Watch Inventing improv Panel wIth Alan alda, bob balaban, frances callier, mark larson, jude leak, angela Shelton & arethA sills

On October 21, 2021, WTTW previewed INVENTING IMPROV, the newest documentary and website in its CHICAGO STORIES series, which will explore the life and legacy of Viola Spolin, the social-worker-turned-theater innovator who gave improvised theater to the world. During this exclusive virtual event, we went behind the scenes with Jude Leak, producer and writer of the film, who led a conversation featuring Aretha Sills, granddaughter of Viola Spolin and daughter of Second City co-founder Paul Sills; Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner Alan Alda; Academy Award nominee Bob Balaban; actress, producer, writer, and comedian Frances Callier; comedian and actress Angela V. Shelton; and historian Mark Larson. The panel offered a sneak peek at the documentary and discussed Spolin’s life and legacy, improv’s evolution, and its eventual ascendance to the national stage through movies and television. Inventing Improv premieres on all WTTW platforms on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 8:00 pm on all WTTW platforms. Visit the companion website at wttw.com/improv. #improvWTTW