“My vision is a world of accessible intuition.”  -Viola Spolin

Sidecoach Aretha Sills invites actors, improvisors, teachers, directors, and other players to attend a one-day intensive in New York City on Saturday, April 27th. This 5-hour workshop will explore the improvisational theater games of Viola Spolin, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced performers.

Based on Spolin’s seminal text Improvisation for the Theater, from a lesson plan created by director Paul Sills, the workshop is designed to bring a spirit of spontaneity and play to your work.

Aretha Sills is the granddaughter of Viola Spolin. She studied theater games for many years with her father, director Paul Sills, and has led workshops at Paul Sills’ Wisconsin Theater Game Center, Bard College, Northwestern University, and around the country. She currently lives and teaches in Los Angeles.

When: Saturday, April 27. 10am to 4pm, with a one-hour lunch break at 1pm.

Where: Primary Stages Studio B, 307 West 38th Street, Suite 1510, New York, NY 10018

Tuition: $175. for payment by cash or check, $180. for payment by PayPal.

Registration: The class is full, but to be added to the wait list, please contact by email or phone.

email: aretha_sills@earthlink.net, phone: (323) 559-1355

Quotes about the workshop:

“Aretha is dedicated to preserving the pureness of this technique, which from my point of view assists the actor to find the courage to find themself and then to fly. I believe she has, innately and amazingly, all the elements of the technique of both Viola Spolin and Viola’s son, the extraordinary director, Paul Sills. I have studied with Aretha, and believe me, the thrill lives on.” – Paul Sand, Tony-award winner for Paul Sills’ Story Theater; Original Second City cast member

“Aretha Sills, carrying on the work of Spolin and Sills, is an amazing, insightful side-coach and teacher. We were fortunate enough to take a workshop in L.A. with her and it helped us reconnect with theater game work on a deeper level. She knows her stuff. Can’t wait to work with her again!” – Deb Lacusta & Dan Castellaneta, The Simpsons, actor & writers

“Aretha makes it safe to go where you need to go. Her ability to side coach you into your best work is truly one of the best theatre experiences I have ever had. I cannot recommend her and her teaching skills and knowledge highly enough. Go. Learn. Be inspired. So unlike the Hollywood BS we get from other improv settings, this is the real deal — craft building that will ace any other form for getting you out of your head and into your art from a sense of centered play.” – Devorah Cutler-Rubenstein, Pres., Noble House Entertainment; Founder, The Open Space