Compass Players

[1] Founded by David Shepherd and Paul Sills, it is considered to be the first improvisational theater in the United States.

[2] The Compass Players, founded by David Shepherd and Paul Sills, was the first Improvisational Theatre in America.

[5] Initially, scenes were presented only once, but some of the players grew interested in polishing material into finished pieces.

Shelley Berman also found that he could create solo routines by showing one half of telephone conversations.

[2] Close was featured in Flickers' Broadway musical comedy The Nervous Set, and afterwards developed his long-form improvisation the Harold.