Dyanmite Fun Nest
This generation appears to have found its therapy in improvisation classes, which teach etiquette and cooperation onstage, if not in real life. Charna Halpern and Del Close of ImprovOlympic have often been called “gurus” of improv comedy. Like the charismatic leaders of religious cults and “I’m OK, you’re OK” support groups, Halpern and Close boast loyal followers who claim to owe their newfound confidence and inner peace to them. Though these gurus may not promise world peace or complete harmony like the Rolls-Royce-driving “Sexy Sadie” yogis of the 60s and 70s, they offer something more tangible–the skills needed to break into Second City, secure jobs shilling for Pizza Hut, and monopolize conversations at parties. The only downside is sometimes Halpern and Close’s gifted students are so comfortable onstage that they don’t know when to get off.
