By Carman Dewees
Let’s dedicate Life-Play to the memory of Bill Griffin, who sadly passed away September 22, 2007. Bill was the leader of Yes And Practice group (YAP) in greater Boston, designed to help beginner improvisers—really anyone with an interest in improvisation. It was an open space to play each week.
I met Bill Griffin through Chris Britt in the summer of 2006. Bill was larger than life—always full of excitement for all things improv. On top of his busy software sales job, he organized YAP practice sessions at the MIT buildings. And when YAP lost its regular space, he found a new location in Davis Square. Every Sunday afternoon, he was thrilled that each of us had made it. He loved watching improvisers grow and he always played along with us.
Bill, you inspired people more than you can know. You left us too early. Thank you for your example of doing something for the love of it. You welcomed everyone and helped many people take small but significant creative steps. Your excitement was infectious! You’re in our hearts, and your spirit is a big part of Life-Play!
In the comments section, please share the story of your friendship with Bill Griffin…
I met Bill through YapGroup as well. I came to Boston for grad school, and I needed my Improv fix. YapGroup was in many ways my grounding and outlet during that transition in my life.
Bill was warm, generous, silly, funny, and an amazing presence in scenes. He had seemingly endless energy. He was always supportive and fully embodied the Yes And principle behind Improv. I still remember his deep laugh and the twinkle in his eyes.
At his wake, his nephew shared the story of how Uncle Griff used to always have a cooler full of candy, and when the kids did something good they would get to take candy from it as a reward. I always liked that story because it illustrates how loving and positive he was.
Thank you for dedicating this to him.
I met Bill in the fall of 2004 for a theater meeting.
One of the first things I learned about him was that he really liked Steely Dan.
Bill was one of the nicest, most thoughtful people I have ever had the opportunity to meet.
We rehearsed scenes together and I remember him always being prepared and always being there.
When I started attending YAP, it was with great pleasure that I was able to still work with Bill.
He will always have a special place in my heart.
Bill, I miss your smiling face and extraordinary spirit.
Love always,
Lisa
Bill– you just wanted to play. You didn’t have an agenda for doing it besides the love of it. That’s one of the beautiful things about you.
Thank you, Bill.
The Boston Improv scene owes an enormous debt to Bill. Not just for the YAP group but for reminding us why we all started to do this in the first place. Thank you Bill.
If it wasn’t for Bill I would have given up improv, but watching him play and seeing the joy he got from other improvisers made the games fun for me again. But above all, the exceptional thing about Bill was that he truly cared for those around him. He could have know you for five years or five minutes, it didn’t matter. He was always concerned for others and their well-being, either through the YAP group or through his other work.
I think about Bill all the time and wish he was still here. I’m lucky to have known him.
Dedication to Bill Griffin: share your stories in the comments section http://bit.ly/3iwpc …please retweet!
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