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Chip Powell has been with WWT since 1994 and became Artistic Director in 2004. Under his direction, the company has partnered with Chet Burks Productions in creating WWT's Improv show for MavTV. The company has also received awards for "Best First Date" by City Search in 2005 and Reader's Choice Award for "Best Local Improv Group" by The Sunday Paper in 2006. Chip, with his creative team, developed the annual IMPROV IN THE PARK; a free improv show featuring three of Atlanta's top Improv Groups. IITP will be celebrating it's third successful season in Piedmont Park this Summer. Chip thanks everyone at WWT for all of their hard work and dedication but mostly for all the laughs. He would also like to thank Bob, his family, and his family of friends for their love and support. |
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Emily Reily Russell - a native Atlantan, earned a B. A. in theatre and art from Georgia State University. A graduate of the highly acclaimed Actor's Express Internship Program, Emily is also a founding company member and veteran main stage performer at WWIT. She was a featured actor in Whole World's TV projects with Turner South, Castle Rock Entertainment, and MavTV. In 2001, in addition to acting and directing at WWIT, she became the Student Program Director. Emily has since revamped the Adult Six Month Program as well as developed a Quarterly One Day Workshop, The Three Month Program and the Advanced Games Workshop. In 2003, she developed and launched the extremely successful Summer Improv Camp for Kids and the Youth and Teen Improv Programs for WWIT. Also in 2003, in conjunction with Callanwolde Fine Arts Center and The Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Emily started WWIT's longest running Community Outreach Program at Egleston Children's Hospital; Improv in Dialysis. In 2006, Emily became the Managing Director for WWIT. Her duties have expanded since to include marketing and bookings of Private Events and Workshop as well management of WW's 3rd Space Theatre. |
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Ssssssshhhhhhh……We’ve replaced an ordinary brand of improv actor with our own brand of Eric, Chock full o’ Nuts. Let’s see if they notice.
Why Eric, Chock full o’ Nuts? Mainly because Eric is considered to be the nuttiest brand of its kind with a fine blend of various, distinct attributes. Consistently upbeat and energetic, Eric strives to bring excitement, fun and creativity to every show. |
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Thomas joined Whole World its second year in existence. Thomas has a B.A. in Theatre/Directing. He plans in the distant future to move to New York and continue his study in directing. Meanwhile his heart is at Whole World. |
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This is Andy. He is a nice guy and overall is pretty positive and upbeat. Although, on occasion, he can be moody and hypersensitive. He has a weird, unexplained need for acceptance and attention. He likes acting at Whole World because he does not go to a therapist. The only way he can access his subconscious and deal with his unresolved issues is through improv in front of a live audience. Hopefully, one day he will solve his existential dilemma. Andy likes to cover up his true emotions either by adolescent toilet humor or pseudo-intellectual discussions about philosophy, theology, psychology, art, or literature. Andy has a big head, both literally and metaphorically. He loves Jesus, Johnny Cash, and his Jeep, Cici. He does not like the devil, olives, or people who misuse the apostrophe "s." |
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Thomas is a die hard romantic and would like to share all he’s learned over the years with you. So talk to him, so he will know how to love you better. Throughout the flip of the Annual calendar acting credits have included FIED with Lawrence Fishburne, Remember the Titans – Denzel Washington, KRSTN commercials, and Junkyard Wars for the Learning Channel, just to name a few.
Birthplace: Right up the street
Favorite Song: Superfreak
Favorite Food: Free
Least Favorite Thin: You owe me money
I wish you heaven – Thomas |
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After loosing his hand in a horrible wheat-threshing accident, Ethan Smith left the professional thumb-wrestling circuit to pursue his dream of acting. After landing several small-time rolls including, but not limited to, Flying Monkey #8 in "The Wiz 2: Moesha’s Revenge", Bea Arthur’s stunt double in episode #67 of "The Golden Girls" entitled "Blanche has a Secret", and "the teenage Burt" in "The Life and Times of Burt Bacharach", he decided to switch gears and go the way of the stage. Ethan’s undying quest to make a complete ass of himself led him to the nuveau comedic form known as improv acting. Whole World Theatre’s reputation of being one of the finest improv forums in the nation and their close proximity to the interstate sealed the deal for Ethan. After taking several classes at Whole World, he fell in love with performing and has taken residence in the beer coolers ever since. Until he is forced to leave, Ethan will continue to try and master such Whole World favorites as "Sit, Stand, Lean". |
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Julie likes acting. She likes "the stage". She doesn’t want to be known as the "artsy type". She "gets drunk" now and then. She doesn’t "do drugs". She doesn’t like "buff guys", "metro-sexuals", or "bad boys". Don’t ask her "what’s your sign?" or "Can I buy you a drink?" She also hates girls that have horrible personalities because "they think they can" because "they think they are pretty". She is very "self-conscious", she has "low self esteem", she "thinks she’s fat". So if you see her on stage clap for her, clap like you’ve never clapped before.... |
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Once upon a time there was a girl named Lauren... |
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Lauren McGowen went to Norcross High where she was in the "B" group a.k.a. a Thespian—not quite as lame as a band member, but equally as weird. She then went to Auburn, until she realized that if she transferred to UGA and got free tuition, she could get a new car. Done. She got 10 cool points when she joined a sorority and started drinking alcohol, but all was lost when she started working for Moe's and wrapped her car with bright-colored logos. Finally, Lauren found a place where cool was obsolete… where being laughed at was a good thing. Where she could say doodie and throw chairs and still be liked. After over a year of potty talk and throwing things, she has matured slightly and continues to love the art of improv and everything that is Whole World Theatre. If you want Lauren, you can find her in the A. **Or on stage on Friday or Saturday nights most likely in a T-shirt that actually says "if you want me you can find me in the A." |
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There’s a time for love and a time for living. So take a chance and face the wind. An open road and a road that’s hidden, brand new life around the bend. There were times, I lost a dream or two, found the trail, and at the end was you. There’s a path you take and a path not taken. The choice is up to you my friend. Nights are long but you might awaken, to a brand new life, brand new life, brand new life around the bend. We could all use a little more Tony Micelli in our lives. |
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Adam: Hello, My name is Adam, and I am an Improv Actor.
Group: Hello Adam!
Adam: This guy named Eric gave me my first few doses of Improv, and I got hooked. It felt so good and seemed so glamorous at first. Now, I can’t get the monkey off my back. I will clean bathrooms for a little taste of Improv. I’ve been smacked down by emcees just for asking for some Improv. I hang out at bus stations, asking strangers to buzz me. If I am at a party and there are people doing Improv, I have to do it too. Countless mornings, I’ve awoken feeling used, humiliated, and cold because of a hard night of Improv. I used to know who I was. Now, I am just whoever they tell me to be.
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Josh was on top of the world after winning for best supporting actor at Miami Killian Senior high for his portayal of Louie in "Up the Down Staircase." So much so, he reveled in it for 13 years before his truimphant return to the stage at whole world theatre. He lives in East Atlanta and likes fast food burgers with friends. |
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Born in Miami, Florida, raised in Marietta, and a proud UGA graduate, Bryan began is improv journey at Whole World Theatre as both a student and crew volunteer. It was during this time that he acquired his thirst for performing for a live audience. Under the direction of Thomas Boyd, Bryan went on to play 6 very unique characters in the 3rd Space production of Hell Cab in the fall of 2007, and it was here that this thirst became insatiable. Bryan continues to be an enigma, both onstage and in life. Do not be fooled by his “boy next door” looks and child-like charm! He will shock you and he will rock you. He will make you laugh, and he will make you cry. He will inspire you and appall you; and he can do all of this in a matter of minutes. Come see him Tuesdays at 8pm, as we delve deeper into his psyche with such games as “the Buzzer” and “Oscar/Musical”, and attempt to solve the emotional Rubik’s cube simply known as “Bryan”. |
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TJ is a Gemini, he enjoys long walks on the beach, reading and arithmitics. He is also a musician, lover, artist, equal opportunity public spanker and known for his world famous Ramen Noodle Stir Fry. If you see TJ at the Theater or in public, don't be afraid to speak to him, underneath that hard exterior is a little boy...ready to be loved, tickled and tossed in the air |
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Top 10 Reasons Why I've wanted to become an Improv Actor:
1. God knew my people would suffer so He gave us a lifetime of 'cool' as compensation.
2. Whenever I'm feeling down, I sometimes watch "Roots" to remind me of how good I have it.
3 At any time of the day, I am playing my own theme music in my head.
4. Anyone who spends time with me is accepting a certain level of risk and should review their insurance coverage.
5. Yes, Mom. If my friend jumped off a cliff, I would too...because it would be my turn!
6. I'm repeatedly told to use my "inside voice" which leads me to conclude that I don't have one.
7. I have an overactive imagination that can be registered as a lethal weapon in 12 states.
8. I once had to stop dating a girl because she sprinkled the word "yummy" liberally in conversation.
9. I am freakishly strong and possess the God-given ability to sweat on command.
10. As a child, I found out that the flu and laughter are highly contagious and will get you out of class if you try to spread them around. |
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Codename Hoover Wind was abducted as an infant by the Weapon SC program stationed in a secret underground lab in Ottawa, Canada. Programmed by reruns of every sketch comedy show ever, Hoover became a grim n' gritty deadly force anti-hero trapped in a world he never created. When Whole World Theatre vanquished the evil Canadian operation, and rescued the slouching super-soldier, he decided to become a force for good. With his courage, diligence, and ability to turn the surrounding atmosphere into pop culture references, he has become an invaluable member of Tuesday Group Force X Team. Hoover is a Level 20 Humormancer. He only takes half damage when in play against a Snyder card, but is not immune to a Bethany Higgins Magic Missile Attack.
Agility:6
Dialects:8
Christopher Walken:1 |
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Mark Sungliedong Korbieh - Born really close to Kilimanjaro; almost baptized in the holy waters of the river Volta; schooled in the best second rate elementary schools and high schools in Germany, Ghana, and Maryland; obtained a BA in Economics and Computer Science from the SEC's best school for football (VU). Currently living in Atlanta, Mark received first rate acting classes from the finest acting school in the city; he can be seen, starting in april, on Tuesday (Singles) nights at Whole World Theatre. |
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Steve "Lock" Franks
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Tammy Harper
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Tammy has played the piano for over 25 years and loves to "dance, shout and shake her body down to the ground"! She is also of the belief that flowers are very pretty, and beautiful blue sky is happiness. When not on ’shrooms, Tammy loves combing her hair and looking at it in the mirror. She is a pretty girl and she knows it, but unlike most selfish folk, she’s very glad that others can appreciate that as well. Tammy is a giver - once she styled her sister’s hair, and only charged her $40 for her time!
Tammy loves kids, and for very important events she baby-sits her niece and nephew for less than market rates. She one day wants to have kids too, as long as the live-in nanny doesn’t park in the driveway, or use her hair products.
Tammy enjoys travel; she’s gone on many fun vacations and enjoys good times spent at fabulous locations and resorts in various countries. One day Tammy hopes to go on one of these trips with someone.
Tammy is a diligent hard worker with several jobs and responsibilities, which she is lucky to have in her field of music. In a typical week she may have to work at up to four jobs, where she shows up and sleepwalks through menial piano parts then demands lots money while smiling. On many occasions, the money is also earned.
Tammy is a good person who loves her parents. Once year during Christmas, she finally returned a phone a call from her father, who was overjoyed. Tammy’s mother is very proud of her as well. This year she sent Tammy a birthday card with the correct first name on it. |
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Kevin Little started his music career at the age of 11, when he began playing clarinet in his elementary school band. He continued playing the instrument throughout high school and into college. His music instruction on the clarinet led to his teaching himself how to play the piano/keyboard. Kevin is celebrating 10 years as keyboardist for Atlanta’s acclaimed Whole World Theatre comedy improv troupe, appearing one weekend per month at the celebrated Spring St. venue. He also serves as one of the resident DJs at Amsterdam, a new dance club/video bar located in Atlanta’s Amsterdam Walk village. Kevin’s DJ career began in 2002, when he began learning his spinning skills from Q-100 club DJ Andre Perry. He subsequently spun for House Music, a private party held in Buckhead, and the past two holiday bashes for Whole World Theatre. His 2002 CD A Better Trip served as the foundation for an October 2002 dance party held at The Village in Osaka, Japan. In addition to spinning dance music, Kevin also spins lounge, chill-out, down-tempo and light house music. He has spun lounge music for such events as the 2004 HRC Sponsor’s Banquet and the 2005’s Summer Chill-Out event in North Atlanta. Kevin lives in Atlanta with his partner, Tat, and their dog, Yamato. |
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(“That’s ‘beer’ spelled backwards”) Bertha Bodine recalls the time in 1928 she and her friend, Francis were on the train from Cairo to Luxor on their sightseeing trip of Egypt. “We were eating the biggest, reddest strawberries which we had bought in Cairo. A tall beautifully handsome Italian man came to our compartment and asked if he may accompany us to our destination. Of course, we said ‘yes’, anticipating some grand adventure lying ahead. The stranger settled into his seat and began reading a book of Byron’s poetry. Francis and I rode in silence, scarcely able to utter a word to each other as we savored our exquisite strawberries. When we arrived in Luxor, the mysterious man quickly left, leaving me breathless.” (Please note that this mysterious man was not Dave Reeb, however, Dave may very well be seen playing keyboard at WWT on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Please be kind to him…he’s very fragile) |
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Matt is not:
funny
creative
an actor.
Matt is:
slightly attractive
slightly drunk
usually confused
Matt likes:
shiny things
watching people fall down
bartenders
Matt does not like:
big words
the dentist
last call
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Leah Farmer
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Leah enjoys talking about herself in second and third person but prefers that you refer to her in the first person. She also enjoys cooking, cleaning, and being barefoot and pregnant, although she has never done any of those things. Leah has enjoyed her torrid affair with Whole World and enjoys being the mistress in the bar closet. She has also performed for a little while and has taken more classes than anyone, even Einstein, could count. In addition to mopping a mean bathroom and secretly loving the smell of imitation pine sol, Leah can also catch a water bottle in her cleavage. Its pretty spectacular…unless she misses…then it’s messy…but luckily, Leah knows how to mop.
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Brian Chapman is a left-handed Gemini with a heart of gold. At least that’s what people tell him. He has a lucky belt buckle: you can rub it for good luck if you like. In his life, he’s been a DJ, a movie critic, and now, an improv actor. Oh yeah. Before he croaks, he wants an action figure made in his likeness, along with a Whole World Theatre playset, which would include working lights, a crowd laughter button, and a (re)movable drunken audience member. |
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Annie is in New York City. Watch her on Spike TV. http://www.thelancekrallshow.com |
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Jamarie is a quirky creature. Yes, she is a creature, molded from the most expensive Indian clays and decorated with the rarest Austrailian crystals any man has ever touched. And believe us, she is worth every penny. Jamarie believes that she is special and special comes from the inside. You will often hear her saying "true that" and "right on". Right now, she is trying a new phrase, "I am the truth and I am raw". She thanks Thomas Elliot. for that. Jamarie is generous and loves to give hugs. So, next time you see her, give her a hug. You need one as much as she does. |
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Catch Anna on VH1's "Free Radio". |
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Jenny, Where are you? What are you up to? |
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Joe Herbert’s intense desire to interact with other humans led him down to Whole World Theatre for a friend’s birthday party in August of 2001. He was completely enamored with what he saw, yet he avoided even the thought of becoming involved in such an amazing place. Finally, one year later and at the end of his second unmarketable college degree, he enrolled in an improv class at Whole World. There he made wonderful friends and found a new sense of fulfillment by entertaining some of Atlanta’s most intoxicated and most perverted audiences known. He hopes to continue this trend for many years to come. He is very thankful to his supportive family and friends who always encouraged him to finally do something that he absolutely loves and is the easiest thing he has ever done. |
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One word, P.I.M.P. Watch him on Spike TV. http://www.thelancekrallshow.com |
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Karen Ceesay is an actress, writer, producer and director. She began her career at age ten studying theater and dance at Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia, PA and went on to receive her B.A. Theatre from Spelman College. She then served on the Board of Directors for Women In Film/Atlanta for three years and currently teaches on-camera acting and improv at yourACT On-Camera in Decatur. She has also coached actors on auditions for various film & television projects both in Atlanta and Los Angeles. She has shot several television pilots and currently works on various film and video projects throughout the Southeast. Karen lives in Atlanta with her husband Madikey (DK), a chef and their son Ronald Musa and is excited to be back at Whole World. |
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Kalen is somewhere in the United States, I think… |
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Kris is from Alabama and yes, the skies there are so blue. Everyone should grab their passport and take a safari to explore the beautiful topography and wildlife in that region of the country. She came to Whole World Theatre with a laugh in her heart over 6 years ago and hasn’t been the same since. In college she was quarterback of the intramural football team and was also on the dance-team, until she got the two confused and was injured while trying to Cha-Cha on the 20 yard-line. She is a writer by day and funny girl by night. She loves her Mom, Dad, Emily, Val, Ghast, and a few others that won’t be mad that their names weren’t mentioned. Her fave things are dancing, camping, South Park, Disney animations and SEC football. She loves all that is good and believes everyone, no matter how poopie, has goodness in them. She also hopes to save the world one day. Wish her luck and enjoy the show…… |
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Lance is in L.A. now making movies and tv shows. Watch his new show on Spike TV. http://www.thelancekrallshow.com |
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Laura loves to make people laugh. She has been doing it since she was a wee babe when she would dance to the rhythm of the water sloshing in the dishwasher just because it was her own music. She walks to the beat of the water in the dishwasher. Whoa. That’s kind of profound. She prefers to live life in the now, and can’t remember the yesterday. She’s been focusing on “living it” for quite some time now, and as far as what that means, you’ll just have to ask her. She is friendly, and sometimes it is hard to catch her, but when you do she’ll be happy to sit down and share a danish with you. |
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Mr. Snow is in New York City. JAZZ HANDS!!! |
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Sweeney is in L.A. rocking out!!! Watch him on Spike TV. http://www.thelancekrallshow.com |
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Phil is in L.A. making people laugh… not at him, with him… well… and maybe at him. Watch him on Spike TV. http://www.thelancekrallshow.com |
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R.T. is a man. He was born and raised as a man. He has hair on his chest. He has facial hair. He talks in a deep manly voice. He acts like a man (but can act like a woman when needed). He walks like a man. He scratches himself like a man. He has a penis. R.T. is a man, don't like anyone tell you different. |
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Rob is in L.A. and kicking everyone's ass. Watch him on Spike TV. http://www.thelancekrallshow.com |
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Sarah Baker gained notoriety for creating the pigeon-people, a small population of men and women with gray, spotted wings. After quietly moving their entire population to an undisclosed location in the Southwest, Ms. Baker gave up a promising career in genetic engineering to pursue her dreams on the stage. Watch her on Spike TV. http://www.thelancekrallshow.com |
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Simon was snuck into this country on a small mold-infested fisherman's boat with nothing more than his family and the clothes off his back. It was all he could do to survive, and not be eaten by the inhabitants of the ship. However, Simon found that whenever he was backed into a corner by hungry chinamen, nothing saved his ass more than a good improv scene. Simon, at that defining moment in his life, guaranteed his family safe passage into the greatest country in the world…AMERICA.
Consequently, Simon's improv was so fresh and so clean, that he soon adopted the nickname of "FRESH". He had fought so hard for and earned everyone's respect aboard the ship, that he was granted the greatest honor of all; he was to be the first to set foot onto the soil of freedom.
As all the chinamen stood, with tears rolling down their yellow-skinned cheeks, they watched him go. And even to this day, the great words that his fellow shipmates uttered as Simon walked onto the shore still remains,
"FRESH off the boat." |
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Tiffany has moved on to California. Good luck Tiffany from all of us here at Whole World Theatre. |
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Wes, Where are you? What are you doing? |
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Chad is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. He has called Atlanta home since graduating from East Carolina University in 1999. He considers himself very lucky to have his best friends and family so close to him. He owes a lot to them for always being there. Chad loves dogs, movies, and making people laugh. He starting taking classes at Whole World in March of 2004 and quickly fell in love with Improv. Now a member of the Main Stage he plans on honing his skills before moving to either New York or Hollywood. Come see a show and tell him how much you loved it (lie if you have to). |
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Justin is just a guy who unwittingly stumbled into improv acting. He had no intentions of stepping on stage, he was content cleaning the place up and filming the shows. But one day a true visionary of the theatre noticed his unparralled gift of sarcasm and wit. After many words of encouragement Justin finally gave in and became what he hated most, an actor. Now this film major at Georgia State University lives and thrives off of the comedic art that is improv. Don’t worry he didn’t forget his roots and you can still see him clean up the place on most Saturday nights. It is still yet to be determined which is more entertaining to watch, his acting or his mopping. |
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Blair is a compulsive liar. Do not believe him if he tells you: that he is bald, that he went to UGA, that he enjoys acting at Whole World, that he prefers Pepsi over Coke, that he drinks human blood for eternal life, that he works as a financial analyst, that he hates cats, or that Red Bull gives him wings. However, since his bio is written in 3rd person, it’s validity is contaminated. Applause. Bow. Vomit. |
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Oddly enough, Gil Rogers is actually standing up straight in the picture you see here. |
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David Webster
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David Webster, Whole World Theatre founder, creator, and original artistic director (1993-2004), trained with several improv comedy troupes in Chicago including The Second City. In 1992, Webster left Chicago to live in a tent on the island of Kauai for six months where he designed the original vision for Whole World. In 1993, Webster moved to Atlanta. He began teaching his style of emotional, experiential, and often times long form improv. After several months of training, Webster named the group Whole World Theatre, and booked the troupe for their first performances at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Georgia. In December 1994, Webster wrote two plays, "Pimps, Queens, and Dope Fiends" and "Bloodclot Bingo," He directed and emceed two nights per week of improv and produced a dinner theater of "Crimes of the Heart" on Saturdays. By 1995, Webster secured Whole World's present location at 1216 Spring St. For seven years, he continued to write, direct, teach and emcee the shows. By 1999, Whole World was making comedy for television. Webster sold the show to Turner South. Webster was fortunate enough to write and direct a 35 mm piece for TBS which won two Regional Emmy Awards. Eventually, the show was sold to Castle Rock Entertainment. In 2002, Webster started a new troupe back on the island of Kauai. In 2004, he and Jennifer Horne moved to Virginia where she runs a comedy troupe and Webster makes independent films.
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