Truth in Comedy

Truth in Comedy presents the fundamentals of long-form improvisation, with a focus on the Harold performance format developed by Del Close. The book outlines the core principles and techniques used by improv performers to create spontaneous, unscripted scenes and shows. The authors draw from decades of experience teaching and performing at renowned comedy institutions like Second City and ImprovOlympic. Through examples, exercises, and clear instructions, they demonstrate how performers can work together to find the truth in comedy and create authentic scenes. The text covers essential concepts including "yes, and," group mind, finding the game of the scene, and making honest choices on stage. It also addresses common pitfalls and provides practical solutions for improvisers at all skill levels. This influential manual reveals how principles of improvisation extend beyond comedy into broader lessons about human interaction, creativity, and collaboration. The methods outlined continue to shape modern improvisational theater and comedy training.

Readers call this a helpful introduction to long-form improv fundamentals and the Harold format. Many note it works best as a companion to actual improv classes rather than a standalone guide. Likes: - Clear explanations of core concepts like "yes, and" - Real examples from Del Close's teaching career - Practical exercises for groups - Short length makes it accessible Dislikes: - Too basic for experienced improvisers - Harold structure explanations can be confusing - Some find the writing style dry - Several readers wanted more detailed scene work techniques From one reader: "It gives you the philosophy but not enough concrete tools." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (450+ ratings) Many improv students report returning to it multiple times as they progress, finding new insights with experience. Several teachers mention assigning specific chapters rather than the full book.

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The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual by Matt Besser, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh This manual outlines the UCB Theatre's systematic approach to creating comedic improvisation through game-based scene work.

🎭 Del Close, one of the book's authors, taught and mentored numerous comedic legends including Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, and Mike Myers. 🎬 The book popularized "The Harold," a long-form improv structure that revolutionized improvisational theater and continues to influence comedy writing for shows like Saturday Night Live. 🏢 Co-author Charna Halpern founded the influential iO (ImprovOlympic) Theater in Chicago, which became a launching pad for countless comedy careers and helped establish Chicago as a comedy mecca. ⚡ The book's central philosophy—"follow the fear"—encourages performers to lean into uncomfortable moments rather than avoid them, a principle now taught in business and leadership seminars. 🤝 The "Yes, and..." concept detailed in the book has expanded far beyond comedy, becoming a widely used technique in corporate training, therapy, and education for fostering creativity and collaboration.