The Compass Players: How a 1950s Improv Troupe Changed American Comedy The Compass Players, the first improvisational theater in the United States, changed the way people think about improv and has a lasting legacy in the world of comedy.
How Improv Transforms the Workplace Did you know corporations such as Google and PepsiCo have integrated improv training into their employee development programs? When many companies went remote (and sometimes stayed remote) over the past few years, improv exercises have been able to help pull colleagues and teams together. Companies utilizing improv principles report significant
A Short History of the Upright Citizens Brigade What is the Upright Citizens Brigade and how has it affected improv? In the vibrant realm of Chicago improvisational comedy, the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) emerged as a pioneering force, revolutionizing the art form and leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. The UCB has garnered immense respect
The History and Power of Intermissions You might not have thought about the origins and historical significance of intermissions, yet they play a fascinating and vital role in theater. They provide a valuable opportunity for creative set changes and building anticipation among the audience, as well as allowing for social interactions and concession purchases during the
Influential Figures: Viola Spolin Who Was Viola Spolin? This is a question that opens the door to exploring one of the most transformative figures in the history of theater. Viola Spolin's influence on the domain of theater education and improvisation is nothing short of revolutionary. Her pioneering work irrevocably changed the landscape
A Brief History of Stand-Up Comedy No one knows when the first joke was told, but it probably went something like this: Gathered around a flickering fire, a caveman tripped over a rock and clumsily spilled his handful of berries. A fellow tribe member, seizing the moment, exaggerated the fall with a playful grunt and an
Is the AI Good for Your Venue? I’m sure you’ve heard all about the ‘chat GPTs’ and the ‘models’(not the pretty ones) from some of your nerdy friends. Sometimes they’ll derail entire meetings to hype up this new thing that’s apparently going to ‘change your life’ and ‘take everyone’s jobs’. They