Improv U Shortform Manual
Our free guide to performing and calling shortform improv shows, written by Improv U’s instructors for students and performers.
No sign-up needed. 144 KB PDF.
18 pages on putting on a shortform show
Written by Improv U founder Anthony Francis, the manual (titled Improv U Performance and Hosting Manual inside) walks you from planning a show to calling each game on stage. Most sections end with an exercise you can practice with your group.
Planning your show
Questions to answer before you start: cast size, rehearsals, promotion, tickets, tech and insurance.
Hosting & calling
Command the room, follow the 10-second rule, handle a heckler and “burn” tired suggestions.
Performing shortform
Bring the energy, keep good back-line etiquette, play clean and know when to end a game.
Pre-show & openings
Build a rundown sheet, use a ready-made opening script and warm up the crowd with quick cast intros.
Game guides
How to call and play favorites like New Choice, Half Life, Carpool and Four Corners, with caller and player tips.
Quick-fire bits
Short audience-driven bits like World’s Worst and Nickname in College to fill a set.
Made for performers and hosts
Performers
Getting ready for a shortform show and want to know how it runs.
Show callers & hosts
Learning to call a show: setting up games and working with the audience.
Improv students
Taking classes and want a reference for what comes after.
Teams & troupes
Starting a shortform group and want a shared playbook.
Break legs out there
— Anthony Francis, Founder, Improv U
Improv U Shortform Manual
Ready to get on stage?
Reading about improv is a start. Playing it is where it clicks.
- $10 drop-in class every Tuesday at 6:30 pm in Winter Park. No sign-up needed.
- Free Monday Jam, open practice to play scenes with other improvisers.
- Advanced Improv for Performance, an 8-class course that ends with a featured performance.
© 2026 Improv U · Winter Park, Florida · Improv classes