniques included: Lesser-known approaches such as the Trance Mask are introduced to expand a reader's toolset beyond standard short-form drills.
• Practical focus: The book is designed as usable support, with material framed for immediate application in training and performance situations.
• Diverse scope: Content covers both short form and narrative improvisation, making it useful across different improvisational formats.

Who It's For

Creating Improvised Theatre is aimed at improvisers who teach or run workshops, as well as performers who want drills and frameworks they can practice with peers. The book is particularly valuable for instructors who need a ready supply of exercises and clear ways to explain evolving improvisational concepts.

Those seeking a purely historical survey or a collection of full-length scripts should look elsewhere; this is not a play anthology but a practical manual focused on techniques and exercises rather than staged texts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Generous exercise library with over 130 activities that translate easily to classroom use.
• Thoughtful re-examination of classic theories makes the material feel current and useful.
• Introduces emerging techniques, expanding options for creative development.

Cons

• Not a narrative playbook or script collection, so it may disappoint readers expecting staged material.

Specifications

Title	Creating Improvised Theatre
Author	Mark Jane
Focus	Short form and narrative improvisation
Includes	Over 130 exercises
Approach	Tools, techniques, and theories with contemporary context
Intended use	Workshops, rehearsals, and performance support

Our Verdict

Creating Improvised Theatre is a strong, practical resource for teachers and performers who need immediate, workshop-ready material and a modern framing of classic ideas. Its collection of exercises and introduction of newer techniques make it good value for anyone building improv curricula or expanding their practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include exercises I can use in class?
Yes, the book contains over 130 exercises intended for workshops, rehearsals, and performance practice.

Is this more theory or practice?
The book balances theory with practice, revisiting classic theories while providing many practical exercises to apply them.

Does it cover long-form narrative improv?
It addresses both short form and narrative improvisation, offering tools relevant to each format.