The Compass Players (or Compass Theater) was an improvisational theatre revue active from 1955 to 1958 in Chicago and St. Louis. Founded by David Shepherd and Paul Sills, it is considered to be the first improvisational theater in the United States.

History

Shepherd and Sills

The Compass Players, founded by David Shepherd and Paul Sills, was the first improvisational theatre in America.<!--Bartender Fred Wranovics asked if they could make the show longer so he could sell another round of drinks, and the actors, not having any more material prepared, seized on the idea of creating material based on audience suggestions. This part of the show proved to be an overwhelming success, to such an extent that it took over the show.-->

Shepherd, in Mark Siska's documentary Compass Cabaret ’55, about the birth of modern improvisation, stated his reasons for founding the Compass Players, “Theater in New York was very effete and based on three-act plays and based on verbiage and there was not much action,” he said. “I wanted to create a theater that would drag people off the street and seat them not in rows but at tables and give them something to drink, which was unheard of in [American] theater.”

thumb|right|Original announcement in Chicago's [[Hyde Park Herald shows first performance scheduled for Friday, July 8, 1955 at The Compass tavern, formerly at 1152 E. 55th (not to be confused with Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap to the east).]]

Evolution of Improvisation

Initially, scenes were presented only once, but some of the players grew interested in polishing material into finished pieces. For example, Mike Nichols and Elaine May created many of their signature scenes in this manner. Shelley Berman also found that he could create solo routines by showing one half of telephone conversations.

Crystal Palace

The Compass Players also opened its doors at the Crystal Palace in St. Louis, where Theodore J. Flicker, Nichols and May, along with Del Close, further developed principles that guided improvisational players.

Notable alumni

  • Alan Alda
  • Jane Alexander
  • Rose Arrick
  • Ed Asner
  • Sandy Baron
  • Shelley Berman
  • Roger Bowen
  • Joy Carlin
  • Del Close
  • Bob Coughlan
  • Severn Darden
  • Bob Dishy
  • Andrew Duncan
  • Theodore J. Flicker
  • Barbara Gordon
  • Mark Gordon
  • Valerie Harper
  • Barbara Harris
  • Linda Lavin
  • Ron Leibman
  • Elaine May
  • Anne Meara
  • Mike Nichols
  • Byrne Piven
  • Joyce Hiller Piven
  • David Shepherd
  • Yuki Shimoda
  • Paul Sills
  • Paul Sand
  • Jerry Stiller

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(Please note: the following sources were used to cite and authenticate the above list of Compass Players)

  1. Mark Siska's documentary Compass Cabaret ’55

See also

  • Improvisational theatre
  • List of improvisational theatre companies

References

Further reading