SNL 50 Takeaway? Improv Changes Lives.
My time studying and performing improv with the Second City changed my life. I'm not alone.
After watching the SNL 50th Anniversary show last night, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. The Second City and improv weren’t mentioned a lot, but knowing that performative improv has been the scouting ground for most of the SNL talent for five decades had me thinking about how lucky I am to be a part of that community.
Improv comedy is more than just making people laugh—it's a transformative art form that fosters connection, healing, and personal growth. At the heart of this movement is Viola Spolin, whose groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern improvisation. Her discovery of how theater games can unlock creativity, break down personal barriers, and cultivate genuine human connection has changed not only the comedy world but also countless lives—including my own.
Viola Spolin: The Accidental Pioneer
Born in Chicago in 1906, Viola Spolin began her journey as a theater educator and director. In the 1940s, while serving as the drama supervisor for the Chicago branch of the Works Progress Administration's Recreational Project, she developed "theater games" to help immigrant children and others overcome cultural barriers through play and creativity. Spolin believed that "play touches and stimulates vitality, awakening the whole person—mind, body, intelligence, and creativity."
Her son, Paul Sills, recognized the potential of these techniques as a performance art and co-founded The Second City in Chicago, the now-legendary improv theater that has nurtured some of the greatest comedic talents. By applying his mother’s methods, The Second City became more than a training ground for comedians; it evolved into a laboratory for human connection.
How The Second City Changed Me
My personal journey with improv began when my wife, Debbie, gave me an unexpected Christmas gift: enrollment in The Second City Training Center in Las Vegas. At 29, I was grappling with depression and feeling stuck in my career. This gift became a turning point. Walking into that first class, I discovered a community and a life philosophy centered around being present and listening. Improv compelled me to relinquish control, trust my instincts, and, just as importantly, trust others. It was one of the most liberating and transformative experiences of my life.
Within a year, I transitioned from student to performing six nights a week in Las Vegas, which led to opportunities in Los Angeles, television, film, and eventually founding my own production company. Improv taught me to listen, support, embrace failure gracefully, and remain present—lessons that extend far being a performer on stage.
Improv as a Tool for Connection and Healing
At its core, improv is about saying "yes, and..."—embracing ideas, collaboration, and uncertainty. This simple act of acceptance and progression builds confidence, reduces fear, and fosters deep human connections. Spolin's techniques are now utilized not only in comedy but also in therapy and education. I use them myself constantly in my consulting work and speaking for Vistage International.
Whether you're an aspiring comedian, a business leader, or someone seeking deeper connections, improv offers profound insights. It serves as a reminder that life, like a great scene, is unscripted—but when we support each other and embrace the unknown, incredible things happen.
Viola Spolin's accidental discovery created a ripple effect, transforming lives worldwide—including mine. Improv isn't just about comedy; it's about being fully present and learning to trust, and that's why it changes lives.
Everyone should take an improv class once in your life — especially if it scares you.