Whole World Improv Theatre Celebrates 30 Years
ATL’s Flagship Improv Experience Brings Joy and Laughter to Thousands
09/05/2024
Since 1994, Whole World Improv Theatre has been Atlanta's flagship destination for improvisational comedy. The production operated out of many different venues before landing on Spring Street in Midtown. And as the district has grown, so has Whole World's following. This fall, Whole World Improv Theatre celebrates 30 years of joy and laughter, with plans to keep audiences rolling in the aisles for many more to come.
A Pipeline for Talent and a Launching Pad for Hollywood Careers
Formed by a dedicated and talented core of actors, Whole World provides award-winning improv, workshops, classes, camps and jams to thousands. Whole World is the artistic home for over 50 company members who serve as performers, crew members and class instructors. Throughout its tenure in the heart of Midtown, Whole World has spawned successful comedy careers in Hollywood writers rooms, TV and film.
“In comedy, you want your improvisors to move on, because it means that you’ve inspired them and given them a voice,” said Chip Powell, artistic director. “While we’ve maintained a strong ensemble base, we have had performers start out in our kids camp and gone on to become adult actors in Hollywood.”
Whole World alumni, members and students are made up of acclaimed actors, voice over and musical artists, puppeteers, writers, directors and producers for both TV and film.
From Sarah Baker (The Kominsky Method, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Big Little Lies), to Michael Snow (Survivor), Lance Krall (The Joe Schmo Show, The Lance Krall Show, The Cindy Margolis Show, Free Radio); husband-and-wife team Anna Vocino and Loren Tarquinio (Jimmy Kimmel Live!), Rob Poynter (Conan), Phil Cater (Sweet Home Alabama, For Evan’s Sake), Tiffany Jeneen (Ballers, How to Get Away With Murder, Jane the Virgin), Karen Ceesay (Walking Dead, The Intern) and Chris Thomas Hayes (Sesame Street, The Vampire Diaries), Whole World has emerged as a pipeline to Hollywood.
At Home in Midtown
Throughout its 30 years, Managing Director Emily Russell has seen Whole World evolve from its earliest performances in front of 25 people at Eddie’s Attic to taking the stage in its current 100-seat home on Spring Street – first in seats recovered from the Omni, to today, when audiences sit at custom built tables.
"Midtown just seemed so accessible," Russell said about the search for a permanent home near the interstate in the mid-1990s. "We got to be early adopters, and the growth over time has just been incredible."
Today, Whole World performs five improv shows weekly, on Thursday at 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m.
Both Powell and Russell were among Whole World’s first full-time hires.
“Atlanta - and particularly Midtown - has embraced our small but mighty theater and we’d like to think that we’ve enriched the city through laughter,” said Russell. “With every milestone, we’re reminded how much comedic talent there is in our city and what an incredible launchpad Whole World has provided to writers and performers.”
Homecoming Weekend!
After countless awards, packed houses and so many belly laughs, Whole World will celebrate 30 years during “Homecoming Weekend” on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12.
According to Russell, the shows will be performed by the current ensemble and special guest appearances by Whole World alumni. the Friday 8pm show will have limited seats available for the public, with ticket info to be posted at wholeworldtheatre.com. Saturday will be a special event with live music by The Susi French Connection, including food trucks, a photo booth and more.
