Why do improv?  Improvisation is one of the most valuable tools an actor can possess, whether on an improv team or in a scripted play.  You know that even the most rehearsed play doesn’t always go as planned!  Experience with improvisation supplies an actor with the ability to react quickly and creatively to any unplanned situation.  Through improvisation, performers practice flexibility, concentration, observations, communication and teamwork — all critical skills for actors.  Our collection of improv books includes everything from lists of ideas to theatre games to directions on starting your own improv group.  We also have a how-to DVD on improvisation aimed at middle school and high school students.

Pioneer Drama Service is pleased to offer 13 texts and DVDs in this category.
Acting Games
Improvisations and Exercises
This book of acting games and improvisations will assist students in developing their creative abilities.  For everyone, all of the essential elements of acting and character development are explored.   More...
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Comedy Improvisation
Exercises & techniques for young actors
This book presents fun comic improvisation exercises and structures, ranging from the very simple and basic to the very sophisticated, which require considerable skill to pull off.  More...
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Drama Games and Improvs
Games for the classroom and beyond
Select from more than 134 games adaptable to all age groups.  Within the book's 30 units are 74 lessons covering all elements of drama.  More...
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Group Improvisation
The manual of ensemble improv games
This book of games on team-building contains over 40 improv games for developing group chemistry.  It helps heighten awareness, break the ice and increase concentration.   More...
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Improv Ideas
A book of games and lists
This book is perfect — jam-packed with games and lists, it’s also the most user-friendly book we’ve ever seen!  More...
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Improve With Improv! 
A Classroom Guide to Improvisation
This book is a complete improvisational curriculum program divided into workshops.  Each workshop contains exercises designed to help students focus on one aspect of a character's personality.   More...
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Improvisation for the Theatre (DVD)
This well-done educational video is a great starting point for introducing your middle or high school students to the art of improvisation.  More...
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Improvisation Starters
A Collection of 900 improvisation situations for the theatre
The 900 improvisation ideas in this book provide material that will last for years.  It includes character conflicts, solo improvisations, lines of dialogue and reactions to environment.   More...
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Improvisations in Creative Drama
A program of workshops and dramatic sketches for students
Students will learn both improvisational and structured drama by using sequential workshops and plays.  This is a valuable resource for any beginning acting class or as a supplemental resource.   More...
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Spontaneous Performance
Acting through Improv
Over 300 improvisational exercises and theatre games are offered to develop creative abilities and acting skills.  Many different types of improvs are presented, ranging from serious to hilarious.   More...
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Theatre Games for Young Performers
Improvisations and exercises for developing acting skills
This book tells the how, when, what and why of theatre games for young performers.  All the basics of pantomime, improvisations, voice control, monologs and dialogs are presented in game formats.   More...
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The Ultimate Improv Book
A complete guide to comedy improvisation
This text provides the tools you need to start an improvisational team or club at your school.  The book presents a complete improv curriculum program divided into valuable class-length units.   More...
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The Young Actor's Book of Improvisation
Dramatic situations from Shakespeare to Spielberg
Students can work in greater depth than creative drama usually requires.  The book explores a wide range of dramatic moments, such as climactic discovery, confrontation and relationships.   More...
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