Behind the Scenes

by Mick Napier

"Mick has been the catalyst for the most messed-up, funny, smart, low-budget, loud, subversive, hilarious, mind-expanding improv shows of his time." Bob Odenkirk, star of Better Call Saul

In this follow-up to his highly regarded book Improvise. Scene from the Inside Out, globally acclaimed improviser, director, and instructor Mick Napier focuses on the complexities and theories of long form improvisation. This extended form of improvisation invites performers to be inspired for at least thirty minutes by a single suggestion as they push their creativity to the limit.

Napier taps into more than 30 years of experience and distills his tools for success into practical, engaging

-The art of introductions and edits
-Different approaches to openers
-Pros and cons of the back line
-Why it's okay to be funny
-Finding the dominant energy
-Sustaining a strong character

Genres: Comedy

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2015

Reviews

[Anne Libera · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and thoughtful book on long form improvisation that incorporates practical exercises as well as larger concepts and philosophy. Napier invites the reader to consider long form improvisation from the audience perspective and offers suggestions and advice to help create work that is as entertaining to watch as it is to do. This book, like his previous one, assumes a level of previous exposure to improvisation in general and long form in particular so while it will be of some help to the novice, Improvising Long Form will be game changing for more experienced practitioners. Especially recommended to teachers, coaches and directors.

Full disclosure. Mick Napier has been a friend and colleague of mine for over 25 years. He contributed an essay to a book I put together called "The Second City Almanac of Improvisation." Which in no way takes anything away from the fact that this book is terrific.

[C.E. G · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'm not an advanced enough improviser to appreciate this yet, but I didn't find this all that interesting. And there was a tone of irritation to his writing that made him come off as a grumpy old-timer. But I will takeaway his point about energy on stage - I've definitely seen how lethargy and hesitation makes improv less fun for both improvisers and audiences.

[P · Rating 4 out of 5]

while the first book is particularly for beginner improvisers, this books is more so for performers who already have some stage experience. Mick Napier goes deeper into the nuts and bolts of a show and how to make it entertaining for the audience

deffo gave me some things to think about when it comes to my own performances

[Liv Tsang · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some solid nuggets in this book. Mick reminds us to pull back from seriousness and remember that this craft is, at its most basic, making words up in a make believe world. As someone who used to get incredible stage fright, these reminders helped me for my first 90min duo show

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of practical application and exercises aligned with specific ideas and skills. Honest, funny, unconventional. This was a fun one to read.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I wish I had read that before I ever coached improv, but I have read it now, so here's to using it in the future. And in performance too, I guess.

[Nico · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as 'spot on' as his previous book, but nevertheless worth reading (if you're an experienced improv actor or conductor).

[Bill Gobber · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s done it again. Can’t wait for the trilogy to be complete.

[Nico Groenenberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as 'spot on' as his previous book, but nevertheless worth reading (if you're an experienced improv actor or conductor).

[Todd H. McCauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mick Napier is an improv guru. What I like about his books is his writing style. He writes like he talks. While a lot of good advice on improv, the best chapter too me is the last entitled, “Different schools of improvisation”. “…. Seriously, take what works, if you take what works for you, then it works…”