David Gwynne Shepherd (10 October 1924 – 17 December 2018) was an American producer, director, and actor noted for his innovative work in improvisational theatre.
I wanted to create a theater that would drag people off the street and seat them not in rows but at tables and give them something to drink, which was unheard of in [American] theater.”[13] The Compass eventually opened in St. Louis, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington.
Assisted by Howard Jerome Gomberg, the organization was created to correct ailing communities by using improvisation as a people’s theatre, and was housed at the Space for Innovative Development, 344 W. 36th Street, New York.
Responsive Scene was an hour-long improvised show with professional actors performing from call-in suggestions from their audience of over 40,000 listeners.
[14] In 1972 at the Space for Innovative Development, Shepherd and Howard Jerome Gomberg created the Improvisation Olympics, a competitive theatrical sporting event.
The event placed competing teams of improvisers on stage in front of a live audience, with performances taped for future replays.
In 1981, Shepherd returned to Chicago, producing the Improvisation Olympics and the Jonah Complex with Charna Halpern, who later went on to form i.O.
[17] According to Shepherd, If you called him on a specific number, he would provide a short training session and then introduce you to the phone team, often national participants.
The documentary includes interviews with past and present associates such as Bernie Sahlins, Suzanne Shepherd, and Janet Coleman.