AV Club writeup: Four Funny Things That Wouldn’t Exist Without Keith Johnstone

avclubThe Austin A.V. Club just posted a huge writeup, with video,  about the influence of Keith Johnstone and the importance of his upcoming visit.

They focus on four things That Johnstone had a direct impact on. Here’s the short list:

  • Whose Line Is It Anyway?
    “A further key to the show’s success in the U.S. (and its subsequent ABC version) came straight from the Vancouver TheatreSports League, where popular castmates Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie both learned the art of the make ’em ups.”
  • The Kids In The Hall
    Johnstone’s website quotes McKinney as saying of his former director, ‘I don’t think I’ve met many geniuses in my lifetime… but he was definitely one of them.'”
  • Some seriously wigged-out actors in masks
    “On paper, it all adds up to a bunch of people donning goofy, papier-mâché faces and screaming at mirrors—which it is, but in an eerily primal, ritualistic way.”
  • Improv in Austin
    “Shows at The Hideout—especially Maestro—have provided common ground for improvisers and audiences, a rallying point for the community. And that community has one cantankerous British theater director to thank.”

For the whole writeup, check out the full article, and then buy your tickets to the Maestro on Saturday.