The Open Theatre was founded in New York City by a group of former students of acting teacher Nola Chilton, and joined shortly thereafter by director Joseph Chaikin, formerly of The Living Theatre, and Peter Feldman.
Longform, dramatic, and narrative-based improvisation is well-established on the west coast with companies such as San Francisco's BATS Improv, Un-Scripted Theater Company® and LA's Impro Theatre, and groups such as True Fiction Magazine, Three for All and Awkward Dinner Party.