Opening Sources
The methods by which a long-form improvisation piece generates its initial inspiration and thematic material. Common opening sources include monologues (as in the Armando), invocations, organic group openings, pattern games, and audience suggestions. The opening source provides the raw material that scenes throughout the piece explore, heighten, and connect back to.
Further Reading
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Creating Improvised Theatre
Tools, Techniques, and Theories
Mark Jane
Theatrical Improvisation
Short Form, Long Form, and Sketch-Based Improv
Jeanne Leep
Teaching Improv
The Essential Handbook
Mel Paradis
The Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Improvisation Manual
Matt Besser; Ian Roberts; Matt Walsh
Long Form Improvisation and American Comedy
The Harold
Matt Fotis
Acting Through Improv
Improv Through Theatresports
Lynda Belt; Rebecca Stockley
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Opening Sources. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/learn-improv/concepts/opening-sources
The Improv Archive. "Opening Sources." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/learn-improv/concepts/opening-sources.
The Improv Archive. "Opening Sources." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/learn-improv/concepts/opening-sources. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.