Paul Sills

Paul Sills was an influential American theater director and playwright, best known for his role in developing improvisational theater. Born in 1927, he co-founded The Second City in Chicago, a renowned comedy troupe that emphasized improvisation as a central element of performance. Sills was instrumental in shaping modern comedy and training prominent comedians, including those who became famous on television and in film. His work emphasized creativity and spontaneity, allowing actors to explore their characters freely, which helped redefine American theater and comedy in the 20th century. Sills passed away in 2008, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.