the lineages

Traditions in Tension

There is no single "improv." Five major traditions, each with distinct philosophies, and they disagree on fundamental questions. Understanding where they diverge — and why — is what separates citation from knowledge.

Keith Johnstone

39 concepts

Story-first. Status as the engine. Spontaneity through surrender. Theatresports, Loose Moose.

Viola Spolin

28 concepts

Present-moment awareness. The body as primary instrument. Point of Concentration. Theater Games.

Del Close & Charna Halpern

38 concepts

Group mind. Connections across scenes. The Harold as spiritual endeavor. iO Chicago.

Upright Citizens Brigade

43 concepts

Game-first. Pattern recognition and heightening. Comedy as the goal. The UCB Manual.

Annoyance / TJ & Dave

34 concepts

Commitment-first. Honest behavior. Trust the relationship; game emerges or it doesn't.