Gary Schwartz

A master improvisational acting coach whose 30 years as a performer and Improv teacher has helped transform the lives of thousands of people, both on- and off-screen. It was Gary's 18-year association with world-renowned theater educator and author, Viola Spolin - famous for training the very first improvisational theater troupe in the US which led to the creation of today's well-known Second City improv troupe - that has provided the foundation for his work today. In 1988 Gary co-founded the Spolin Players improv troupe, and is the only master teacher to have ever earned an endorsement from both Viola Spolin and her son, the legendary original director of Second City, Paul Sills. Originally from New York State, Gary began his professional career as a mime at age 13, performing up and down the Hudson River with Pete Seegar, Arlo Guthrie and other great folk entertainers of the 60's. In the 70's and 80's he appeared in numerous film and television projects including the Oscar-winning