Improvisation for Actor Training and Performance in 20th Century America (with Special Emphasis on the Spolin and Sills Tradition)

Author

Jeff David Brone, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

1990

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Theatre

Advisor

Walter J. Meserve

Committee Members

Marvin Carlson

Daniel Gerould

Subject Categories

Theatre and Performance Studies

Abstract

This dissertation explores the methods and value of using improvisation to train actors in their craft and to help them perform scripted material more effectively. The period and place covered is primarily America in the 20th century. The dissertation also analyzes the use of improvisation from a theoretical, historical and practical perspective and discusses the work of various acting teachers and companies who use (or used) improv to create theatre and who have been influenced by the basic teachings of Spolin, Sills or, in some significant instances, Stanislavski.

After a brief introductory chapter on the use of improv in the late 19th century, the dissertation compares and contrasts various theories of improvisation, including those of Constantin Stanislavski, Viola Spolin, Lee Strasberg and Keith Johnstone. This analysis uncovers both a theoretical basis for improv training for actors and some historical progression of the methods used. Then, in separate chapters, groups and people important to the topic are discussed. The Compass Players of the 1950's are discussed, as are The Second City Company of Chicago, IL and the Open Theatre of New York. The contributions of Paul Sills and David Shepherd as teachers of improv are shown, as well as the uses of improvisation by directors such as Terry Schreiber and Sheldon Patinkin. There is a chapter utilizing the comments of contemporary actors and their views on the value and use of improvisation for actor training, as well as a short concluding chapter.

This dissertation makes use of much published material, including books and reviews of performances, as well as twenty personal interviews (conducted by the author) with acting teachers, actors and directors.

Comments

Digital reproduction from the UMI microform.

Recommended Citation

Brone, Jeff David, "Improvisation for Actor Training and Performance in 20th Century America (with Special Emphasis on the Spolin and Sills Tradition)" (1990). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5608