Improv Nation: How We Made a Great American Art

Improv Nation traces the evolution of improvisational theater in America from its origins in 1940s Chicago through its growth into a mainstream entertainment phenomenon. The book follows key figures and institutions that shaped the art form, including Del Close, Second City, and Saturday Night Live. Through interviews and research, Wasson reconstructs the development of improv techniques and philosophies that became foundational to modern comedy. The narrative moves from small experimental theaters to television studios, documenting how improv principles spread into popular culture and changed American entertainment. The text examines improv's influence on generations of performers, writers, and directors who emerged from training grounds like The Groundlings and Upright Citizens Brigade. Wasson chronicles the connections between improv communities in Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles, and New York. The book reveals how improvisation became more than a performance style - it evolved into an American philosophy about creativity, collaboration, and the relationship between structure and spontaneity.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed research and interviews that trace improv's evolution through major figures like Del Close, Viola Spolin, and the founders of Second City. Many note its success in connecting improv's development to broader cultural shifts in American entertainment. Readers liked: - Rich historical details about comedy institutions - Behind-the-scenes stories about famous comedians' early days - Clear explanations of different improv philosophies and techniques Common criticisms: - Writing style can be meandering and unfocused - Too much attention on certain figures while others feel rushed - East Coast improv scenes receive less coverage than Chicago/LA Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (185 ratings) Multiple reviews mention the book works best as an oral history rather than a comprehensive academic text. Several readers noted it feels more like "a series of connected articles" than a cohesive narrative, though most still found value in the individual sections.

Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution by Todd S. Purdum This history traces the development of American musical theater through two innovators who transformed entertainment through collaborative creation and risk-taking.

Yes, And: How Improvisation Reverses 'No, But' Thinking by Kelly Leonard, Tom Yorton The book examines The Second City's improvisational methods and their impact on American comedy, theater, and business practices.

Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live by James Andrew Miller, Tom Shales This oral history chronicles SNL's evolution through firsthand accounts from performers, writers, and producers who shaped American sketch comedy.

Truth in Comedy by Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim Johnson The text presents Del Close's teachings and philosophies that influenced generations of improvisers at Chicago's Second City and beyond.

The Second City Unscripted: Revolution and Revelation at the World-Famous Comedy Theater by Mike Thomas The book chronicles the rise of Chicago's Second City theater through interviews with performers and staff who developed modern improvisational techniques.

🎭 Before becoming a professional author, Sam Wasson taught film at Wesleyan University and the New School. 🎭 The book traces improv's evolution from Chicago's Hull House in the 1920s through to modern entertainment giants like Second City and the Upright Citizens Brigade. 🎭 The development of modern improv is deeply connected to social worker Viola Spolin, who created theater games for immigrant children to help them adjust to American life. 🎭 Del Close, a pivotal figure in the book, coached future stars including Bill Murray, John Belushi, and Tina Fey, and helped establish the "Harold" - a long-form improv structure still used today. 🎭 Many techniques developed in Chicago's improv scene went on to influence the creation of Saturday Night Live, with several early cast members coming directly from Second City's stage.