Directing Improv

Asaf Ronen's Directing Improv: Show the Way By Getting Out of the Way is a practical, ego-busting, and highly influential guide designed for directors, coaches, and troupe leaders who want to master the delicate art of guiding an unscripted ensemble. Published in 2024, the book is a manifesto against the control-freak director. Ronen argues that the traditional tools of the theater director—blocking, line readings, and strict vision—are often counterproductive in improv. Instead, the improv director must act as a gardener, creating the fertile conditions for the work to grow rather than forcing it into a pre-conceived shape. The book is filled with actionable advice on how to foster a culture of trust and high-stakes risk-taking without becoming a dictator.

The work is organized around the lifecycle of the improv troupe, from auditions and rehearsals to the run of the show and the inevitable burnout. Ronen provides a detailed guide on Sideline Coaching, teaching the director how to intervene in a scene effectively without killing the momentum. He introduces the concept of The Third Eye, the ability of the director (and eventually the ensemble) to see the structure of the show as it is emerging and to make adjustments in real-time. The book is particularly noted for its focus on Notes, offering a rigorous protocol on how to give feedback that is actionable, specific, and empowering rather than vague or critical. He helps directors distinguish between a bad choice and a necessary failure, framing mistakes as essential data points for the group's growth.

The text is written in a direct, instructional, and characteristically coach-friendly voice, filled with anecdotal case studies from the author's decades of teaching. It addresses the human side of the work as well, including how to manage egos, how to fire a player (with kindness), and how to keep a long-running show fresh. Directing Improv serves as a vital guide for any serious leader looking to build a sustainable and creatively vibrant ensemble. It remains one of the few books dedicated entirely to the specific craft of directing improvisation, making it an essential resource for the community.

Directing Improv has been praised for its humility and its practical wisdom. Reviewers often highlight Ronen's ability to articulate the invisible work of the director. It is frequently cited as a must-read for anyone who steps off the stage to stand in the back of the room. The book challenges the reader to let go of control in order to gain influence, a paradox that lies at the heart of great leadership.