The Viola Spolin Essentials with Gary Schwartz

Spontaneity, Awareness, Transformation. Viola Spolin is the undisputed founder of modern American improvisation. Most of the principles, exercises and approaches to teaching improvisation at all levels stem directly from her legendary work, Improvisation for the Theater. As Viola said, the games and points of concentration she designed can help improvisers from beginning to advanced “transcend the thinking process and knock on the door of the intuition.”

Don’t miss a rare chance to learn from one of the few Spolin master teachers who is a direct protégé of Viola, continuing her life’s work with her full faith and endorsement. Distill your craft to the pure building blocks of improv. This workshop is a great opportunity for veteran improvisers looking to expand creatively by connecting with the training that started it all. See the power of Spolin’s work in action to focus the mind, body and play. Learn to collaborate meaningfully with improvisers of all experience levels. For teachers and coaches, take this session to add some foundational Spolin tools to your teaching/directing toolbox. Gary leads Spolin workshops around the country; we’re thrilled to host this special class at ImprovBoston.

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$65 per person. Maximum: 22 students

Day/Time: Saturday 11AM - 2PM

Class Dates: October 3, 2015

Student Showcase: None

Class Location: Main Theater

Bio:

Gary Schwartz was mentored by Viola Spolin herself. He studied with and then taught for Ms. Spolin in Los Angeles for 15 years. He is co-founder and director of The Spolin Games Players, a group of established actors (including Dan Castelanetta and Edie McClurg) performing Improv in Los Angeles since 1988. Winners of the 1989 DramaLogue Award for best ensemble. The L.A. Times called the show "brilliant and exhilarating." LA Magazine gave the show 4 1/2 stars. They continue to perform in California.

Gary has pursued a dramatic acting career, highlighted by his performance in the award winning film, QUEST FOR FIRE. Recently he appeared in "WHITE FACE" an independent short film by Brian MacDonald, produced in Seattle and currently airing on HBO. On television, Gary has a co-starring role to Ben Vareen on Hallmark Properties' Emmy winning ZOOBILEE ZOO as Bravo Fox.

He was half of the comedy team, SCHWARTZ & CHUNG. They performed in Los Angeles and around the U.S. for 17 years, appearing on TV numerous times with their comedy. The latest being regular contributors to America’s Funniest People in nine original comedy segments called “Cool Ways to Scare Your Mom.”

He also created Intuitive Learning Systems (www.intuitivelearningsys.org) whose purpose is to promote the work of his mentor; offering workshops for professional and aspiring actors and educators as well as conducting special workshops for business, to enhance communication and creativity in the workplace.