Paul Sills's passing

[Gary Schwartz]

The mother of Improv's son, Paul Sills, who did much to make improv a force in the theater as its own artform, died June 1st. He was 80.

I'm here in Norway at a confence that would not even be possible were it not for this man. He shaped the first group of professional improvisers and the careers of many important figures in modern entertainment. Mike Nichols, Alan Arkin, Elaine May, Richard Libertini, Melinda Dillon, and Second City in general.

I knew Paul to be like his mother in one important way: If you trod upon the holy ground of real improvisation and did not observe what was needed, they howled at the trespass. Many think they were mad at the trespassers, but I know it was the pain of having missed the mark in entering the unknown that Improv opens the door for.

To me it is a personal loss. I was very close to Viola and through her, I had a very close tie to Paul. He was brilliant, dedicated and true to his vision. A giant in the world of Improvisation and Theater.

I mourn his loss and will miss him.

Gary
Trondheim, June 2 2008

[Gunnar Strand]

We are saddened to hear about Paul Sills' passing, having just started the journey into his and his mothers work through Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you that knew him. His passing is a huge loss, but we thank him and are deeply grateful for his contribution to improv. His vision will live on through all who are inspired by his work.

On behalf of Oslo Impro
Gunnar

[Karen L. Hirst]

Having studied and worked at The Second City in the 70's , I was introduced to the brilliant work of Viola Spolin and of her son Paul Sills, the founder of Storybook Theater. His influence in the world of improvisation cannot be measured in words. All of us our deeply indepted to Paul and his mother Viola. He will be missed but his work lives on.