Viola Spolin is associated with many successes: social work, teaching and, perhaps most commonly, improvisation in theatre. In this dual study, author Lauren Barton divulges the pros and cons of Spolin's technique as a training tool for actors as dictated by her experience from several perspectives; as well as why - whichever method or approach one uses - theatre and the arts do matter as a benefit for all aspects of education and a meaningful life.