Whole World Theatre
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The Whole World Theatre is a popular improvisational comedy theater located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Whole World evolved from workshops and classes taught by David Webster in late 1993 and early 1994 in Atlanta, Georgia and is currently run by Emily Russell.
The founding members of Whole World Theatre performed their first show in front of 25 people in September of 1994. Specializing in experiential improv and unconventional scripted works, and using a unique approach to improv, which put more emphasis on acting, character and atmosphere than on cheap laughs, the cast created original ground breaking pieces such as, Blood Bath Bingo and Pimps, Queens, and Dope Fiends. Scripted works included, Balm in Gillead, Bitches, Women Behind Bars, and The House of Yes, among many others.
In June of 1996, Whole World Theatre opened their own storefront location on Spring Street in downtown Atlanta. As their popularity grew, the cast of Whole World Theatre were given the opportunity to produce their live improv comedy show for television. "Last Hour Live" - Whole World's premier TV show - helped to launch the southern based Turner South Network.
Lance Krall, one of Whole World Theatre's founding members, went on to produce his own television show for Spike TV, The Lance Krall Show, which costarred several fellow Whole World Theatre alumni.
Led by artistic director, Chip Powell, Whole World Theatre continues to perform improv shows, scripted plays, and original works, and remains one of Atlanta's most successful theater companies.
In 2003, the theatre started a new youth beginners program for teens and young adults that still exists to this day. Many of the graduates of this program have entered the "Performance Ready Group" that hosts a more family oriented family show. The Performance Ready Group is led by Eric Goins.
In 2005, the theatre started a television show for a network called MAV TV and is currently broadcast in over 200,000 homes across the U.S. The show features primarily unscripted work and is geared towards a more mature audience.
