Truth in Comedy
The foundational text on long-form improvisation from the creators of the Harold
Overview
Truth in Comedy by Del Close and Charna Halpern is the foundational book on long-form improvisation, introducing the Harold format that became the backbone of improv training at iO (formerly ImprovOlympic) and beyond. It establishes the principle that truth is funnier than fabrication.
The book explains the philosophy behind long-form improv, including group mind, pattern recognition, and the importance of listening and agreement. Close and Halpern outline exercises and principles that form the basis of most improv training programs.
How It Works
Essential for actors interested in improvisation, sketch comedy, or ensemble-based performance. The listening and collaboration skills taught through long-form improv are invaluable for all types of acting.
Available in paperback and digital formats, typically priced between $12-15. A foundational text for anyone entering the world of improv comedy.
Who Uses It
A must-read for any actor involved in improv or who wants to improve their spontaneity and ensemble skills. The principles of listening, support, and truthfulness apply to every genre of performance. The book has trained generations of performers at iO Chicago, UCB, and improv programs worldwide, and its emphasis on group mind has influenced ensemble-based theater and television writing rooms alike. Many working comedy writers and performers credit Truth in Comedy as the book that taught them how to think about long-form narrative and collaborative creation. Del Close's philosophical approach to improv as an art form — not just entertainment — elevated the entire field and gave improvisers a sense of artistic purpose.
Pricing & Plans
Truth in Comedy is available in paperback from Meriwether Publishing, typically priced between $12 and $15 for a new copy, with used copies readily available for under $8. Digital editions are available for Kindle and other e-readers at around $10 to $12. There is no official audiobook edition as of 2025. For a book that essentially codified an entire art form and launched countless comedy careers, the price represents extraordinary value. The book is relatively short — around 170 pages — which makes it an easy read that can be completed in a single sitting, though the ideas it contains will take years to fully absorb and implement.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
Truth in Comedy's greatest contribution is its clear articulation of the Harold format, which gave long-form improvisation a repeatable structure that could be taught, practiced, and refined across thousands of performers and programs. The book's central insight — that honest, truthful scenes are inherently funnier than contrived joke-driven ones — is both counterintuitive and profoundly liberating for performers who have been chasing laughs. Close and Halpern write with infectious passion about the transformative potential of improvisation, making the reader genuinely excited to get on stage and try these ideas. The emphasis on listening, agreement, and group mind translates directly to better scene work in scripted acting, making this valuable far beyond the improv stage. The exercises and principles described are immediately actionable and can be practiced in any rehearsal setting. The book also includes insightful anecdotes from some of the most successful performers in comedy history, including alumni like Chris Farley, Mike Myers, and Tina Fey.
What Could Be Better
The book can feel somewhat disorganized in its structure, jumping between philosophical musings, practical exercises, and anecdotes without a clear through-line that some readers may find frustrating. Del Close's personality — brilliant but famously difficult — occasionally overshadows the practical instruction, and some passages read more like hagiography than teaching. The Harold format as described in the book can feel abstract and confusing to readers who have never seen one performed, and the written descriptions do not fully capture the dynamic, in-the-moment nature of long-form improv. Some of the specific examples and references are dated, reflecting the Chicago improv scene of the 1980s and early 1990s rather than the current landscape. The book assumes a certain level of improv experience and may be challenging for complete beginners who have never taken a class. Additionally, the relatively slim page count means that many topics are introduced but not explored in the depth that a dedicated student might want.
Our Recommendation
If you are serious about improvisation — whether as a primary art form or as a skill that enhances your acting — Truth in Comedy is non-negotiable required reading. It is the foundational text of long-form improv and understanding it will give you the vocabulary and framework to succeed in any improv program. Actors who do not specifically study improv but want to improve their listening, spontaneity, and ensemble skills will also find tremendous value here. If you are a complete beginner, consider taking an introductory improv class first, then reading this book to deepen your understanding of what you are experiencing in class. For those who find the Harold format confusing in print, Mick Napier's Improvise offers a more irreverent and accessible alternative perspective on long-form improv.
Pro Tips
Read this book alongside taking improv classes rather than in isolation — the concepts come alive when you can immediately practice them on stage with scene partners. Pay special attention to the chapters on group mind and the game of the scene, as these concepts are the foundation of everything else in long-form improv. After reading, watch recordings of Harold performances at iO or UCB to see the structure in action — many are available on YouTube. Practice the agreement exercises with friends or fellow actors even outside of formal improv settings, as the skills of listening and building on offers are universally applicable. If the book inspires you, seek out Del Close's other teachings through interviews and documentaries — his philosophy of improv as a genuine art form is both inspiring and challenging. Reread the book after six months of improv training and you will be amazed at how much more you understand on the second pass.