Improv Troupes Perform and Teach During Improv Week

Last week we headed over to the theatre on Commercial Drive’s  Havana to take an Improv Class, all in prep for the Improv Festival happening this week at The Cultch. I had done some Improv with Vancouver Theatresports, but was never formally trained, so this was something of a stretch for me,  as it seemed also for some of my classmates. Fortunately I wasn’t alone in feeling a little foolish as we went through some of the more interesting exercises. I’d recommend a class to anyone wanting to move out of their comfort zone, definitely helped me feel a little less self-conscious when speaking in front of a group. Perhaps my next career awaits?

If you haven’t done Improv yourself and want to give it a try, there’s Improv workshops during the Improv Festival, and Blind Tiger has some lessons should you not be available this week – info here. Would rather catch some Improv? The Festival is in its 21st year and is at The Cultch this time, with multiple shows running every evening from September 24 to 29, 2019.

This year’s festival features performers from across North America and beyond, including Andrew Phung, Kim’s Convenience; Stephnie Weir, MadTV; Rich Talarico, writer from Key & Peele; and Lamabati, one of Israel’s leading and longest-standing improv groups.

The festival will also showcase a number of popular local troupes, including The Sunday Service, which performs every Sunday at The Fox Cabaret; Nasty Women, an all-female improv and sketch group; Uncle Janes, a queer-centred show; and Fistful of Kicks, featuring Asian-Canadian performers with a special appearance by Phung, who will be performing in three separate shows.

Need some place to fuel up before or after the theatre? Head to Havana, where the room is super funky and there’s a good selection of drinks and snacks right in the neighourhood. Try the the Poblano + Corn Dip, Flatbreads and their signature pitcher of Mojitos.  

Vancouver Improv Fest runs Tuesday, September 24 until Sunday, September 29. Tickets are $18-$22. Tickets are available at https://thecultch.com/tickets/. To view performance listings and workshop schedules visit www.vanimprovfest.com.