Today we’d like to introduce you to John Stoops.
Improvisational theater was born on the corner of 55th Street and University Avenue. In 1955, the Compass Players performed at this location and initially presented short, scripted “plays” at the back of a bar. One night, the theater was performing for a capacity crowd. The bartender, Fred Wranovics, pulled director Paul Sills aside and asked him to extend the show so he could sell another round of drinks. Without any additional scripted material prepared, Sills decided to present a third act comprised entirely of improvisational games that the company had been using in rehearsal. Needless to say, it was a huge success. Soon, the Compass Players ditched scripted material altogether in favor of improvised performances that became known for pointed social satire and political commentary. By 1958, the group splintered. Company members Mike Nichols, Elaine May and Shelly Berman went to New York where they quickly gained national acclaim. Director Paul Sills moved north and co-founded The Second City.
In the subsequent 59 years, improvisational comedy has become a cornerstone of the global entertainment industry directly influencing theatre, film and television programming around the world.
In 2015, improv comedy returned to its birthplace on the corner of 55th Street and University Ave. in Hyde Park exactly 60 years after it first appeared. Welcome to The Revival.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would never describe a new business start-up as a “smooth road.” But, it has been incredibly gratifying and we couldn’t have asked for a better reception from the community.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Revival – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Revival is a theater and education company that was founded at the birthplace of improvisation in Hyde Park. The Revival uses improvisation – and its underlying skill set – to affect personal, professional and social change on Chicago’s South Side. Since inception, we have offered live theatrical performances to audiences from across the community and beyond. Additionally, The Revival has developed and executed improv-based training workshops in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), The Laboratory Schools, UChicago Charter Schools, The University of Chicago, University of Chicago Hospitals and others. These workshops have been designed to deliver a number of positive outcomes including:
• Trust among the group
• Acceptance of new ideas
• Attentive listening
• Spontaneity without revision or critical judgment
• Storytelling to develop a narrative
• Nonverbal communication
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Best – the food; the lake; the collective sense of humor
Least – the segregation and the vast disparities from one neighborhood to the next
Contact Info:
- Address: 1160 E. 55th St.
Chicago, IL 60615 - Website: www.the-revival.com
- Email: theater@the-revival.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/revivalcomedy
- Twitter: facebook.com/revivalcomedy
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
