The Triangle of the Scene: A simple, practical, powerful method for approaching improvisation

by Paul Vaillancourt

In The Triangle of the Scene, veteran improv teacher and performer Paul Vaillancourt lays out a simple set of tools that enable improvisors old and new to use the three basic elements of a scene to super-charge their work and take it to the next level. In this book, Paul shows you how to better connect with your partner, how to use the ‘where’, and how to find the ever elusive game of the scene. The Triangle of the Scene is also the first improv book to use embedded videos to allow readers to see the book’s exercises and techniques in action. With 30 years of experience performing and teaching improv Paul (the Co-founder of the iO West and member of the legendary improv group Beer, Shark, Mice) shares with you the techniques that he has used to help thousands of students become more fearless, confident, and powerful improvisors.

Genres: Theatre

132 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2015

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while I was taking an improv class. I am not an artistic kind of person by any stretch of the imagination, but I always told myself I'd take a class in improv someday. One day I decided to do it. Unfortunately, it did NOT come easy to me. I really and truly struggled during every class during the 8-week Improv 101 course. I loved the atmosphere and the idea of improv, but it really felt like a challenge to do any scenes. I decided to read a few books on improv to see if it would help me. This book was better than any of the other books I tried. It gave a helpful overview of how scenes work and the interactions between characters in a successful scene. It didn't make me a master improv'er but it did make it so I felt like I understood what was going on, why some things worked, and why some things didn't. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in performing improv, especially if you feel completely out of your element like I did! I finished my 8 weeks without missing a class, and was able to do my end-of-class onstage performance without absolutely dying on the inside. I'm not sure if I'll ever take an improv class again, but I'm glad I did it and I feel like I discovered new ideas and ways of interacting that have served me in my day-to-day life.

[Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book on Improv, this is refreshingly straightforward and practical, with a wealth of good frameworks for learning (and coaching). I also like the choice to only use the example scenes where they are absolutely needed. I enjoyed reading it and will keep it around as a reference for a while.

[Silvia Yanuar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at one workshop that was lead by Paul. Long time ago, started to read it, then I got busy, and now I picked it up again. I am about half way through and have to say it is a great book. I am experienced improvisor and simple advices he gives in the book and examples of how to use these tools also help my craft. The book is very easy to read and understand, it is very practical and straightforward. It will give you new tools on how to be a better player and a partner in the scenes and I would definately recommend reading it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great concise refresher tips for beginners or advanced improv students!

[W. Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful in its Simplicity

The Triangle of the Scene offers advice that is clear and easy to put into practice, with useful and interesting examples and sensible suggestions. It's also a fun read!

[Michael Mordenga · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Triangle of the Scene is an incredibly simple book about how to make up a scene in improv. Paul Vaillancourt takes the roots of what makes a scene flow. The triangle of a scene includes: What am I doing? What are you doing? What is the goal? He asserts that by defining who your character is or who your scene partner is it will be easier to stick to the relationships and game. My improv group has tried this out, using obvious character building details and it makes the scenes much easier. It is a great way to get beginners into improv. Each example he gives has a Youtube link to show it. It's great to see the examples in action, but the videos contain improvisors who stumble over their words and some scenes that aren't as clear. I guess he wanted to show that improv can still be rough and real (even with the best rules). I like the advice and it works at making scenes go much more smoothly. The book ends quickly and I would like to see more on the subject. I think an advanced improviser (who has been playing with Second City or UCB) might think Paul's advice is too simple. Everyone should give this book a try.