Will Hines' Guide to Becoming a World-Class Improviser

Zach: Will Hines is an expert. Found him through Comedy Bang Bang, and his peers recommended his book. You have to get it if you're curious about trying improv. But he writes it in a way that can be applied to all kinds of things. And it's funny. Come on, you can read. What do you mean, "no I can't."? You're reading this dumb review right now. Okay, first pick up Reading for Dummies. Then when you know how to read, read this review. Then, when you get to the end, you'll realize you're too invested to not buy How to be the Greatest Improviser on Earth, by Will Hines.

United States on Nov 04, 2023

Stephen: Will is not just a talented improviser, but a talented communicator. To get the mechanical basics of impro I would recommend starting with the UCB manual (second edition of which was edited by Will himself), or taking an impro class, but you wouldn't be lost if you started here. This book is easy to read, encourages healthy behaviours and is packed with both practical and philosophical insight.

United Kingdom on Aug 21, 2023

Christina Hoang: I just finished level 1 of improv and moving into level 2. I was losing myself and was close to giving up, but this book helped ground me. It's an easy read that taught me to slow down, be honest, and let go of trying to be in control in scenes.

United States on May 18, 2023

Diana Marquez: It’s a very different book that I would have expected

Canada on Mar 23, 2023

Michael Stoufer: I'm a fan of Will Hines and UCB. This book is a great how-to and keeps things light at the same time. It's full of personal stories, great examples, improv warm-ups and so much more. If you're into improv and performing, this is a great resource.

United States on Oct 19, 2022

Andrew: This book just helps me with the mentality I should take and more rules I should follow when you want to do improv and just it's a fun read as well

United States on Oct 15, 2022

Sean P.: Will Hines is the best

Germany on Aug 28, 2022

Amazon Customer: It’s a book, about improv. But not an intro to improv, like if you have spent heaps on classes but only got half way there than this will help. Probs a bit cheaper too

Australia on Jul 14, 2020

Am: Good concice information about performing Improv.

United Kingdom on Jan 25, 2018

Peter Bierma: I'd been following author Will Hines for many months on YouTube, Improv4Humans, etc., and finally got to see him live while taking an improv 101 class at Upright Citizens Brigade where he actively performs. Later I learned he wrote this book, and I feel like it needs to be required reading alongside the class textbook "UCB Manual".

Whereas the UCB manual addresses the "how-to" of improv, what I liked most about Will's book is how it addresses common challenges happening *internally*. That is to say: all the anxiety and fears that are common for newbies like me. He offers encouragement and advice for those things, and breaks down complex concepts into simple thoughts. For example, when talking about "Top of Intelligence" (a confusing concept to me), "Top of intelligence means not making your characters dumber than they should be." Brilliant!

And all that said, I do not think you need to have read the UCB manual in order to enjoy it... it works on its own.

I'm hoping to do a book group, since the end of each chapter contains practice exercises to help put the concepts into action. Can't wait to try it out!

United States on Jul 28, 2017