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Viola Spolin is Born
An important innovator of the American theater in the 20th century. She created directorial techniques to help actors to be focused in the present moment and to find choices improvisationally, as if in real life.These exercises were later called "Theater Games" and formed the first body of work that enabled other directors and actors to create improvisational theater. -
Del P. Close is Born
Del Close, who many Improv actors name as their inspiration, was born in Manhattan, Kensas. -
Paul Sills founds Playwright's Theater Club in Chicago
Paul Sills, son of Viola Spolin, a student in the University of Chicago, starts a small theater company. -
Paul Sills, Howard Alk, Bernie Sahlins meet.
From 1955- 1959, the three partners pave their way into establishing The Second City. They are also the first directors of the theater. -
The Second City Theater Opens
The Second City Theater opens. Is the first on-going improvisational theater troupe in the United States. The company produces shows for Canada, as well, based in Chicago, originally, later on expanding to Los Angeles and Toronto. The Second City quickly became a platform for many of today's comedians and award-winning actors to start-out. -
First Saturday Night Live episode airs
The American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show, premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title NBC's Saturday Night. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the -
Andrew Alexander Becomes Owner of Second City Chicago
Second City's Toronto location was failing. Alexander offered to assume the Toronto theatre's debts in exchange for the rights to operate The Second City in Canada. Bernie Sahlins agreed, and in 1974 Andrew Alexander took over The Second City Toronto. In 1985 Alexander becomes owner of Second City Chicago and has been managing it actively since. -
MARK LONOW opens up "IMPROV" Comedy Clubs
After twenty years of being a single standing dinner and show place, the Improv opens its branches in 7 US cities, expanding to a brand name status - going mainstream. -
Gerald Ownes starts Laughing Gas
Laughing Gas begin its' journey. Well into 2011. -
JUST THE FUNNY Theatre opens its doors
Just The Funny has been performing improv comedy in Miami since its creation in January 1999. The founders are a group of veteran improv performers with a vision of keeping the art of live improv comedy theatre flourishing in Miami. -
THEY Improv - Todd Rice joins the game
They Improv, a baby of Todd Rice's imagination become a nationwide opertion. -
Casey Casperson starts Sick Puppies Comedy
Sick Puppies Comedy is South Florida’s newest improvisational comedy troupe, and we are proud to call Boca Raton our home. Read more here: http://events.miamiherald.com/boca_raton_fl/events/show/289798625-sick-puppies-comedy#storylink=cpy
