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A Subversive's Guide to Improvisation: Moving Beyond "Yes, And"
Amazon's #1 New Releases "Acting and Auditioning" Category!
David Razowsky is funny, smart, inquisitive, and artistically fearless.
– Steve Carell
Razowsky is a whirling dervish of creativity. The words in this volume are as informative, inspired, fearless, and whimsical as the artist himself.
– Keegan-Michael Key
Hey, improvisers, you can do whatever you want.
In A Subversive’s Guide to Improvisation, Razowsky throws conventional improv wisdom on its head by giving you a unique take on how to create masterful improv scenes. He describes how his life philosophy and improv methodology have evolved on his journey from struggling actor to one of the world's most respected improvisers and coaches.
The challenge for most improvisers is sticking to “the rules” and believing “Yes, and” is the magic formula for a successful scene. Characters meander and travel from a state of fluidity to a mess of frustration and ask, “How did I go wrong?”
A Subversive’s Guide to Improvisation provides methods and exercises that teach you to connect to your partner and the scene without worrying about responding with “yes, and.”
Over 30 groundbreaking exercises will teach you how Freely express your feelings.Focus on the present.Ask questions.Say “no” to energize your scene.Start a scene without establishing who, what, and where.
David Razowsky studied, performed, taught, and directed at Second City with Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, and Michael Keegan-Key, among others. He served as Artistic Director of Second City Hollywood before turning his attention to teaching his methodology worldwide.
In his workshops, students express how freer they feel in their scene work and ask, “Why isn’t this how improv is always taught?"
David Razowsky is funny, smart, inquisitive, and artistically fearless.
– Steve Carell
Razowsky is a whirling dervish of creativity. The words in this volume are as informative, inspired, fearless, and whimsical as the artist himself.
– Keegan-Michael Key
Hey, improvisers, you can do whatever you want.
In A Subversive’s Guide to Improvisation, Razowsky throws conventional improv wisdom on its head by giving you a unique take on how to create masterful improv scenes. He describes how his life philosophy and improv methodology have evolved on his journey from struggling actor to one of the world's most respected improvisers and coaches.
The challenge for most improvisers is sticking to “the rules” and believing “Yes, and” is the magic formula for a successful scene. Characters meander and travel from a state of fluidity to a mess of frustration and ask, “How did I go wrong?”
A Subversive’s Guide to Improvisation provides methods and exercises that teach you to connect to your partner and the scene without worrying about responding with “yes, and.”
Over 30 groundbreaking exercises will teach you how Freely express your feelings.Focus on the present.Ask questions.Say “no” to energize your scene.Start a scene without establishing who, what, and where.
David Razowsky studied, performed, taught, and directed at Second City with Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, and Michael Keegan-Key, among others. He served as Artistic Director of Second City Hollywood before turning his attention to teaching his methodology worldwide.
In his workshops, students express how freer they feel in their scene work and ask, “Why isn’t this how improv is always taught?"
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 6, 2023
54 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 2, 2024
This book and Dave have absolutely shifted the trajectory of my life. When I was most frustrated with my own bad improv, teaching, and leadership, I stumbled on this book as I was looking for answers. Reading the introduction sold me, and seeing The Miracle of Mindfulness as recommended reading sold me even more; I immediately sent out a cold email to bring him in to teach a workshop at IWU. He replied almost instantly and I will always be grateful that he did. I could not recommend this book enough, or Dave enough. Although I’ve now finally read it from front to back, I’ve been reading it out of order for over a year, learning so much in the process. And the process is the product, after all…
March 13, 2023
I was very fortunate to tech two shows at Boom Chicago that were directed by the inimitable David Razowsky. His new book is a must-read for all improvisers and actors. While the first half is the story of how he came to codify his method of teaching, including hilarious stories of his many years at Second City performing alongside the likes of Tina Fey, Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert, the second half is filled with EXCELLENT advice and lessons for all performers. I highly recommend this book for everyone, but for improvisers, it is essential reading.
February 20, 2023
Inspiring technical manual for students of improv... the ones that do it and the ones who just watch it. Great and fascinating stuff, very specific and useful. Plus! A short Second City memoir! Good fun.
May 1, 2023
Perfection!! A combination autobiography and improv guidebook. Dave Razowsky has compiled a brilliant mixture of anecdotes, experience (as a performer and coach), and exercises to help bring out the best in any improviser. I’m looking forward to using this new knowledge on stage immediately!
August 5, 2025
This book is essential not only to theatrical improv and acts as a much-needed shot across the bow of that art form, but it should be read by every writer of fiction. For what is fiction if not improvisation? Full disclosure, every other page of this book references someone I know personally or wish I knew. I spent years learning and performing improv from stone-cold masters of the form. I was often sent home on the short bus. I had regrets—but also some glory. Razowsky makes me realize it's all okay. Just stepping onstage, embracing occasional failure (if not, perhaps, actually hoping for it?) has its own nobility. And you know what? I got better, failed better. And I still love those people, one of my best tribes.
The takeaway from this soulful, searingly honest memoir is FOLLOW THE FEAR. Well done, Dave.
The takeaway from this soulful, searingly honest memoir is FOLLOW THE FEAR. Well done, Dave.
July 14, 2024
Absolutely brilliant.
April 11, 2025
I don't think it was the kick I needed, but I loved seeing special mentions like Method, Commedia, and Viewpoints! Great as a standalone book on improv.
June 12, 2025
A stellar read. The most engaging, unique, and challenging book on improv I’ve read. I couldn’t put it down and I was taking notes.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews