NOW SHOWING
Spolin Games
in Seattle

Dan Castellaneta has given up trying to fit his name on a personalized license plate. However his costarring roles on "The Simpsons" and "The Tracy Ullman Show" ease his frustration greatly. A veteran of commerical voice-overs and Chicago's Second City, Dan's film work includes "War of the Roses" and "Nothing in Common." He and fellow cast member/wife/partner Deb Lacusta live in Topanga Canyon and have co-written numerous TV and stage projects together.

Donna Dubain improvised her way from San Francisco's Pitschel Players to LA's Groundlings, which is a lot cheaper than flying. A founding member of the bay area's Theater of Marvels, and, Interplayers, she ventured south to perform, teach, have two children, and, to really convince herself that the Earth is not flat. She has succeeded on all counts.

Deb Lacusta left her native Detroit for the greener improvisational pastures of Chicago where she wrote, directed and acted in "Lock Up the Grass" and "Comedy of Horrors." Though people often mistook her for the popular resort, she still managed to perform with the Instant Theatre Company, and, meet her husband/partner and fellow improvisor Dan Castellaneta, with whom she has collaborated on theater, TV and gardening projects.

Derek McGrath is a native of Canada and an important part of The Spolin Games Players in Los Angeles. His experience with improvisation began in the Second City where he established a reputation in both Chicago and Toronto companies. He starred in MY SECRET IDENTITY, and created a cult following with his character Andy Andy in CHEERS. His other co-starring roles include DALLAS, AGAINST THE GRAIN, WALKER TEXAS RANGER as well as numerous appearances in feature films. He is currently in development with former NBC president Brandon Tartikoff for a new comedy series that he has written and plans to co-star in.

Danny Mann's voice stars in such cartoon series as "Heathcliff" and "Camp Candy," and countless radio commericials, while the rest of him emcees the studio tapings of "Who's The Boss" "My 2 Dads" and "America's Funniest Home Videos." The suspected leader of an international jaywalking cartel, Danny has also directed specials for HBO, Showtime, and CBC (in his native Canada, eh?) His writing credits include the Disney animated feature "Oliver & Company," thousands of checks, and, these bios.

David McCharen is a one man show, and, has received critical acclaim for it. "Dreams and Visitations" was a splendid showcase for his rich background in mime, acting, and stand-up comedy. He has appeared on TV's "Faerie Tale Theatre" and in Robert Altman's film "Popeye." A premiere looper, his voice has graced the soundtracks of dozens of features including "Lethal Weapon II" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Cowabunga! What a guy!

Edie McClurg is definitely not in Kansas anymore. In fact, she never was! She hails from Kansas City, Missouri, and folks around there are pretty touchy about it, too. Her journey from a local radio station to a co-starring role on "The Hogan Family" has included pit stops on such films as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Planes Trains and Automobiles," and, with such improv groups as the Pitschel Players and The Groundlings. Her countless game show appearances have resulted in one of the world's largest private collections of furniture wax.

Gary Schwartz is a former student, longtime friend and associate of Viola Spolin's, and, is the de facto nucleus of our improvisational cell. As the tallest member of our group, he can not only be seen better by everyone in the audience, but, he has appeared in such films as "Quest For Fire," and looped dialogue for dozens of others. As a co-star of TV's "Zoobilee Zoo," and a guest on "Faerie Tale Theatre" and "You and Me, Kid," children everywhere know his work. But adults are quickly catching on too!