Improv Interviews, ca. 2015 - 2016
Scope and Contents
Series 1: Improv Interviews, ca. 2015-2016 is comprised of 74 audio interviews conducted for the book "The Improv: An Oral History of the Comedy Club that Revolutionized Stand-Up" written by Budd Friedman, the founder of the Improv, and Tripp Whetsell. The book documents the history of the comedy club from its founding by Budd Friedman in 1963 to its sale to Levity Entertainment Group in 2012, and illustrates Budd Friedman's and the Improv's impact on the comedy industry. The interviews were conducted with former performers, both comedians and singers, former Improv staff members, and members of Budd Friedman's family. Former performers and staff members include prominent comedians and singers from the entertainment industry, including Bette Midler, Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Crystal, and Jay Leno, Kevin Nealon, Danny Aiello, Shelley Ackerman, and Judd Apatow. Also, included is one video recording of a short documentary about the Improv, and includes an interview with Budd Friedman and clips of past performers.
Dates
- ca. 2015 - 2016
Creator
- From the Collection: Friedman, Budd, 1932- (Person)
- From the Collection: Whetsell, Tripp (Person)
Language of Materials
Records in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection may only be accessed onsite at the Archives and Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) (http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/). For questions about rights statements, or access to the original document please contact the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections at www.emerson.edu/library/archives.
Extent
74 audio recordings and 1 video recording
Arrangement
The recordings are arranged alphabetically by the interviewee's last name.
Repository Details
Part of the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections Repository
Walker Building, Room 223
120 Boylston Street
Boston Massachusetts 02116 United States
(617) 824-8301
archives@emerson.edu