Narrative Long-Form
1970s-present · International
Also known as Story-Based Improv, The Quest
An umbrella form — an improvised full-length story with protagonist, inciting incident, rising action, climax, denouement. Often structured via Hero's Journey, Story Spine, or Love/Hope/Death.
Known for
- Distinct from collage-style long-forms (Harold, Montage) — story is the organizing principle, not theme.
- Common structural frames: Keith Johnstone's reincorporation principle, Pixar's Story Spine ('once upon a time... every day... until one day...'), Campbell's Hero's Journey, Love/Hope/Death triad.
- Johnstone's Impro for Storytellers (1999) is the canonical text; Jet City Improv (Seattle) and Hoopla (London) are major teaching centers.
- Stands opposed to 'scene-based' improv — asks what happens next rather than what's the game.
Connected to
Forms
People
Concepts
hero journeystory spine
Schools & Theaters