Spolin, Viola (1906–1994)

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Spolin, Viola (1906–1994)

American acting teacher and author. Born Nov 7, 1906; died Nov 22, 1994, in Los Angeles, CA; children: Paul Sills (b. 1927, actor).

Considered the doyenne of improvisational comedy, taught dramatics to children and adults (1930s), then published Improvisations for the Theatre, which has been used to train generations of actors; son Paul Sills used the techniques while molding Compass Players, Second City, and his revue Story Theatre.