Sean Dillingham Improv History

 

Sean Dillingham’s journey into improvisational comedy began in 1987, when he started working with and performing alongside various local improv and sketch comedy troupes in the Phoenix, Arizona area. What began as a passion for comedy and performance quickly developed into a lifelong pursuit of the craft.  30+ years.

 

In 1988, Sean officially joined Group Therapy, an improv troupe based at the historic 3rd Street Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. It was there that he began developing his skills as an improviser and performer, learning the fundamentals of spontaneity, ensemble work, character, and comedic storytelling.  

 

From improv, Sean eventually graduated into the world of stand-up comedy, while continuing his studies in improvisation. His dedication to the craft has taken him into classrooms and stages with some of the most respected names and institutions in American comedy.

Sean has studied improv with The Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), and The Groundlings, and I.O. WEST four of the most influential comedy and improvisation institutions in the country.  And it was in the hallowed halls of The Second City where Sean truly felt the history of Improv.  There he studied under such instructors as David Razowsky, Rich Baker, Frank Caeti and more.

 

He has also proudly studied improv in Scottsdale, Arizona, under Louis Anthony Russo at Star Theatre, further developing his understanding of character, scene work, and live performance.  Louis played the king at the Arizona Renaissance Festival and Sean has the distinct honor of acting alongside Louis in the film, How to Become Famous.

 

Another important influence in Sean’s comedy education was Brian Bradley, an accomplished improviser and actor who worked alongside Robin Williams with the original Comedy Store Improv Players. Bradley would go on to perform improv and stand-up comedy around the world, grace the stage of broadway in the revial of Grease and become a cast member at the world-famous Comedy Warehouse at Walt Disney World.

 

Sean considers his continued education in improv to be an essential part of his development as a performer. Even after decades of performing, he continues to study, practice, and explore the art form.

 

Today, Sean brings that experience into his work as an actor, comedian, improviser, and teacher at SD Acting Studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he shares the techniques, lessons, and experiences he has accumulated throughout his career with a new generation of performers.

For Sean, improv has never simply been about getting laughs. It is about listening, committing, taking risks, supporting your scene partners, creating characters, and discovering what happens in the moment.

 

After decades in the business, and hundreds of shows around the country (both performing in and producing) Sean continues to believe that the best improvisers never stop learning!