Del Close

Del Close (born March 9, 1934, in Manhattan, Kansas; died March 4, 1999), along with Keith Johnstone and Viola Spolin, is considered one of the premier influences on improvisational theater. An actor, improviser, writer, and teacher, he was a co-author of the book Truth in Comedy along with partner Charna Halpern, which contained techniques that are now common to long-form improvisational theater and described the overall structure of "the Harold" which remains a common frame for longer improvisational scenes.

Guru

In 2005, Jeff Griggs published Guru, a book detailing his friendship with Del during the last two years of his life. Due to Del's poor health, Charna Halpern arranged for Griggs to spend every Thursday afternoon with Close and run errands with him. Guru gives a particularly detailed and complete picture of Del. At the beginning of their relationship, Griggs was a student of Del's, and the book includes various memorable chapters in which Griggs depicts Del as a teacher.

Related Topics:
2005 - Jeff Griggs - Guru

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The book has been adapted into a screenplay, and as of August 2005, Harold Ramis is attached to direct the script; it is rumored that he wants Bill Murray to play Close.

Related Topics:
As of August 2005 - Harold Ramis - Bill Murray

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• Audio Interview with Griggs on The Sound of Young America: MP3 Link