01/04/16 Gary Austin, Founder of The Groundlings Theater & School

GARY AUSTIN, one of the country’s premiere improvisational acting teachers, is the Founder and Original Director of The Groundlings, Los Angeles’ premier character-based improvisational theatre company.Gary began his professional career as a performing member of San Francisco’s famed improvisational company, The Committee, where he worked with Second City’s Del Close. His work has been featured on NPR’s ”Fresh Air,” in major trades and in several books, including Acting Teachers of America by Ronald Rand, The Actor’s Guide to Qualified Acting Coaches, by Larry Silverberg, and The Funniest One in the Room – The Lives and Legends of Del Close by Kim “Howard” Johnson.Gary’s students work throughout the world of entertainment as actors, singers, comedians, writers, directors and producers. His students include Academy Award winner Helen Hunt, Paul Feig (Director Bridesmaids), Helen Slater, Lisa Kudrow, Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman), the late Phil Hartman, Academy Award & Emmy nominee Lindsay Crouse, Tony winner Lillias White, Jennifer Grey, the late Pat Morita (Oscar nominee), Donna Summer, Loretta DeVine, Mark Dacascos (Iron Chef America & Hawaii Five-O), Robert David Hall (CSI) and Daphne Zuniga.Gary holds a BA Degree in Theatre from San Francisco State University. He is Producer and Artistic Director of The Gary Austin Workshops and teaches, directs and performs in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and Washington DC.www.garyaustinworkshops.com