THE IMPROMANIACS

Vision? What's that?

2011-09-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

Figured it was time to sit down and type out some more VIIF lessons learned... one of them was the need for a consolidated vision of what the festival was going to be!

In 2003 when we first started, we had a vision - it was "Let's pull together some groups, put on a festival and hope that we don't explode by the end!"

At that time, I had already looked at some other festivals (including having participated in a few) and decided that in addition to show casing local/regional/international groups, we wanted to offer a workshop to most participants and have some type of improv jam involving members from all groups. We had Randy Dixon run the workshop and our jams were great!

The thing is, when you are pulling together a bunch of volunteers to produce a festival, having to explain the vision (including budget, media strategy, etc.) over and over again is tedious... in addition to potentially forgetting to communicate some key piece of information.

For VIIF 2003, we kept that risk under control by having weekly team meetings from pretty much the start of having decided to run the festival! In hindsight, we didn't have to meet that often... but at the time we were all excited about the festival's potential, so meeting regularly wasn't a big deal.

At the end of VIIF 2003, I gathered feedback from our guests and volunteers, put on my thinking cap and decided that the next one needed a formal vision document - think of it as one-stop shopping for everything you want to know about that year's festival - team contacts/roles, vision statement, budget, media strategy, guests, etc.

Now, the examples I am providing probably seem pretty complex/large... but that comes from may Day Job background. Bottom line is that you need to pull together something that works for you and your team!

Here are the vision documents from VIIF 2004 - VIIF 2010...

Next up... how the heck do you find $$ to run the festival???

How to run an International Improv Festival...

2011-08-23T19:50:00.010-07:00

Way back in 2003 the Impromaniacs were getting restless... asking questions like "is there more to life that this?"

Then Alistair Cook put the idea of putting on Blank Slate - he told us to reach out to Randy Dixon, Artistic Director of Unexpected Productions (Seattle, WA).

We took his suggestion to heart and the idea morphed (for whatever reason) into "Let's put on a festival!"... then it turned into a game of "Yes! and.."...

"And let's invite improv groups from Victoria..!"

"And let's invite improv groups from Vancouver!"

"And let's invite international improv groups... like Unexpected Productions!"

By that time the wheels were put in motion to what would become a run of a total of five festivals... 2003... 2004... 2006... 2008 and finally 2010!

The thing is.. improvisors are great at "Yes, And!"... but sometimes we fall down when the "new" idea turns into the "routine" which eventually feels less like "play" and more like "work".

My first moral of the Improv Festival world is this... don't get Improvisors to run a festival! Get a great improvisor to set the artistic direction and find a team of non-improvisors to run the show... and make sure you get amazing guests.... notice how I refer to the improvisors as "guests" as opposed to "artists". My reasoning is this... if you put on a festival and treat the people you are inviting as your guests (so, show them an amazing time!), then they will naturally want to come back... will tell their friends... and before you know it, you've got a fest that people want to attend!

My own background is that of project manager/organizer/team leader... not something you necessarily find in the improv world... so the skills I drew on to run this festival were based on my work-life and how I adapted it to fit to an arts festival. I also looked back at previous (small scale) festivals we put in... Alternative Arts Fest in 1992, Singe 1997 and Singe 2000. It's important to take the time to learn from your mistakes... and try and do better the next time (so having some continuity between festivals is a good thing... history is important!).

After the 2003 festival, being the type of person that I am - as in "why work harder... work smarter!" and wanting to build a repeatable event which others could partake in... myself, along with Briana Rayner and Neil Gurton put in the work to document what we did to put in the festival... in the hopes that it would make things smoother year after year.... and to some extent it did. This was a work in progress... and still would be if we were still around and putting on festivals...

Here's the VIIF Production Manual for your enjoyment. We've shared it with a variety of groups over the years.. we used to ask people to submit suggestions for improvement... but never did receive any... I am in no way saying it's perfect!

I tried to break a festival down into "streams" which each stream having a designated "leader" (many times one actually person filled multiple leadership roles... not always intentional... sometimes it's just hard to find people to fill the roles who can make it happen).

My streams were...

Event
Funding
Sponsorship
Guest
Volunteer
Venue
Media
Project Management

I split Funding and Sponsorship because the timing on each is different... Funding Stream is mean't to cover applications for government grants (which often have to be applied for months in advance). Sponsorship is mean't for local business sponsors... whether it's a large in-kind TV/Radio sponsorship, or smaller cash sponsorships... in-kind etc.

Because I have to describe to people the different roles, a broke out this information into separate documents...

Job Descriptions
Prospective Volunteer Information

I also made the effort to talk to other people in the field, whether it be professional improvisor types from other cities, directors of other types of festivals (e.g. Victoria Film Festival, Victoria Fringe Fesitval)... plus just surfing around and learing from other improv festivals. This is important... don't operate in a vacuum and never assume you know everything... if you do you're just arrogant!

Finally, the words I remember from one of our many mentors, David C. Jones, were "Look at what someone else is doing and do an even better job!"

Next post... VIIF Vision... Final Reports....

Impromaniacs Last Huzzah!

2011-03-22T22:23:00.000-07:00

Intrepid Theatre Club

#2 – 1609 Blanshard Street

Victoria, BC

28 April · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Join the Impromaniacs on Thursday, April 28 starting at 7pm as we celebrate 21 years in existence and our last show as we're closing our doors forever!

We've got special guests....

- Poetry stylings of Missie Peters
- Stand-up comedy of Wes Lord
- Sensational singing from Aleisha Kalina
- Improv stylings of Alistair Cook & the !nstant Shop Crew
- Alumni coming from Vancouver, Victoria & Toronto!
- Graham Myers of Table 23 Comedy
...and much much more!

Expect an evening of sharing experiences/memories and live theatre!

Admission is a sliding scale of $5 to $10

See you there!

Impromaniacs Update

2011-03-22T22:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

I am writing to give you an update on the Impromaniacs.

After 21 years in existence, we’ll be dissolving as a Society in March 2011. There is probably more than one reason for this... the biggest one being is that there just isn’t an interest in putting in the time to keep it going. Myself, I’m moving away from the group to pursue my own interests after having spent the past 20 years running the Impromaniacs in some shape or another. I had hoped that it would continue with some other individual(s) immerging as a leader/driving force... but that doesn’t seem meant to be.

I think there are many things to be proud of – we’ve produced the Alternative Arts Fest in ’92, two “Singes” (’97 & ’99), five instalments of the Victoria International Improv Festival (VIIF 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010) which has allowed us to make connections with Improvisers all over the globe... we’ve been the lucky recipients of large television and radio sponsorships, we’ve been successful in bringing in both government and private sponsorships (in-kind and cash) to put on amazing events, we’ve learned from some of the best... gone on road trips to observe others improvisers, participated in the Vancouver Improv Festival (three times), Vancouver TheatreSports St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (twice), produced two Cage Match Series, hosted numerous individual groups (stretching from Vancouver to Slovenia), been invited to perform on the Upfront Theatre stage in Bellingham, gone on many memorable camping trips... seen many many people join and grow with the group and have put on numerous memorable performances (mixed with a few that are best chalked up to a learning experience).

The mantra of the group has always been one of support and coaching – helping people grow as improvisers by learning from our own experiences and from others. For me, it’s been rewarding to have a positive effect on people’s lives – either directly or indirectly. I have met and made connections with many people – all of which I would never have met had I not joined the Impromaniacs back in September 1990.

So, I am hopeful that we can have one last gathering – not sure what form that will take – the second weekend of April 2011 (in Victoria) with any friends/alumni/fans/colleagues who would like to come and share some memories... jam a bit or just plain hang out. If you are up for a trip to Victoria or might be in the neighbourhood, let me know as this will help me figure out what we can do.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Argue

Treasurer, Impromaniacs Theatre Company Society

Road trip to Bellingham, WA

2010-12-20T20:11:00.000-08:00

Having a grand ol' time with our Upfront Theatre Improv Brothers & Sisters!

Todd Felton

2010-12-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

My name is Todd, and I'm an Impromaniac. At least, I used to be. Four years (1999-2002) as performer and part of that time as co-director, until my incarceration impeded further improv-ing. Ok it wasn't incarceration. But nevertheless, that time with the Impromaniacs was a period that covered some of the best times of my life, ever. The Impromaniacs' continued teachings and improvements, and environment of complete trust and no-fear, forged strong bonds with many coperformers that still exist to this day. I've been gone 7 years, and many friendships are just as strong now as they ever were, and will probably continue to do so for eons yet to come. Especially Andrea, Jonathan, and Silvia, I love you all to death, and cherish our friendships so incredibly deeply. Highlights: trust exercises while camping on Saltspring! Saturday night post-performance partying at that bar in the Strathcona Hotel! Darren Borrowman throwing an old woman off the bus in Singe Festival 2002! Meeting Ryan Stiles & Colin Mochrie! My life acted out for my going away party! Halloween party planning - FOCUS! Althea! The search for... spatula! Big Booty!
I moved to San Diego in 2002 and immediately checked out all the improv troupes. And joined none. Why? They weren't good enough. The Impromaniacs that I remember is a unique place full of warmth, love, and warm squishy goodness, when players could perform as a true ensemble, growing and bettering their skills, and just gosh darn be having fun doing it, telling a story and doing it well.
Thank you, Impromaniacs of old, for accepting me, growing me, making me part of your evolution. It was more than a pleasure to be a part of -- it was very special. Congrats on 20 years, Impromaniacs. I'm proud to have been a part of it. I leave you with... bunnybunnybunnybunnybunnybunnyBUNNY!
Todd Felton

Steve May

2010-12-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

So many memories....

Warmups in the back of Mocambo's - which always confused the folks who had to use the washroom.

The scenes that worked - the ones that didn't - and how little difference there was between them.

Working with consistently excellent improvisers - and making friends from around the world.

Rayner consistently breaking up with me - the underlying tension was so obvious...

Doing 4 amazing shows in Bellingham - and then being recognized in the Pancake House the next day - "Hey, you're those improv guys! You're awesome!"
overall feeling - distinctly squidgy.

How much did the Impromaniacs mean to me? Does the fact that my first son is named Jonathan mean nothing to you people?

Tim Carlson

2010-12-12T21:31:00.002-08:00

I remember being so excited becoming an Impromaniac! I was seventeen when I first joined the troupe. I was honoured that they decided to take someone so young and still in the Canadian Improv Games! Over the next year and a half I had the privilege of playing on stage with some of the most fun people in the world. The Impromaniacs allowed me to grow as an improviser and continue to challenge myself, not to mention fail! Highlights included playing with Scratch, the Upfront theatre and Narobov. There are no lowlights! They are wonderful organization that has always been supportive of all my artistic endevours. Not to mention inviting me back to perform with a new group I am a part of!
All the best!!

Silvia Fazekas

2010-12-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hmm, memories of the Impromaniacs... Well of these, there are far too many, and several which should probably stay forgotten!

I joined the Impromaniacs in 1997 and was a member for 8 years, until I moved to Australia. I was in Grade 10 and 14 years old (when they still allowed us kids to audition). Much like Darren's experience, Diane Hayashi, the school Japanese and Social Studies teacher popped into my Drama class and announced that the Impromaniacs were having auditions that weekend. I had already loved being in the spotlight, but I was a bit shy. A friend and I decided to try our luck and go together. Saturday came along, I went to the audition, heart jumping out of my chest... I walked into the room and low and behold, my friend wasn't there. It was too late to back out at this stage, I had been spotted by the cast, like a gazelle spotted by... well... another gazelle! So I stayed and I played and somehow, I was called back!! I made it through the three rounds of auditions and then another miracle - I've managed to fool them into thinking that I had any sort of talent!

And so began the tale of the Russian Princess... (Yes, somehow, all of my characters ended up being Russian, an often, there was a yak in the scene!)

After my audition, I remember many more - Ryan playing 'the Dating Game"... "Bachelor #1, If you had a personality and could date anyone, which would you choose: a giraffe or a gazebo?". Steve May hurling himself on the floor at full speed. Anna's door kicking old lady, Jonathan playing neurotic characters and tapping his head, Morgan's German accent, Diane and I donning our milk suits in space, etc...
Rehearsal space changed ... occasionally: Camosun College, Craigflower (haunted) school house, the meeting room at Diane's, the field at Vic High, Peter's apartments common room, the park in James Bay (drew crowds of people who thought we were most likely insane...), the school in James Bay, the Upstairs Cabaret.

We had many shows: Mocambos - running up and down the stairs while carrying a Yak when playing Quest "Switch", "Switch", "Switch", "Switch". Camosun College - Our Improv Soap Opera, Drainage Gulch (I was a fortune teller). The Diner, and more...

Improv gave me the skills which I now use at work and in life - face the void, think on the spot, how to capture an audience, and entertain! I developed my confidence in general and had people to laugh at my stupid, stupid jokes - luckily they had them too. Improv was my creative outlet which I so very much needed and now very much miss.

I made many good friends in Improv. The cast changed a lot over 8 years and by the end there were only 2 other people had been there from the time that I started - Jonathan and Diane. Despite the changing cast, it was always very rich and the personalities always complimented each other, both on and off stage. We had our Tuesday evening movies, team building camping trips to Saltspring Island with evening campfires on the beach, camping at Miracle Beach and French Beach, birthday parties, BBQs, trips to Vancouver, and again, etc...

Eight years can hardly be summed up in my mini-novel - my memories of my improv days are some of the most vivid from that time of my life! I had a great time and many laughs.
Thank you, Impromaniacs!

Congratulations on achieving 20 years! Looking forward to many more.
Silvia Fazekas

Shannon Whissell

2010-12-12T21:27:00.000-08:00

Before I even moved to Victoria, when I was in the city house hunting, my friend Morgan told me he was going to an improv audition that week and invited me to come along. So we went, and we had fun, and the next thing I knew I was living in Victoria and part of this amazing, fun, creative pack of people who had real lives but came togther to express themselves and entertain others.

Being a part of the Impromaniacs provide me with the most amazing transition to my new home, created friendships I still cherish, and reconnected me with the ham I'd forgotten I love to be! And, I get to be the person who sees Briana Rayner or Morgan Cranny or numerous other Impromaniacs who now pop up around town and on TV and say "I knew them when!" Trips to Vancouver's TheatreSports, workshops with great improvisers here in Victoria, and being involved with planning the first Victoria International Improv Festival have all contributed to my loving Victoria and being connected here. Even though I've moved on, I'll always value the people who taught me to BRING IT!

Keep on bringing the laughs, Impromaniacs, the impact you have continues to build after all these years!

"YES LET'S" (or is that "yes, and"? ... I always did get that wrong).
XO Shannon

Scott Fidyk

2010-12-12T21:26:00.002-08:00

I met my wife, Connie, during an IMPROMANIACS practice many years ago. We hit it off during a scene and it/she made an indelible impression on me that prompted me to remain in touch with her long after she had left.
Cut to years later and we now have three children, mostly charming, partially innocent and all very silly. Must be from her side of the family.
My memories are mixed of those early years:

- I was a member of two groups back then and in a big hurry to learn as much about this craft as I could. I recall toting around a notebook and writing copious notes.
- Roy (Langdon), Elvy Del Bianco and Bill Nance and I seemed to connect well together on stage. We enjoyed each others company.
- I recall Roy being one of the most creative talents I had ever encountered. He would not suffer fools though and as such did not get along with everyone. He had a tendency to ruffle feathers.
- Elvy was street smart and savvy in a small "p" politic kind of way.
- Bill was a wild card, off on a tangent in one breath and absolutely brilliant the next. You never knew what you were going to get with him, which was both a blessing and a curse. Oscillate wildly.
- I learned to play in between all of them, tending to bind the story together, linking the creative brilliance of Bill or Roy with the tech talk of Elvy.

Scott Bisgrove

2010-12-12T21:25:00.002-08:00

The Impromaniacs were and are a breath of fresh air. I especially enjoyed the shows we performed at small coffee shops in Victoria. Jonathan you are the rock of this group! My hats off to you! Long live the Impromaniacs! Happy 20th anniversary Impros. Scott Bisgrove ( I now live in Edmonton with my partner Paula and I work as an elevator mechanic).

Robert Conway

2010-12-12T21:24:00.005-08:00

Back in 1990, I was in rehearsals for a play that was in Langford with a fellow named Alexander. Alexander and I, both living downtown, would carpool to rehearsals together, and on one of these drives he mentioned he was with an improv troupe called the Impromaniacs. "What's improv?" I asked innocently. He suggested I come see an upcoming show at the Belfry theatre, and my life was forever changed. Watching Julian, James, Clark, Erin, Bill and others strut there unscripted stuff onstage, I felt the clouds part and the God-light shine down on me. "I can do that!" I announced to my girlfriend "Hell, I DO do that!" With little encouragement needed, I found out when and where the group met and within a week I was a member. One of the last members, as I recall, that was able to join simply because I was willing to show up Saturdays at 9:AM to rehearse. My first show with the group was one of many shows at Fisher 100, Camosun College. After I rolled up my shirt and thrusted about the stage as Madonna in a game of Roll With, one of my fellow performers looked at me offstage and said "Man, you were born to this." I spent just over 2 short, great years with the Impromaniacs, leaving when I moved to Vancouver. Since then, I have been a member of the Vancouver TheatreSports League and Courtenay's TheatreWorks Comedy Troupe. I co-founded the short-lived Caught in the Headlights in Nanaimo and have guest appeared with Spilt Milk on many occasions, but you never forget your first love. Congratulations, Impromaniacs on 20 years. May you have 100 more. -Robert Conway

Morgan Cranny

2010-12-12T21:24:00.002-08:00

It's hard to believe that it's been almost 9 years since I joined the Impromaniacs, a truly life altering event. I think I was always drawn to performing but I was a self conscious youth and it wasn't until I was 30 that I decided that I needed to outlet my creative side and I didn't care what people thought... as much. I was working, as I am now in forestry and my friend, an work colleague at the time, Steve (Improv Alumni) suggested I come to auditions. I said I would think about it and quickly decided that, yes indeed, it was time to stop talking about doing something creative and dive in. Well, the audition date drew near and I got more and more nervous, almost nervous enough to bail on the audition but I managed to drag myself there. Despite how lovely and inviting everyone was, I was ridiculously nervous. I was pacing and sweating as they led us through different games. Despite that, I was having fun and knew I was on to something. My old insecurities were riding tall though and I was sure I wouldn't be asked back... but I was wrong and here we are almost 9 years later. I am so happy I made that leap and that the Impromaniacs welcomed me in. I've worked with fantastic improvisers from around the world and made friends with so many. That spark got me interested in more and more theatre and it's my passion. I've chosen the beginning for my memory but really there are so many awesome moments, my first performance at Mocambo, the festivals and road trip to Bellingham to name a few. I hope the Impromaniacs keep going strong.
Morgan

Michael Lord

2010-12-12T21:23:00.000-08:00

I will always look back upon my time spent with the Impromaniacs with nostalgic sadness. The time spent, either every tuesday evening, or occasionally performing were moments I will treasure forever. I cannot, ironically, think of any one specific moment as a special memory. My memory works best on emotion, and I remember feeling GREAT when ever I was a part of this unique and amazing group. My biggest regret is not being able to do more while I was there. Its not the same here in Vancouver, heck, you have to PAY to attend an improv rehearsal in this expensive city.

Maria Hawkins (nee Fantillo)

2010-12-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

Lets get right down to the nitty gritty here....I nearly peed myself at every show with the Impromainiacs. Mainly because I was among such talented improvers and of course I would laugh too hard. The people, the creativeness and the chemistry on stage was my favorite "memory feeling" of being with the Impromaniacs. The groups diverseness made for some very interesting skits that would bring out the oddest tales at times but usually the biggest laughs. I got married in 2004 and the Impromaniacs performed at the wedding. Anyone that was at the wedding always comments about what a great wedding it was and how they loved the show. All credit goes to that show for setting my wedding off to a great start. Even more impressive was they really had to dig deep for details about myself and the groom. So with the littlest of facts they made an amazing show. Those moments when I drift off I love how sometimes it's the Impromaniacs years that I think about. Congrats on the 20th anniversary !

Kimberly Lovatt (nee Pinel)

2010-12-12T21:14:00.000-08:00

What time is it? Its time for an Impromaniacs flashback!!!!!! What can I say, some of the best times of my life were rehearsing with the Impromaniacs, and I certainly made some of my closest and dearest friends in this troupe of enthusiastically crazy cavorters! I have even taken to teaching pupils at my school several of the games that I learnt from the Impromanicas. So, it is with pride and fond memories of 'Speghetti Arms Girl' and 'Mildred' that I hold up my toasting flute to 20 years of the Impromaniacs!

Julian Polzin

2010-12-12T21:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Jonathan and Impromaniacs! 20 years wow!

Congratulations. In thinking of what to write as far as memories go, was for me, much more difficult then I had anticipated. A few things always stood out for me and I have finally gathered enough of my thoughts to share what I was a part of from I think week two of the Impromaniacs being created. One particular show we did at the Belfry Theatre which amazed me, involved one of our members James Mckillop. He was simply going back to his seat to sit down. Nothing more, and nothing less. It was the opening and each member would come out and be introduced then grab their seat sort of thing. James was in the green room and missed his calling by only a few moments and when he came out he literally just walked over to his seat and sat down. The audience started laughing because well James even in just walking to his seat was funny. I distinctly remember thinking "wow" if this guy can get laughs just for sitting down then this improv stuff is up my alley. I loved the energy and the explosiveness of what could be created and living "in the moment". I then went on from Impromaniacs to partake in a great deal of projects and other Improv groups.

Someone asked me once if I knew Jonathan Argue and I laughed and said do I know him, well if it in part was not for me he would never "possibly" have become an impromaniacs member. I was working at Overtime a restaurant beside the arena known as the "Barn on Blanshard." One of the servers that I worked with was named Cole Penny and I thought he was funny. I told him he was an improviser and just didn't know it yet. He came out to a couple of rehearsals and although it did not rock his world, he brought out a young fellow at the time who took a great interest in the Impromaniacs. That fellow was Jonathan Argue!

So I will always enjoy the links of the past and present and will always have the highest regard for the people that made Impromanics what it was, and what it is today. I love the fun, friends, and memories and want to thank all of you kindred spirits that I had the blessing to share many fantastic improv moments with. Congratulations!

Jonathan Argue

2010-12-12T21:12:00.001-08:00

I joined the Impromaniacs in September 1990 at the urging of a friend, Cole Penny. Cole and I had met at an Improv class that was being taught by Kate Rubin and Paddy Crawford in the Spring of 1990. So, we show up at an Impromaniacs workshop at the Fernwood Community Association on a Saturday morning... and basically, they didn't kick us out. My "initiation" to the group was to participate in "hot seat" - you stand in the middle of the circle and face each person on the outside of the circle one at a time. They can ask you one question which you must answer truthfully. Of all the questions asked, the only one I remember today is James McKillop's question "Would you have sex with a cow for 1 Million dollars?".

As of 2009, I will have been involved with the group for going on 19 years... so I guess that says how much this group means to me, doesn't it?

Jordan Harbour

2010-12-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

Back in the early 90s, my friend Quinn Fletcher and I discovered the Impromaniacs. We were fresh into our teens, and with an insatiable desire to act, we came to every one of their shows. Sitting up at the front, we would shout out suggestions and compete to see which of us would be called on to act as puppeteers or human props. One evening, after an enthusiastic round of Freeze, Jon Argue asked if we would be interested in coming to an audition. Would we!

The rest is a comic book. We spent some fantastic years with the troupe, rehearsing in the attic of an old church, and giving performances at Camosun College. But all good things run their course. Quinn moved on to Montreal after high school, and I stayed until University conquered my life.

Flash forward to 2009 and I'm back in the troupe! It's a whole new crowd and a completely different approach, but damn I'm loving it! I guess the Impromaniacs mean a lot to me.

Jennifer Ferguson

2010-12-12T20:24:00.002-08:00

Every memory with the Impromaniacs is a great one. I remember the day I came back and "auditioned" again after a few years away. I walked in the room and was welcomed with open arms. I remember we were all standing in a circle and you said that I didn't have to audition again because I could sing. I had always been confident in my abilities but had never felt so appreciated for it. Coming back to the Impromaniacs was like coming home from a long trip. I walked into an amazing group of people who I could call my friends and family.

I remember my final show. Standing up on stage with some of my best friends. Putting my heart on my sleeve and leaving my mind blank to live in the moment. I lived every scene that night and was so moved by the emotions that were displayed. I don't remember anything that happened in the show I just remember it being my best show. It was one of the saddest moments in my life and one of the happiest. Even now it brings tears to my eyes.
Because of my time in the Impromaniacs I have managed to make so much more of my life. I am now teaching improv to local youth. I have been nominated for an award in my community for the work I do with Kids. I am much more confident in the board room because I know there is nothing that gets said that can throw me. There is nothing more shocking that what gets said on a stage. You learn to react with sincerity and confidence.
I don't know what else to say other than I wouldn't be who I am today if I had never joined Impromaniacs, I also wouldn't have met Graham, and wouldn't be as outgoing and confident as I am. I owe a lot to the Impromaniacs.

Diane Gallagher-Hayashi

2010-12-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

My favourite memories are:
-losing it on stage with Peter in Bellingham
-Performing at Mocambos with Clark. Clark was doing karate and a street guy came in off the street and offered to really fight Clark.
-Hosting the first Singe Festival - audience at the Kaliedascope was full and they went berzerk over our performance. Best energy in any show I have ever done.
-Doing First Date at the Belfry. The guy we interviewed described a somewhat less than successful first date - when he came to the conclusion of his story we realized that this actually was their first date!

Darren Borrowman

2010-12-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Jonathan,

I am sorry for not getting back to you earlier. As always, life is busy, but I have been racking my brain trying to think of a special memory, or hilarious moment from the Impromaniacs, but had a hard time. Maybe you want to simply use this email.
I can't think of a specific moment during my time with the Impromaniacs that stood out, because the entire time was really special. All of the different members that I rehearsed and performed with had their own hilarity and amusements.

From joining during the SINGE festival in.... ummm.... was it 1997? Ulp. I don't know. I think I was in Grade 11 or 12. Diane Hyashi was the one that introduced me, being the Japanese teacher at my high school. But I didn't take Japanese. So I don't actually remember at the moment, just how I got involved.

Anyway, after the SINGE, I was invited to be a member of the Impromaniacs. I ended up being a member for over 3 solid years.

It was a lot of fun, rehearsing every week in Fernwood. Myuki, Diane's daughter, was 5(ish?) and would sit in on all of the rehearsals, often stealing focus. Somehow, I ended up being called 'Geronimo'.

We'd perform at Mocambos, where the 'stage' was the size of my bathtub (-which is small), and being at the entrance to the coffee shop, anytime someone entered during the show, they unwittingly ended up being a part of the scene.

After the shows, some of us would go out for a beverage, often of the alcoholic variety. I am pretty sure that I was still underage, but I seem to remember burning my lips on a flaming sambuca and dancing to "You and me Baby ain't nothing but mammals" in the Sticky Wicket with Andrea, Todd and Kim.
Hehehheheheh. Good times.
Or working at Helmcken House with Marc Vermette, Andrea and Kim. Wow. 2 great christmasses. And it was very Christmassy.
Later, after I had left Victoria (and by result, the Impromaniacs), I ended up travelling to Europe with Kim and Andrea. Sure, we didn't stay together for the whole trip, but the times we were together were fantastic! Later, Jonathan came to visit me in Cardiff, and we toured around a bit.
I think that what I am most happy about from my experience and time with the Impromaniacs is that it introduced me to a whole bunch of really great people, who, although I may not see on a regular basis, have shared something special.

This may have been a trip, a night out at the bar, a performance on a closet-sized stage, or just a laugh before rehearsal. But these times and these people ended up being a big part of my formative adult years. And it was a really great influence.
I went to one of the shows in October, and loved seeing new people performing familiar improv scenes. I was completely blown away by the second half of the show- long format improv. We had just started thinking about this when I was involved (and this is now nearing 10 years ago). I has evolved and grown so much within the Impromaniacs, and all of the performers in the scene did a fantastic job of staying in it, and tying all of the scenes and characters together, while keeping it funny.
I am really happy that the Impromaniacs is still around. I have a feeling that this is largely due to you, Jonathan. Thank you and congratulations!
I hope to be over to Victoria soon, and will certainly let you know if I do.
DB

Daniel Cownden

2010-12-12T20:20:00.002-08:00

I was a self indulgent, inconsiderate, irresponsible teenager when I joined in 2001, and what improvements were made on those fronts over the six years I was with the Impromaniacs were, at least in part, because of improv. Although I suspected it at the time now with a little distance and perspective I know that the Impromaniacs is the best organization ever and that Jonathan is my hero. I find myself reminiscing at parties about my glory days as improvisor with the Impromaniacs. I love that we have the least hip name ever. I love that it's still happening and look forward to rejoining the fold if/when I ever return to Victoria. As far as specific memories: The work shop with Yuri from yellow man group where we did the yoga and the arm talking, learning about facing the void, all the sweet hippy improv workshops with Alistair and Dave, being a part of several fantastic shows down in Bellingham, and years worth of beautiful rehearsals.
It's pretty much embarassing how much I love the Impromaniacs.

D'Arcy Briggs

2010-12-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

The Impromaniacs are the lifeblood of the Victoria Improv Scene. Creating festivals, hosting Theatersports, and doing a regular show every month is no easy task. The Impromaniacs have been able to pull off all of these tasks with the highest goal in mind - improv for improv's sake.

Chris Gabel

2010-12-12T20:18:00.000-08:00

My favorite Impromaniacs memory is from our first (I think it was the first...) road trip to Upfront Theater in Bellingham (January 2005?). I was not performing, but I came along to watch the shows and hang out with the Upfront Theater players. After the shows and socializing were done, we tried getting some sleep. I was staying in a room with Peter Abrahams and Austin Davis. The three of us were still chatting in the dark, but I was drifting off to sleep. After what seemed like a long time without anyone saying anything, Austin asked, "What if cyborgs were real?" We just lost it. Peter, Austin and I laughed solid for about 5 minutes. I wanted to stop but I couldn't. I could barely breathe. Eventually I was able to regain my composure, but my abs felt like I had done a hundred situps. In retrospect, it wasn't all that funny, but it was one of those perfect combinations of punchiness and the way Austin asked the question. I still smile whenever I think about it.

Briana Rayner

2010-12-12T20:16:00.000-08:00

I remember going to my first show to watch the Impromaniacs, and when they announced auditions were coming up I got nervous and excited at the prospect of getting to explore improv more. I was welcomed into the most amazing, warm group of people. Some of my closest friendships were forged in my time spent performing, workshopping, and camping with the impros. I was honoured to work with Jonathan co-producing the first Victoria International Improv Festival, where not only did we get to meet incredible improvisors from around the world, but where I met a really nice boy I still like to hang out with. Congrats on your anniversary and I look forward to some celebrations in person!

Bill Nance

2010-12-12T20:15:00.001-08:00

As a founding member of The Impromaniacs, I of course have many memories coursing through my brain. The single moment which I keep coming back to time and time again, though, is one which represents to me the true spirit of improv.
We were playing at Camosun College. This was nearing the end of the evening, and we had just launched into "Freeze Tag," which was usually our signature end game. For some reason still unknown to this day, there were two loaves of French bread backstage. It was one of those situations when everybody sees something but nobody wants to be the first one to comment. So, none of us did.
"Freeze Tag" continued. Suddenly the bread appeared onstage. Where had it come from? Who had brought it on? I don't remember. But what I do remember is the great James McKillop and the marvelous Robert Conway launching into a Cavemen scene using the bread as a prop. James and Robert set out amongst the audience chanting "Bread. Bread. Let's beat them with bread." Not to be outdone, the rest of the cast used the bread in our scenes. We wielded it, hit each other on the head with it, even ate it, I think. It was pure and beautiful; a moment when we took what we saw and had fun with it. There was no judgment, no blocking, no denying the Reality of The Bread.
I was an Impromaniac from 1989 - 1995, and proud to be one, too. Improv has given my life a direction and a focus. Nearly twenty years later, I still encounter people who ask if I am still doing improv. My answer is and always will be: "Of course. Why aren't you?"
Thank you, Impromaniacs, for the training, memories, and good times. Keep the improv torch lit for future generations.

Anna Mcgarvie

2010-12-12T20:13:00.002-08:00

I joined the Impromaniacs in 1998/99 (I can't quite remember.) But what I do remember is the fun that I had being apart of such a fabulous troupe. Every Tuesday night was workshop night and it was always such fun. Everyone who was in the troupe was so talented and it was such a blast working and performing with them. For a little while I had the privilege of being apart of the Directing Team. It was a new challenge for me and I had a great time. I performed in the first Victoria International Improv Festival and that was the most fun I have ever had doing improv. I have such great memories and I am so proud to have been apart of the Impromaniacs. Congrats you guys!

Andrea Kennedy

2010-12-12T20:12:00.000-08:00

The Impromaniacs...
I was seventeen when my substitute teacher (Theresa) told me that I should go to some auditions for a group she was involved with. It was 1994 (I think!) and I was nervous, terrified, and completely unprepared. But miraculously I was invited to join and thus began some of the most poignant, amazing exhilarating, and significant moments of my post adolescent life.
What is the thing that I remember and love the most about The Impromaniacs? It's the people. These people who by opening themselves to being subjected to all manner of obscurities, open themselves to sharing in a friendship that reaches beyond borders. The members of The Impromaniacs from 1994 - 2001 are the people who helped to shape my life into what it is today. They are my mentors, my friends, the people I laugh with, cry with, and of course sometimes eat ice cream or drink with.
Each member gave a little part of themselves to the art of performing, every time they were handed a factory again they had to dig deeper to find something new, something different to help the story along. And each time they dug they gave a little more of themselves to us, to the audience. They revealed stories from their pasts whether funny or maybe slightly disturbing and allowed everyone to share in those moments. By doing this we created a place of what I can only describe as warm fuzzies. Some of the most important people in my life were involved in The Impromaniacs and it's the improv I have to thank for that. There are too many names to credit you all. But you know who you are.

Funny memories? Well there are a whole lot. I don't think I stopped laughing for 6 or (is it 7?) years. I miss that. Those times are incredibly hard to duplicate. I did learn though. I learned that a Singles Dating Event is not a better venue than a Wake. I learned that even with children in the audience my mouth could still say testicles instead of tentacles. as a Performance Director I learned that sometimes auditioners want to be in the company sooo badly they stalk you on roller skates and call you names, I learned that an Improviser will bash their body around and possibly get mild concussion at least once every few shows just for the laughs, I learned that being a chicken is noble, but being a cross-eyed window licking spinster is scarier and possibly more fun. I learned that people are unpredictable. I learned that no matter how much time passes Jonathan's marching/weird walk/finger wiggling/eye squinting characters still make me smile.
And so I thank all of The Impromaniac family for giving me so much, for giving the audience so much, for the many drunken dancing nights, for the games of tag on the sidewalk before a show, for the trips to Dairy Queen, the weekends away, the various costume and themed parties, for rehearsals in the park, drinks at the wicket, weeks and months spent planning rehearsals and shows, For long and ever lasting friendships and for every drop of goofy, void facing, obscure, hilarious, energy spent!
I could go on forever... but I won't!

Aden Home

2010-12-12T20:10:00.002-08:00

20 years?!?! Really. Wow... That's a long time to make people laugh.
I just saw one of the pictures posted. The troupe across Fernwood road by the Belfry. It took me a second to realize that I was even in that picture! Then I remembered when it was taken... well mostly... I was pretty drunk most of the time.
Let me give you a favorite memory, out of so many good ones. James Mckillop and Rob Conway on stage at the Belfry, I think, doing a rhyming scene. Something about a girl named Sally. The scene was progressing when James, who argued that he wasn't very good at rhyming, suddenly found this groove and took off rhyming like a master, leaving Rob staring at him, grinning from ear to ear. While James rhymed, Rob slowly, still grinning, lied down on stage and just laid there watching James, suddenly becoming an audience member as well. James pretty much finished his speil and Rob looked up at him and asked "Done? Can I come back?". James paused then said "Yes" and the scene went on from there. I almost killed myself with laughter.

Adrian Taverner

2010-12-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Jonathan and the gang! Long live the 'Maniacs! "Don't act. Be." Committing to the role has taken me from Victoria to New York, and now I'm writing, editing, mixing, shooting, producing and directing in the film industry both in Vancouver and NYC. My involvement with the 'Maniacs in VIIF '04, and on the epic road trip to Ryan Stiles' improv theatre, made it ok to pursue life just a little over the top. You'll never know how far you can go 'til you've been there, and the support and encouragement I found in our intrepid troupe made committing to that course not only easier, but essential. The farther I go, the more I see that everyone, no matter how huge & successful, is just like us (or wants to be), so don't waste time thinking about trying. Don't act. Be.

Aaron Dragushan

2010-12-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

Memories of the Impromaniacs? I loved learning with friends that one didn't need to "try too hard" to produce something amazing. We could light up the room with simple guidelines and by supporting each other.
I loved the rehearsals as much as the shows. Mocambo's was great, and then it was great to outgrow it. The energy in a room when we were on fire was amazing... but the overall memory that sticks with me is simply Good People. Thanks for being so great guys.

We're getting ready to DUET ALL NIGHT LONG

2010-11-17T11:30:00.002-08:00

Our next show, DUET ALL NIGHT LONG, is coming up and I'm just so excited to tell y'all about it.

First off, it's at the FORT STREET CAFE (742 Fort St). the FORT STREET CAFE has some of the best food for an affordable price, fantastic staff, a cool look, and an Atari 2600.

Secondly, this show will have a really unique format. We've been working hard to come up with duo pairs and getting some from around Victoria and Vancouver. This show will feature some of THE IMPROMANIACS and members of BOOMBOX IMPROV and REMILIO SHEEN. Our headliners for the evening will be SPEAKEASY (the brain-child of Dave Morris and Missie Peters) and HIP.BANG! all the way from Vancouver.

This show is shaping up to be one of our best.

November 30th. 7:30PM. Fort St Cafe. $10

What's Improv?

2010-11-16T21:07:00.004-08:00

What's Improv?

Improvisational theatre is a form of theatre that has no scripts - just like real life! The audience gives suggestions, and scenes are created right there on the spot. Actors practice to increase their skill levels but all scenes are basically made up as they go along. These are often funny, sometimes weird, but always exciting.

Improv is, at its core, a form of storytelling. How long has storytelling been around? A pretty long time I'd say. If this is true of stories so too must it be true of improvisation.

The most popular style of improv today is spot improv. Performers obtain suggestions from the audience and use these suggestions to create short, entertaining scenes. The neat thing about improv is that audience and actors are working together to create theatre.

Improv Skill Building

In order to create scenes the actors develop skills which encourage them to ‘'face the void," or live spontaneously during the scene while adhering to a few rules of the game. Generally, actors are discouraged from doing any of the following as they have been found to inhibit scene development:

* Blocking: saying "no" to an action or suggestion tends to weaken or even stop scenes.
* Wimping: is when you are unclear about your suggestion (e.g. this "thing.")
* Gagging: is saying jokes or lines that take away from the story or scene.
* Bridging: adding too many things to the scene can give it little substance.

The Basic Skills that are encouraged are...

* Saying "Yes" to offers - very important to allow scenes to progress.
* Following Story Lines - with a Beginning, Middle and Ending to each scene.

Further skills are creativity, risk taking, trusting, listening, team work, accepting new ideas and making your fellow actors look good. All this on top of some basic acting skills!

A Brief History of Improvisation

Many different improvisational styles have organically developed throughout history. One form popular throughout Europe was known as Commedia Dell'Arte originating in the mid-1500' and surviving almost 200 years.

More recently, Keith Johnstone and Viola Spolin were key artists who separately and spontaneously re-invented Improv as it exists today.

Keith Johnstone grew up in England, and later brought his teachings to the University of Calgary. Johnstone wanted to bring theatre to the common people, the same audience that Shakespeare had written for in his day. Johnstone combined elements of both theatre and sports, to form something called Theatresports. This was a marriage of team sports to the improvisational theatre context where teams competed for points awarded by judges. Audiences would be encouraged to cheer for good scenes and jeer the judges.

Through Theatresports, Johnstone's ideas have gone on to influence (directly or indirectly) almost every major improv group. In the 1920's and 1930's, a woman named Viola Spolin began a new approach to the teaching of acting based on learning the craft of acting as a series of games.

Spolin's son, Paul Sills, later became one of the driving forces of improvisational theatre centered around the University of Chicago in the mid-1950's. Del Close, David Shepherd, and Sills created an ensemble of actors who developed a kind of "modern Commedia" which would appeal to the average man in the street. Again, the goal was to create theatre that was accessible to everyone.

It eventually led to the development of a company called Second City.

Through The Compass and Second City, Spolin's Theatre Games have gone on to influence an entire generation of improvisational performers.

There are many books written on the subject of IMPROV. A good start are those written by Keith Johnstone (Methuen). Another suggestion is "Something Wonderful Right Away" by Jeffrey Sweet (Limelight).

Message from Die Gorillas (Berlin, Germany)

2010-11-16T20:58:00.004-08:00

Victoria - the place where I met a lot of exciting an inspiring collegues and the city from which Ramona and me after the festival took this public bus bringing us to the countryside - and we loved it, altough we have not seen a bear.
(Christoph, Gorillas Berlin) Victoria - unforgettable the festival, the hosts, the parents from the hosts (thank you for the nice hint for the countryside) but most unforgettable the audience: I did my first english spoken show there with my college Christoph and all the audience did as if they would understand what we performed. Thank you for this great experience.
(Ramona, Gorillas Berlin)
Congratulations and a BIG HUG!!!
From all of the twelve Gorillas!!

The Audition Process by Jonathan Argue

2010-11-16T20:57:00.004-08:00

I bet you are wondering just how we do audition people… Auditioning new members for an improv company is different than auditioning people for a play, for example. In the case of a play, the characteristics of the people you are looking for is pretty much set by the script itself, and the person who is directing the piece.

Male, female, young, middle aged
Does the cast look “good” together?
Do the brother and sister characters “look” like they are related? (If they are supposed to be)

…and the list goes on.

At the end of the run, you generally don’t have any obligation to continue working with your cast… which could be a godsend if any personality / philosophy differences developed during the run.
For the purposes of an improv company, specifically the Impromaniacs, we audition with a long term perspective in mind.

Why?

Well, in improv, as in life, there are no “pre-set” scripts – we have to learn to work together (almost to the point of reading each other’s thoughts) in order to tell a coherent story.
This level of team takes time and dedication to develop, and generally requires a high degree of trust between members of the team.

Trust.

Yes, to the Impromaniacs, trust in each other is paramount.

Now, I’m not saying that we need to be BFFs, but at least we need to be able to work together without driving each other crazy all the time.

Sound like a cult? A clique? A club?

Well, no, we’re not. Although it might seem that the needs of the group outweigh the needs of the individual members, we do strive to meet halfway.

But I digress.

Back to the audition process itself.

It’s a multistep process that starts out with the initial audition. We invite people to join us for just under a 2 hour workshop. We brief people on the philosophy of the company and let them know the things we are looking for – which are primarily the ability to function as part of a team.

We also let people know that callbacks are based on a unanimous vote. That’s right; every member present for the audition has to agree to callback an auditioner. They are given the opportunity to voice any concerns they may have regarding an auditioner and discuss with the Impromaniacs members present (this, by the way, takes place after the auditioners have left). It is essential that everyone that is invited back for callbacks does not make any of the members feel uncomfortable or unsafe. We may be “iffy” on some callbacks, in which case the Performance Director(s) ask for issues to watch for with auditioners and to see if the issues are resolved (with coaching) over the next three workshops.

“Next three?” you ask. Yes, the auditioners we decide to callback, are invited to return for the next three workshops. Not only is it a chance for Impromaniacs members to get to know them better, and perhaps more importantly, it’s a chance for auditioners to get to know the Impromaniacs. Can they fit us into their schedule? Do they like improv? Do they like the Impromaniacs?

After all, we’re not about to force people to stay. If a member is generally not enjoying their time with us, then maybe it’s time to move on.

At the end of the three workshops, again the Impromaniacs decide through unanimous vote who is offered membership. At that point it’s up to a combination of the Managing Director and Performance Director(s) to contact each of the auditioners and advise them of the result.

Overall, I am told the process is a stressful one to go through… but beyond trying to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for the auditioner, I am not sure it should be changed.

On the other hand, I never had to experience it for myself as I designed it in the first place.

Humble Beginnings by Bill Nance

2010-11-16T20:48:00.003-08:00

It was in the Spring of 1989 that a bold idea took shape in the brain of Clark M. Clark, thespian and all-around good guy. I had met Clark several months before; we appeared together in "the Hunting of The Snark" at The South Island Zone Theatre Festival.

We found that we each had an interest in comedy, but, although I had vaguely heard of improvisation, I didn't really know what it was or what went into it. Fortunately Clark did. I was quite the gadabout at that point in my life, floating between jobs and looking for fame and -more importantly-fortune in the world of acting. So, when Clark mentioned that Langham Court Theatre was looking for backstage help and walk-on roles, I agreed eagerly to lend a hand.

As anyone who has ever been involved in a theatrical production will know, the rehearsal process, while thrilling and creative, has moments of tedium as well. It was during one of these "waiting for things to happen" periods that Clark raised the idea of starting an improv troupe. Agreeable soul that I was, I happily offered to go along for the ride. And what a ride it has turned out to be, my prettys.

Fast forward to late Summer '89. Clark had ads and posters advertising the auditions. I chipped in with legwork, postering Victoria-way fewer bylaws back then-and offering moral support and enthusiasm. We even had a venue; Clark had settled on the Fernwood Community Association. Only one thing was missing. The players. Would anybody show? Or would it be over before it started? The big day arrived. Saturday. 9:30 am. Emotions tumbled together: Hope. Fear. Anticipation. Finally, the door opened and in walked one-no, two!-auditioners. Soon came a third. A fourth! Eventually there were seven: bright-eyed and eager to get started. Their names still resonate with me. Phil. Dan. Erin. Another Phil. Joan. Noel. Doug.

The initial workshops-we called them rehearsals back then-involved introductory exercises, some basic character work, and Trust games. It turned out that Phil #1, his brother Dan, and Erin, as well as Clark himself, all had a background in TheatreSports (tm) and so it didn't take long before we were working on simple games: Freeze Tag, Line Story, Arms Debate. I blocked, wimped, and waffled my way through, feeling the initial stirrings of something which for me would be life-changing.

Oh, did I mention we had no name at this point? How did Impromaniacs get chosen? Via a rousing session of "Let's Choose A Name" on an early Saturday morning over breakfast at Humpty's (now Alzu's). Yours truly raised the Impromaniacs as a moniker idea, and to my surprise everyone liked it. It fit. We did improv, and acted like maniacs. Thus was a legend born. We did shows at a number of small venues that first winter. Audiences came. More importantly, they liked.

As 1990 moved along, so too did The Impromaniacs. We workshopped and grew as a company. We became friends. Some of the original seven departed, but most stayed, and gaps were filled by young and hungry theatre students. Julian Polzin. James McKillop. Melissa Vandershyff. By the end of the summer, we were nine and playing at The Belfry Theatre. Wow. That was nearly twenty years ago, and The Impromaniacs roll on, stronger than ever.

The company became a registered non-profit in 1992, produced The Singe Festival in 1997 and 2000, and has been the first improv company in Victoria to move away from short-form and embrace long-form. In 2003, The first Victoria International Improv Festival was produced. There have now been four, each one growing in stature and reputation. There have been Cage Matches and TheatreSports (tm). Long-form and Short-form. Hugs and Grins. And to think it all started with two guys and a flame that has refused to be extinguished.

Victoria International Improv Festival 2010 Promo

2010-08-30T17:43:00.000-07:00

HOME - VIIF 2010

2010-08-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

HOME - VIIF 2010
Hey Improv fans! Check out the VIIF 2010 website! All the fun starts Thursday, September 30 at the Victoria Event Centre!

The battle rages on!

2008-11-17T20:15:00.002-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you THEATRESPORTS Night 2 at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Sunday, NOVEMBER 30 at 8:00 pm.

It was a close match last time between Moustache Moustache Moustache Fiasco and Imaginary Friends but the Moustache's came out victorious. Come on out to our next TheatreSports show to see a new set of challengers pit themselves in the ring.

The gloves are off, this time it's personal, no holds barred...

What: Impromaniacs present TheatreSports Night #2!
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from ‘A’ British Columbia (formerly the A-Channel)
When: Sunday, NOVEMBER 30th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Jonathan Argue, Managing Director, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388-3658.

The Impromaniacs would like to thank our sponsors: the Yellow Pages Group, the Province of British Columbia and Industry Images.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

A night of musical improv!

2008-11-12T14:52:00.002-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you COVER BAND at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, NOVEMBER 20th at 8:00 pm.

The Impromaniacs have been practising their harmonies for their next main stage performance, "Cover Band", on Thursday, Nov 20th. The show will feature games and scenes exploring the use of music.
Be ready for some fresh beats and rhymes, a totally improvised musical, and even your iPod may be the star of a scene. Anything goes and you can be sure anything will.

What: Impromaniacs present COVER BAND!
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from ‘A’ British Columbia (formerly the A-Channel)
When: Thursday, NOVEMBER 20th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Jonathan Argue, Managing Director, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388-3658.

The Impromaniacs would like to thank our sponsors: the Yellow Pages Group, the Province of British Columbia and Industry Images.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs perform at the Peninsula Comedy Night!

2008-11-03T23:33:00.000-08:00

Come on out and have some fun at the Peninsula Comedy Night at Parkland Theatre in Sidney on Saturday Nov 29th. Two great stand up comedians from the Vancouver comedy circuit will tickle your funny bones in the first half. Jacquie O'keeffe, an ex-nun who has appeared at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, Halifax Comedy Festival and CBC's "Madly off in all Directions" will start things off. Ivan Decker, our "Headliner" will step up next. He has performed at Just for Laughs in Montreal several times and was winner of the 2007 Just for Laughs Contest in Vancouver. In the 2nd half, the locally grown "Impromaniacs" will keep you entertained with their improvisational comedy.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by VISA or Mastercard by phoning 250 655-2700 or visiting Parkland School, Tanners Books or Deep Cove Market. Show starts at 7pm, doors open at 630pm.

Theatresports are coming to town!

2008-10-27T15:43:00.004-07:00

VICTORIA - The Impromaniacs, Victoria's original improv troupe, are bringing Theatresports to Victoria's shores. In this popular, competitive improv format, two teams of trained improvisers will meet in a head to head matchup where only one team will impress the judges enough to be named the victor.

Theatresports was created by Keith Johnstone and the format has taken off in cities like Vancouver, Seattle, Edmonton and Calgary. The teams will challenge each other to create scenes on the spot with inpspiration from the audience.

"It's about time Victoria got a taste of traditional Theatresports," says Shawn Norman, the Impromaniacs Theatresports director, "we're very excited to put on the show and hope to see the program really take off here."

They have planned three evenings of Theatresports so far and we will definitely be seeing more of it in the new year.

What: Impromaniacs present Theatresports(TM)
Where: The Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad Street)
When: Sundays - Nov 9th, Nov 30th, Dec 14th @ 8:00pm
How much: $10 general, $8 students/seniors ($7/$5 advance)
Advance tickets available at: Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street)

For more information, please contact Shawn Norman at shawn@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

The Impromaniacs would like to thank our sponsors: the Yellow Pages Group, the Province of British Columbia and Industry Images.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs Auditions!

2008-10-21T22:23:00.001-07:00

What: Impromaniacs Auditions
When: Tuesday, November 25, 6:30pm
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street

Are you 17 or older?
Do you think Improvisational Theatre is for you?
Are you interested in trying out for the Impromaniacs?

If so, give us a call at (250) 388-3658, or email us at auditions@impromaniacs.ca to let us know you're coming! (max 12 spots for the audition).

Come discover the formula for laughter!

2008-10-15T16:47:00.005-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you BAD MATH! at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, OCTOBER 16 at 8:00 pm.

Ever thought math could be entertaining? What do you get when you add actors and an audience to the Victoria Event Center and take away the script? You get Victoria’s own The Impromaniacs’ latest show, BAD MATH! Come join The Impromaniacs for a return to classic form, with an evening of exciting, hilarious and algebraically-correct short form improv games!

The evening will present an exciting variety of improvisational theatre styles as the Impromaniacs play all your favourite short form improv games. The entire show will be a rapid-fire procession of quick and quick-witted improv games that will offer plenty of chances for the audience to see their suggestions used on stage. Improv, like calculus is all about managing your variables, so The Impromaniacs have been studying hard to deliver one hilarious equation! When asked to comment, Impromaniacs media liaison Ryan Whyte said, “Well, I took calculus in university, so I think it’s going to be a fantastic show.”

The entire performance will be created before the audience’s eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestions and instantly weave them into games and stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present BAD MATH!
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, OCTOBER 16th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Ryan Whyte, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.507.4671.

The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Victoria International Improv Festival 2008 ALMOST HERE!

2008-09-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL IMPROV FESTIVAL ALMOST HERE

Scripts? This year’s Victoria International Improv Festival (VIIF) performers don’t need no stinkin’ scripts, and they’ll prove it from October 2nd – 4th, 2008, at the Victoria Event Centre (1415 Broad Street).
Bringing the live, unscripted, improvised funny this year are, in no particular order:
!nstant Theatre (Vancouver, BC) – They hope Victorians will appreciate their magical eclecticism as much as the Germans do;
CRUMBS (Winnipeg, MB) – They’ve had a performance interrupted by the police, which is arguably far less demoralizing than performing in Winnipeg during the winter months;
Dad’s Garage (Atlanta, GA) – Intelligence reports their goal is to steal health care secrets from the Canadian government;
PROJECTproject (Toronto, ON) – Choosing to leave the centre of the universe was tough for them, but it only shows what risks this group will take;
Rosa Parks (Vancouver, BC) – Their pet peeve is “lady-prov”, of which this all-female improv troupe promises none;
SCRATCH (Edmonton,AB) – They’re bringing hospitalization worthy hilarity to our fair city;
Emmett Hall (Vancouver, BC) – An improvisational maestro, Emmett will be adding his musical styling’s to shows throughout the festival; and
The Impromaniacs (Victoria, BC) – They’re the hometown heroes and festival hosts – no pressure.

Full ticket and schedule information can be found on the VIIF website, www.viif.ca.

VIIF 2008 would like to thank our Improv God-level Sponsors: A Channel, the Yellow Pages Group, 100.3 The Q and The Zone @ 91.3 for their generous support.
We would also like to thank our Da Bomb-level sponsors: CRD Arts Development, Canadian Heritage, Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) and the British Columbia Arts Council.
And finally, we'd like to thank our Rubber Chicken sponsors - Monday Magazine, Times Colonist, the City of Victoria and the Traveller's Inn.

Festival Inquiries: Jonathan Argue, Producer - info@viif.ca.
Sponsorship Inquiries: Robyn Hovorka, Sponsorship Coordinator - sponsorship@viif.ca.
Media Inquiries: Amanda Smith, Festival Administrator - amanda@viif.ca.

VIIF 2008 commercial goes live!

2008-09-08T22:22:00.003-07:00

Big shout of THANKS to our TV sponsor, 'A' British Columbia for shooting and putting together a kick-ass commercial!

VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL IMPROV FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE!

2008-09-08T22:19:00.002-07:00

September 8, 2008

VICTORIA – Get ready to bust a gut!

Tickets for the 2008 Victoria International Improv Festival (VIIF) are now on sale. “This gaggle of laughter only shows up in Victoria once every two years,” says Jonathan Argue , VIIF Producer. “We’ve grown the festival a little but have reduced the number of seats available – down to 170 from 200. This means that audience members should try to not leave their ticket purchases to the last minute!”

Tickets are available at the following outlets: Lyle’s Place (located at 770 Yates Street) starting Monday, September 8 - Monday to Thursday 10am to 6pm, Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Victoria Event Centre Box Office (located at 1415 Broad Street) from October 2 – 4, starting at 6pm each day; and online at http://1415broad.ca. Tickets purchased online have a $1 CDN to $2 CDN service fee added to the cost of the ticket.

There are two different types of events: showcase events which feature one or more guest groups for 60 to 75 minutes; and ensemble events which mix individual members of the guest groups for 45 minutes. The showcase events are priced at $10 CDN for general admission and $8 CDN for students and seniors. The ensemble events (Thursday and Saturday evenings only) are priced at $7 CDN for general admission and $5 CDN for students and seniors.

Festival passes are available in limited quantities and provide access to all events over the entire length of the festival. In addition, evening passes for the Thursday and Saturday dates may be purchased for access to all performances for those evenings.

Festival passes are priced at $46 CDN for general admission and $34 CDN for students and seniors, while the Thursday & Saturday evening passes are priced at $23 CDN for general admission and $17 CDN for students and seniors.

VIIF 2008 would like to thank our Improv God-level Sponsors: A Channel, the Yellow Pages Group, 100.3 The Q and The Zone @ 91.3 for their generous support.

We would also like to thank our Da Bomb-level sponsors: CRD Arts Development, Canadian Heritage, Downtown Victoria Business Association (DVBA) and the British Columbia Arts Council.

And finally, we’d like to thank our Rubber Chicken sponsors - Monday Magazine, Times Colonist, the City of Victoria and the Traveller's Inn.

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Festival Inquiries: Jonathan Argue, Producer - info@viif.ca .

Sponsorship Inquiries: Robyn Hovorka, Sponsorship Coordinator - sponsorship@viif.ca .

Media Inquiries: Amanda Smith, Festival Administrator - amanda@viif.ca .

VIIF Needs YOU!!

2008-09-08T20:10:00.001-07:00

The Victoria International Improv Festival is looking for a some awesome folks to lend us a hand during our busy festival!

Be a part of the action as we host 3 nights of purely improvised theatrical mayhem!!

Get a cool T-shirt, meet strange and wonderful people and check out Victoria's best improv! Whoo!

Contact Michelle Chowns, volunteer coordinator, at michelle@impromaniacs.ca

The Impromaniacs Present: AS THE LEAVES TURN

2008-09-04T11:49:00.004-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you AS THE LEAVES TURN, FT. DAVE MORRIS IS A STORY TELLER!, at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, September 18th at 8:00 pm.

The Impromaniacs are extremely excited to present a very special evening of improvised theatre featuring special guest DAVE MORRIS all the way from far-away Vancouver! As the Impromaniacs last show before the upcoming Victoria International Improv Festival 2008, The Impromaniacs will be presenting a special long form improvised piece, inspired by everyone’s favourite daytime soap operas entitled AS THE LEAVES TURN. The evening will also feature a long form improvised solo performance by DAVE MORRIS IS A STORYTELLER as he weaves his own special blend of folk spun storytelling magic.

AS THE LEAVES TURN, will feature acting so bad it’s good, as The Impromaniacs make live melodrama based on the audience’s suggestions. Come watch as the Impromaniacs expertly weave together the threads of seemingly separate stories in true to form Soap Opera style. Feuds, friendships and Love triangles, squares, pentagons and even possibly hexagons will be formed then shattered as twist after twist will leave the audience shocked and gasping for more. Veteran Vancouver virtuoso improviser Dave Morris will then bring things back down to reality, with a solo improvised performance steeped in the age-old traditions of storytelling that will feature a hearty helping of honesty as Dave Morris creates live improv magic as only he can.
The entire performance will be created before the audience’s eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestions and instantly weave them into improvised stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment featuring The Impromaniacs and special guest DAVE MORRIS IS A STORYTELLER.

What: Impromaniacs present AS THE LEAVES TURN, FT. DAVE MORRIS
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, September 18th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Ryan Whyte, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.507.4671.
The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.

The Impromaniacs Proudly Present: HEAT WAVE!

2008-07-31T15:08:00.001-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you HEAT WAVE! at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, AUGUST 14 at 8:00 pm.

Join us for an evening of exciting entertainment, short form improv games, and an improvised long form piece that is sure to be scorching-hot entertainment! Be sure not to miss all the spontaneous surprises at this night of improvised theatre.

The evening will present an exciting variety of improvisational theatre styles as the Impromaniacs start the evening with a selection of hilarious short form improv games and then finish the evening with an original long-form improvised piece titled “Heat Wave” that will use a theme suggested by the audience to create a series of scenes which at first appear completely disconnected, but as the piece moves forward, the players will work improv-magic to tie together the characters and story-lines to the amazement and delight of the audience!

The entire performance will be created before your eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestions and instantly weave them into games and stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present HEAT WAVE!
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, AUGUST 14th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Ryan Whyte, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.507.4671.
The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.
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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs Present: SCRATCH CAKE!

2008-06-22T14:21:00.001-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you SCRATCH CAKE! at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, JULY 17 at 8:00 pm.

Join us for an evening of exciting entertainment, short form improv games, and an improvised long form piece that puts the audience in the director’s chair! Be sure not to miss all the spontaneous surprises at this night of improvised theatre.

The evening will present an exciting variety of improvisational theatre styles as the Impromaniacs start the evening with a selection of hilarious short form improv games and then finish the evening with an entirely original long-form improvised piece entitled “Scratch Cake” that will allow the audience to make all the choices about the player’s characters and the scenes they will be performing. Do you ever wish you could rewrite your favourite TV shows or movies to fill in plot holes or fix a disappointing ending? Well, the Impromaniacs presentation of “Scratch Cake” will be the perfect opportunity to indulge those arm-chair director aspirations!

The entire performance will be created before your eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestion and instantly weave them into games and stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present SCRATCH CAKE!
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, July 17th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Ryan Whyte, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.507.4671.
The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.
-30-
The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs Presesent EUROPEAN VACATION Ft. NAROBOV!

2008-05-23T07:37:00.006-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you EUROPEAN VACATION Ft. NAROBOV, at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, June 19 at 8:00 pm.

The Impromaniacs are extremely excited to present a very special evening of improvised theatre featuring the amazing Narobov all the way from Slovenia. As a special kickoff event for October’s upcoming Victoria International Improv Festival 2008, Narobov will be presenting their own unique, funny and touching piece entitled “Tok Tok.” The evening will also feature a long form improvised performance by the Impromaniacs as well as an improvised “Jam session” starring members of both Narobov and the Impromaniacs!

“Tok Tok” as presented by Narobov’s Alenka Marinič and Tomaž Lapajne is piece about how two people sometimes stick to each other too much and sometimes not enough. Utilizing elements of clowning, improv and physical theatre, “Tok Tok” is just strange enough to be laugh-out-loud funny, while still allowing the audience to recognize elements of themselves in the performance. Narobov will create a memorable improv experience that is affected by the space in which it is performed and the very audience who is watching it.

The entire performance will be created before the audience’s eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestion and instantly weave them into improvised stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment featuring some fantastic improvisational talent from Narobov of Slovenia.

What: Impromaniacs present EUROPEAN VACATION Ft. NAROBOV
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, June 19th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Ryan Whyte, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.507.4671.

The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.

-30-
The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

LOST IN TIME!

2008-04-27T13:42:00.005-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you LOST IN TIME!, at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, May 15 at 8:00 pm.

Join us for an evening of exciting entertainment, short form improv games, and an improvised long form piece that takes a journey backwards into time! Be sure not to miss all the spontaneous surprises at this night of improvised theatre.

The evening will present an exciting variety of improvisational theatre styles as the Impromaniacs start the evening with a selection of hilarious short form improv games and then finish the evening with an entirely original long-form improvised piece that will weave scenes into a story that extends backwards into time. In a mind-bending twist on convention, the scenes will start at the end and end at the beginning!

The entire performance will be created before your eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestions and instantly weave them into games and stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present LOST IN TIME!
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, May 15th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Ryan Whyte, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.507.4671.

The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.
-30-
The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

MISSING IMPROV?

2008-04-13T17:21:00.005-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv Company, are thrilled to bring you MISSING IMPROV?, at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, April 24 at 8:00 pm.

Join us for an evening of exciting entertainment, short form improv games, and an improvised long form play based on items taken from the audience itself. Be sure not to miss all the spontaneous surprises at this night of improvised theatre.

The evening will present an exciting variety of improvisational theatre styles as the Impromaniacs start the evening with a selection of your favourite short form improv games and then finish the evening with an entirely original long-form improvised piece based off an everyday item provided by the audience. Watch as the story of an everyday object comes to live before your eyes!

The entire performance will be created before your eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestion and instantly weave them into games and stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present MISSING IMPROV?
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, April 24th, 2008
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Ryan Whyte, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.507.4671.

TWO WILD NIGHTS - A success!

2008-04-01T09:47:00.003-07:00

Over 190 people came out to enjoy the Impromaniacs' presentation of TWO WILD NIGHTS OF IMPROV!

Featured where:

The Impromaniacs & Tongues of Fire
Remilio Sheen
3-2-1 with Ryan, Tim and D'Arcy
Organic Chemistry with Shawn & Jeff
Rosa Parks Improv (Vancouver, BC)

The Saturday performance was a benefit for the MS Society of Canada, for which the Impromaniacs are providing a donation of $602! This is in addition to the money raised from the raffle and the silent auction.

Join us next month for LOST & FOUND!

2 WILD NIGHTS OF IMPROV!!

2008-03-16T17:28:00.003-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv company, are thrilled to bring you Two WILD Nights of Improv! Thursday March 27^th features incredible Victoria talent with Tongues of Fire and the Impromaniacs and Remilio Sheen. Saturday March 29^th (a fundraiser for the MS Society) features Victoria’s The Scene Kids, Organic Chemistry with Shawn and Jeff and from Vancouver Rosa Parks. Both nights start at 8pm at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street.

Come out and join in the fun with 2 fabulously WILD nights of improvised theatre!! We are delighted to bring you 2 very special evenings of stories, poetry, wit and laughter featuring incredible talent from Victoria and Vancouver! The fun begins on Thursday March 27^th with a special presentation of slam poetry by Victoria’s Tongues of Fire, improvised games and short scenes by Victoria’s longest running improv troupe, the Impromaniacs, and a long form improvised play by the love of your life, Victoria’s Remlio Sheen!!

The craziness continues on Saturday March 29^th with a very special fundraiser for the MS Society. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support a great cause! Victoria and Vancouver’s best are rallying together to bring you an unforgettable night of purely improvised entertainment in support of the MS Society. The evening features great performances by The Scene Kids, Organic Chemistry with Shawn and Jeff (both groups from Victoria) and Vancouver’s all female troupe; Rosa Parks. There will be a silent auction, raffle draws and, of course, great improv! Stick around after the show and dance the night away!

Don’t miss out on these exciting nights of incredible improvised theatre and poetry. Proceeds from Saturday March 29^th will go directly to the MS Society!

What: Impromaniacs present Two Wild Nights of Improv!

Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel

When: Thursday, March 27^th , 2008 AND Saturday, March 29^th, 2008

Doors open: 7:30pm

Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors (AWESOME PRICES!)

Tickets are ONLY available at the DOOR! Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

First Day of Spring

2008-02-29T13:20:00.004-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv company, are thrilled to bring you First Day of Spring, featuring Andrew Chen and Kaitlin Fontana as directed by Dave Morris at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, March 20th at 8:00 pm.

Come out and join in celebrating the run of the sun with a fabulous night of improvised theatre!! We are delighted to bring you a very special evening of stories, wit and laughter featuring a special presentation of Within a Story, starring some of Vancouver’s best improvisers; Andrew Chen and Kaitlin Fontana and Directed by master storyteller Dave Morris!

The evening is not to be missed, as we present an exciting variety of theatrical styles. The Impromaniacs begin the evening with our favourite short form games and “3-2-1”, then sit back and be dazzled as Dave, Andrew and Kaitlin expertly weave together a long form story in the second half.

The entire performance will be created before your eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestion and instantly weave them into stories and scenes that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present FIRST DAY OF SPRING! Featuring WITHIN A STORY

Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel

When: Thursday, March 20th, 2008

Doors open: 7:30pm

Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

ESCAPADES

2008-02-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv company, are thrilled to bring you ESCAPADES, at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, February 21 at 8:00 pm.

Join us for an evening of exciting entertainment, short form silliness, and fanciful fairytale fun. Be sure not to miss all the spontaneous surprises at this night of improvised theatre.

The evening will present an exciting variety of theatrical styles as we and start with a smattering of short form game silliness and then finish the evening with the untold tale of your favourite fairy tale characters in “Happily Ever After”. Escapades are sure to ensue!

The entire performance will be created before your eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestion and instantly weave them into stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present ESCAPADES
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, February 21st, 2007
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

BRAIN PANIC!

2008-01-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv company, are thrilled to bring you BRAIN PANIC, at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, January 17th at 8:00 pm.

Join us for a twisted night of mind warping, cerebellum scrambling improvised theatre! We are delighted to team up with the Upfront Theatre, of Bellingham WA, and bring them back to Victoria for this evening of crazy creativity.

The evening will present an exciting variety of theatrical styles as we explore the unexpected and unearth the past with “Memory Mash Up”, tinker with our thinkers with the avant-garde “3-2-1” and surprise with a smattering of short form game silliness. The Upfront Theatre will finish the evening with their own special brand of improv comedy.

The entire performance will be created before your eyes, as we take our inspiration from audience suggestion and instantly weave them into stories that are sure to delight! We've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present BRAIN PANIC

Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel

When: Thursday, January 17th, 2007

Doors open: 7:30pm

Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)

Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors

Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of The Province of British Columbia.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Shopping For Love

2007-11-30T20:03:00.001-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv company, are pleased to bring you SHOPPING FOR LOVE, at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, December 20th at 8:00 pm.

Join us as we explore the story of one character inspired by suggestions from the audience, and created on the spot. The true character will be revealed as we explore their life through the eyes of people who have known our character in different ways. Secrets desires, hope and dreams, long lost love...who knows what we will find as we dig deep into the life of our character. We begin with musical chairs, and separate in to the different facets of the main character’s life, and explore while Shopping For Love.

The evening will be a variety of short scenes, and theatre games in addition to our long form presentation of Shopping for Love- we've got something for everyone! Bring the whole family (and your best suggestions) out for this evening of great live entertainment.

What: Impromaniacs present Shopping For Love
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, December 20th, 2007
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)
Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

The Impromaniacs acknowledge the financial assistance of
The Province of British Columbia.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Saturday Community Improv Workshops

2007-11-21T06:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Out There!

You are invited to Saturday Community Drop-in Improv Workshops! Woohoo!

Ever been curious about Improv?
Seen it, but never tried it? Here's your chance!
Are you an experienced improvisor looking to jam and meet new folks? Come on out!

Saturday November 24th 11:30am-2:30at the Victoria Event Centre 1415 Broad St.
by donation.

All levels of experience are welcome.
Bring your friends, your inspirations, and your favourite games!

Fun and Friendly, we offer a supportive environment to come and have fun and be silly!

For more info, please contact workshops@impromaniacs.ca

Facilitated by Impromaniacs!
www.impromaniacs.ca

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Saturday Community Improv Workshops

2007-11-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Hello Out There!
You are invited to Saturday Community Drop-in Improv Workshops! Woohoo!

Ever been curious about Improv?
Seen it, but never tried it? Here's your chance!

Saturday November 10th 11:30am-2:30
at the Victoria Event Centre 1415 Broad St
by donation.

All levels of experience are welcome. Bring your friends, your inspirations, and your favourite games!

Fun and Friendly, we offer a supportive environment to come and have fun and be silly!
For more info, please contact workshops@impromaniacs.ca

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

In memory's telephoto lens, far objects are magnified.

2007-11-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv company, are pleased to bring you MEMORY MASH-UP at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, November 15 at 8:00 pm.

Join us as we gaze into the past to solve a present tense event inspired by suggestions from the audience. "Just as in the classic Christmas Carol, our hero will be accompanied by a variety of supporting figures to assist them along the way." says Managing Director, Jonathan Argue.

The evening will be a variety of short scenes, theatre games and a piece we picked up while working with our friends at the Upfront Theatre, in addition to the memory mash-up of this month - we've got something for everyone!

What: Impromaniacs present Memory Mash-up
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, November 15th, 2007
Doors open: 7:30pm
Performance starts: 8:00 pm (100 minute run, includes one 20 minute intermission)
Tickets at door: $10 General, $8 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets: $7 General, $5 for Students/Seniors
Advance Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information, please contact Jonathan Argue, Managing Director at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Stories of Macabre

2007-10-08T23:53:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Impromaniacs are excited to present Stories of Macabre, featuring The Storytellers Improv Co. Join us at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday Oct 18th at 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:30pm) for a night of creepy characters, terrifying tales, and haunting hilarity all created before your eyes and based on audience suggestion.

The Storytellers are sure to bring thrills and chills to this nightmarish night of comedy as they weave spooktacular, spontaneous stories with the wild and weird and create stories that will rattle your bones!

Bring the entire family to this petrifying performance. The Impromaniacs start the evening off with a creepy collection of ghoulish games, followed by the terrifying talents of The Storytellers! Freaky fun to be sure!

Tickets will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Impromaniacs Meet Scratch!

2007-09-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Impromaniacs are excited to present Impromaniacs Meet Scratch. Join us at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday Sept 20th at 8:00 pm. For an exciting night short-form improv comedy and the incredible talents of Scratch.

Scratch is taking improv by storm, and leaving audiences laughing around the world. Kevin Gillese and Arlen Konopaki are the masterminds behind this critically acclaim comedic duo. Don’t miss out on this chance to see one of the in demand improv groups today. Scratch takes improv up a notch, leaving you with split sides and wondering if it was scripted.

“We are thrilled to keep bringing such awesome talent to Victoria’s improv fans,” says media liaison, Michelle Chowns. “Scratch has a knack for the absurd and a love of physical comedy that leaves audiences wanting more. Don’t miss out!”

The Impromaniacs start the evening off with our favourite short form games before Scratch brings us their absurd and witty brand of comedy.

Tickets will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Impromaniacs Auditions

2007-09-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Impromaniacs Auditions!

What: Impromaniacs AuditionsWhen: Tuesday, September 11, 6:30pm
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street

Are you 17 or older?
Do you think Improvisational Theatre is for you?
Are you interested in trying out for the Impromaniacs?

If so, give us a call at (250) 388-3658, or email us at auditions@impromaniacs.ca to let us know you're coming! (we have a limited number of audition spots).

Impromaniacs Meet Scratch!

2007-08-23T21:19:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Impromaniacs are excited to present Impromaniacs Meet Scratch. Join us at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday Sept 20th at 8:00 pm. For an exciting night short-form improv comedy and the incredible talents of Scratch.

Scratch is taking improv by storm, and leaving audiences laughing around the world. Kevin Gillese and Arlen Konopaki are the masterminds behind this critically acclaim comedic duo. Don’t miss out on this chance to see one of the in demand improv groups today. Scratch takes improv up a notch, leaving you with split sides and wondering if it was scripted.

“We are thrilled to keep bringing such awesome talent to Victoria’s improv fans,” says media liaison, Michelle Chowns. “Scratch has a knack for the absurd and a love of physical comedy that leaves audiences wanting more. Don’t miss out!”

The Impromaniacs start the evening off with our favourite short form games before Scratch brings us their absurd and witty brand of comedy.

Tickets will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com,

250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Saturday Community Workshops

2007-08-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hello Out There!
just a reminder for Saturday Improv Workshops!
Ever been curious about Improv? Seen it, but never tried it? Here's your chance!

Saturday August 18th 11:30am-2:30 at the Victoria Event Centre 1415 Broad St
by donation ($2-$5).

All levels of experience are welcome. Bring your friends.
Fun and Friendly, we offer a supportive environment to come and have fun and be silly!

Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at the Victoria Event Centre,1415 Broad St.
For more Info, please contact workshops@impromaniacs.ca

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia if you

Saturday Community Workshops

2007-08-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hello Out There!
Saturday Improv Workshops! Woohoo!
Ever been curious about Improv? Seen it, but never tried it? Here's your chance!

Saturday August 4th 11:30am-2:30 at the Victoria Event Centre 1415 Broad St
by donation ($2-$5).

All levels of experience are welcome. Bring your friends.
Fun and Friendly, we offer a supportive environment to come and have fun and be silly!

Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at the Victoria Event Centre,1415 Broad St.
For more Info, please contact workshops@impromaniacs.ca

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Impromaniacs Auditions!

2007-07-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

What: Impromaniacs Auditions
When: Tuesday, September 11, 6:30pm
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street

Are you 17 or older? Do you think Improvisational Theatre is for you? Are you interested in trying out for the Impromaniacs? If so, give us a call at (250) 388-3658, or email us at auditions@impromaniacs.ca to let us know you're coming! (we have a limited number of audition spots).

Saturday Community Workshops

2007-07-18T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hello Out There!

just a reminder that Saturday Improv Workshops are back!
Ever been curious about Improv? Seen it, but never tried it? Here's your chance!

Saturday July 21st 11:30am-2:30
the Victoria Event Centre 1415 Broad St
by donation ($2-$5).

All levels are welcome. Bring your friends.
Fun and Friendly, we offer a supportive environment to come and have fun and be silly!

**please note, Saturday July 21st, Shaw TV will be filming part of the workshop for a promotion on "the Daily". Please state at the beginning of the workshop if you do not wish to be filmed.

Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at the Victoria Event Centre,1415 Broad St.
For more Info, please contact workshops@impromaniacs.ca

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

REVISED! An Evening of Improv with Special Guest Aaron Read!

2007-07-16T18:45:00.001-07:00

Sorry Folks, got the date wrong!

VICTORIA – Impromaniacs are proud to present An Evening of Improv with special guest Aaron Read. Join us at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday July 19th at 8:00 pm. For an exciting night short-form improv comedy and Aaron Read’s one-man solo Improv performance featuring himself and his violin!

“This night is sure to please the whole family,” say Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison. “Aaron puts on one fantastic show! From A.K.A. Improv and Storytellers (of Vancouver) he’s got the chops to keep you entertained, and wanting more.”Watch as Aaron writes the story, complete with musical accompaniment right before your eyes! He’ll keep you entranced from beginning to end!

To kick off the evening, the Impromaniacs will bring their wit to the stage and present a collection of short form scenes and open scenes… the scenes will be coloured with the musical talents of Alex Wlasenko on guitar and Aaron Read on violin.

Tickets for this hilarious show will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs acknowledges the financial assistance of
the Province of British Columbia

Saturday Community Drop In Workshop

2007-07-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Out There!
I just wanted to let you know that Saturday Improv Workshops are back!
Ever been curious about Improv? Seen it, but never tried it? Here's your chance!
Saturday July 7th 11:30am-2:30 at the Victoria Event Centre 1415 Broad St, by donation ($2-$5).
All levels are welcome. Bring your friends.
Fun and Friendly, we offer a supportive environment to come and have fun and be silly!

Join us every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at the Victoria Event Centre,1415 Broad St.
For more Info, please contact workshops@impromaniacs.ca

Shorties!

2007-06-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Impromaniacs, Victoria’s premiere improv troupe, are proud to present Shorties!, an exciting evening of “Whose Line” style short-form improv comedy! Join us at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday June 21st at 8:00 pm. for an exciting, fun-filled evening as we present an eclectic assortment of our favourite fast paced scenes and games.

“This night is sure to please the whole family,” say Michelle Chowns, Media Liasion. “Hilarious stories and wacky characters are sure to make an appearance for this night of classic, comedy-club style improv.”

Come prepared for a night of rapid-fire comedy, all completely made up on the spot! The entire performance will be based on audience suggestions so bring along your best ideas and keep the actors on their toes!

Tickets for this hilarious show will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or b (cash only) on the night of the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison, at mailto://media@impromaniacs.com/, 250.388.3658.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

CAGE MATCH FINAL - THE WINNER!

2007-05-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

What an excellent evening of improv!

It came down to AKA Improv and the Storytellers Improv Co.... a tough choice had to be made by the audience as both teams brought great stories to the stage.

For the second year in a row, doing a solo Improv with the assistance of Aaron Read on violin, Dave Morris of the Storytellers took with match with a story inspired by the audience suggestion of Helter Skelter!

The Impromaniacs would like to thank all their sponsors, guests and people in Victoria who came out during the match to support us!

CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS!!

2007-05-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Get Ready to Rumble, it’s time for the CAGE MATCH FINALS!

May 17th at the Victoria Event Centre is the ultimate battle for Cage Match supremacy! After several gruelling rounds, we’ve narrowed the teams down to the best of the best. A.K.A. Improv (Vancouver) and Storytellers (Vancouver) are ready to duke it out in the ring for audience votes and see who tips the scale and becomes CAGE MATCH CHAMPIONS 2007!!

“This match is not to be missed” says Media Liaison, Michelle Chowns. “It’s going to be a tough decision for our audience. These teams have been through the gauntlet! They’ve wowed the audience every time, bringing the very best in improv to the stage.”

Audiences will be the determining factor, choosing who wins big and who gets the boot! This competition will be fierce as Storytellers defend their title against their friends and rivals A.K.A. Don’t miss out on this incredible night of one of kind entertainment!

Before the competition kicks off, the Impromaniacs will bring you short scenes and theatre games.

What: Cage Match – CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS!!
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
When: One night only! – Thursday May 17th@ 8:00 pm
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors

Tickets will be available at the door (cash only), or in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - also cash only).

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Media Liaison, Michelle Chowns at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Cage Match Results Round #7

2007-05-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

A.K.A. Improv (Vancouver) vs. Upfront Theatre (aka Red Flagged)

Thanks to our Cage Match guests for making the trek and duking it out! Once the dust settled, and the stage was mopped the audience had a tough decisionto make. Only one team could be triumphant...

*A.K.A. Improv

will be moving onto the final round Thursday May 17th, 8p.m. at the Victoria Event Centre.

This Match is not to be missed!
Be There To Decide Who wins

A.K.A. Improv
Vs.
Storytellers Improv Co. (2006 champions)

CAGE MATCH SEMI-FINALS - ROUND #7!

2007-04-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Put on your walking shoes and come out to witness the cross-border creativity take to the ring… it’s CAGE MATCH time!

May 3rd at the Victoria Event Centre is the last of the Cage Match SEMI-FINAL rounds! We put two semi-finalist teams of improvisers in the ring to duke it out for audience votes and see who tips the scale and moves on to the championship match vs. Storytellers (Vancouver)!

“This match is not to be missed” says Media Liaison, Michelle Chowns. “It’s going to be a tough decision for our audience. We’ve whittled the teams down to the very best, these players have got game!”

Audiences will be the determining factor in teams’ advancement, and audience stacking, bribing, and begging will be common occurrences.

Come have your say on Thursday May 3rd and decide who goes on to face last year’s champions Storytellers!

Before the competition kicks off, the Impromaniacs will bring you short scenes and theatre games.

What: Cage Match – SEMI-FINAL Round #7
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
When: One night only! – Thursday May 3rd @ 8:00 pm
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors

Tickets will be available at the door (cash only), or in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - also cash only).

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Media Liaison, Michelle Chowns at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Cage Match Results Round #6

2007-04-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Cage Match - Round #6 Results!

A.K.A. Improv (Vancouver) vs. Vancouver Theatre Sports

Thanks to our Cage Match guests for making the trek and duking it out! Oncethe dust settled, and the stage was mopped the audience had a tough decisionto make. Only one team could be triumphant...

*A.K.A. Improv

will be moving onto the semi-finals Thursday May 3rd, 8p.m. at the Victoria Event Centre.

This Match is not to be missed!
Be There To Decide Who wins

A.K.A.
Vs.
Red Flag (Upfront Theatre, Bellingham WA)

CAGE MATCH SEMI-FINALS - ROUND #6

2007-04-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Put on your walking shoes and come out to witness the laughter… it’s CAGE MATCH time!

April 19th at the Victoria Event Centre is the second match of the Cage Match SEMI-FINAL rounds! We put two semi-finalist teams of improvisers in the ring to duke it out for audience votes and see who tips the scale and moves on and who goes home.

Our March winners, AKA Improv and Vancouver TheatreSports League jump into the ring to defend their winnings! The decision from this round determines who goes onto the May 3rd round!

“It just keeps getting better and better as we move towards the May 17th showdown” says Managing Director, Jonathan Argue. “May the sun smile on both teams!”

Audiences will be the determining factor in teams’ advancement, and audience stacking, bribing, and begging will be common occurrences.

Come have your say on Thursday, April 19th and decide who goes on, and who goes home.
Before the competition kicks off, the Impromaniacs will bring you short scenes and theatre games.

What: Cage Match – SEMI-FINAL Round #5
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
When: One night only! - Thursday, April 19 @ 8:00 pm
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors

Tickets will be available at the door (cash only), or in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - also cash only).

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Managing Director, Jonathan Argue at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Cage Match - Round #5 Results!

2007-04-15T00:59:00.000-07:00

Prov (UVIC Improv) vs. Red Flag (Upfront Theatre, Bellingham, WA)

Thanks to our Cage Match guests for making the trek and duking it out! Once the dust settled, and the stage was mopped the audience had a tough decision to make. Only one team could be triumphant...

Red Flag (Upfront Theatre, Bellingham, WA)

will be moving onto the May 3 semi-finals at the Victoria Event Centre.

CAGE MATCH SEMI-FINALS - ROUND #5

2007-03-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – Put on your walking shoes and come out to witness the cross-border creativity take to the ring… it’s CAGE MATCH time!

April 14^th at the Victoria Event Centre is the first of the Cage Match SEMI-FINAL rounds! We put two semi-finalist teams of improvisers in the ring to duke it out for audience votes and see who tips the scale and moves on and who goes home.

Our January winners, UVIC Improv, jump into the ring with our cross-border February winning team, Upfront Theatre (Bellingham) and pit their mental powers against one another to see who gets to advance to the final round!

“UVIC Improv knows how to draw in the crowd” says Managing Director, Jonathan Argue. “It’s going to be a tough battle for our visiting US team!”

Audiences will be the determining factor in teams’ advancement, and audience stacking, bribing, and begging will be common occurrences.

Come have your say on Saturday, April 14^th and decide who goes on, and who goes home.

Before the competition kicks off, the Impromaniacs will bring you short scenes and theatre games.

What: Cage Match – SEMI-FINAL Round #5
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
When: One night only! - Saturday, April 14 @ 8:00 pm
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors

Tickets will be available at the door (cash only), or in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - also cash only).

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Managing Director, Jonathan Argue at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Cage Match - Round #4 Results!

2007-03-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Vancouver TheatreSports League (Vancouver) vs. Unexpected Productions (Seattle)

Thanks to our Cage Match guests for making the trip across the ocean and duking it out! Once the dust settled, and the stage was mopped the audience had a tough decision to make. Only one team could be triumphant…

Vancouver TheatreSports League (Vancouver, BC)

will be moving onto the semi-finals at the Victoria Event Centre.

CAGE MATCH - ROUND #4

2007-03-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – Put on your walking shoes and come out to witness the cross-boarder creativity take to the ring… it’s CAGE MATCH time!

March 22^nd at the Victoria Event Centre is ROUND #4 of the 2007 Cage Match series which will put two teams of improvisers in the ring to duke it out for audience votes and see who’s the smack down superstar of spontaneity.

This time Vancouver TheatreSports League and Unexpected Productions (Seattle) pit their mental powers against one another to see who gets to come back again for a second challenge in the semi-finals.

“This performance brings together two of the oldest Improv companies in the Pacific Northwest,” comments Managing Director, Jonathan Argue. “We’ll see what kind of stamina they have in them!”

Audiences will be the determining factor in teams’ advancement, and audience stacking, bribing, and begging will be common occurrences.

Come have your say on Thursday, March 22^nd and decide who goes on, and who goes home.

Before the competition kicks off, the Impromaniacs will bring you short scenes and theatre games.

What: Cage Match - Round #4

Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street

When: One night only! - Thursday, March 22 @ 8:00 pm

How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors

Tickets will be available at the door (cash only), or in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - also cash only).

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Managing Director, Jonathan Argue at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Cage Match - Round #3 Results!

2007-03-04T16:11:00.000-08:00

AKA Improv (Vancouver) vs. The Boys Next Door (Vancouver)

Thanks to our Cage Match guests for coming and duking it out! Once the dust settled, and the stage was mopped the audience had a tough decision to make. Only one team could be triumphant…

AKA Improv (Vancouver, BC)

will be moving onto the semi-finals at the Victoria Event Centre.

CAGE MATCH - ROUND #3

2007-02-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – Get out your verbal hammerlocks and dust off your melodrama, it’s time once again for a Cage Match… of wits.

March 3^rd at the Victoria Event Centre is ROUND #3 of the Cage Match series which will put two teams of improvisers in the ring to duke it out for audience votes and see who’s the smack down superstar of spontaneity.

This month Vancouver teams The Boys Next Door and AKA Improv pit their mental powers against one another to see who gets to come back again for a second challenge in the semi-finals.

“We’re happy to be returning to the Island,” says AKA Improv member Andrew Chen. “We’ve been practicing our mental Yoga, so look out Victoria!”

Audiences will be the determining factor in teams’ advancement, and audience stacking, bribing, and begging will be common occurrences.

“The Impromaniacs are working hard to strengthen the Island’s Improv connections,” says Impromaniacs Managing Director, Jonathan Argue. “It’s what we’ve been doing since we appeared back in 1989.”

Come have your say on Saturday, March 3^rd and decide who goes on, and who goes home.

Before the competition kicks off, the Impromaniacs will bring you short scenes and theatre games.

What: Cage Match - Round #3
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
When: One night only! - Saturday, March 3 @ 8:00 pm
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors

Tickets will be available at the door (cash only), or in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - also cash only).

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Managing Director, Jonathan Argue at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

-30-

The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Cage Match - Round #2 Results!

2007-02-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

Impromaniacs vs. Project 501 (Upfront Theatre, Bellingham, WA)

Thanks to our Cage Match guests for coming and duking it out! Once the dust settled, and the stage was mopped the audience had a tough decision to make. Only one team could be triumphant…

Project 501 (Upfront Theatre, Bellingham, WA)

will be moving onto the semi-finals at the Victoria Event Centre.

Impromaniacs auditions!

2007-02-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

What: Impromaniacs Auditions
When: Tuesday, February 20, 6:30pm
Where: Kids Zone - James Bay Community School Centre, 140 Oswego Street

Are you 18 or older? Do you think Improvisational Theatre is for you? Are you interested in trying out for the Impromaniacs? If so, give us a call at (250) 388-3658, or email us at auditions@impromaniacs.ca to let us know you're coming! (we have a limited number of audition spots).

CAGE MATCH- ROUND #2

2007-02-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – The gloves are off as The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv troupe, present Cage Match – Round #2! at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, February 15th at 8:00 pm. Featuring Upfront Theatre from Bellingham WA. Vs. Victoria’s own Impromaniacs!

These two teams will face off to “out-wit” and “out entertain” in order to lure the audience in their favour. What lengths will each team go to for your vote? If you really want to know, you’ll have to come down, join the laughter and then decide for yourself.

The evening begins with friendly and witty theatre game antics, as the teams “make nice” for the first half, then the gloves come off and the mayhem begins!! Bring along your best suggestions and get ready to rumble! Each team is given 25 minutes to perform, no more, no less. Anything can happen as our teams explore and expand improv to new heights and duke it out to the finish! Audience stacking, bribing, and begging for your admiration will be common occurrences in the ring. Be there to decides who goes on, and who goes home!

Tickets for this exciting match will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Cage Match - Round #1 Results!

2007-01-29T20:10:00.000-08:00

Uvic Improv vs. Triple Threat

Thanks to all our Cage Match guests for coming and duking it out! Once the dust settled, and the stage was mopped the audience had a tough decision to make. Only one team could be triumphant…

Uvic Improv!!

will be moving onto the semi-finals in March at the Victoria Event Centre.

Join us February 15th when we pit Impromaniacs vs. Upfront Theatre from Bellingham WA. 8pm at The Victoria Event Centre 1415 Broad St.

Short-Form Fun at The Ocean Island Lounge

2007-01-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA- The Impromaniacs bring their comedy stylings to The Ocean Island Lounge, 791 Pandora Ave on Friday January 26th at 8pm. Spontaneous, hilarious, family friendly comedy based on your suggestions! Join us for short-form improv fun in a funky and intimate setting as we warm up the stage for a night of rock ‘n roll with The Beatle Pimps. All Ages, FREE!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs! Nominated for The "M" Awards!!

2007-01-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

Monday Magazine's "M" Awards are just around the bend! Please show your support for your local artists and vote for your favourites!

The Impromaniacs! are thrilled to have been nominated for "Favourite Comedy Act"! 2006 was a busy year for our improvisers. With monthly performances at the Victoria Event Centre, The Impromaniacs have been keeping on their toes, and in fantastically funny form. Creators and host of The Victoria International Improv Festival '06, The Impromaniacs hosted a wealth world class of talent, with performers travelling from as far away as Slovenia! A hilarious time was had by all!!

Such a successful year could only be topped by...well, an "M" Award of course!

(That's where you come in)

Show your support for Victoria's Premiere Improv Troupe, The Impromaniacs!

The Gloves Are Off!!...Cage Match: Round One!

2007-01-07T22:15:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA - Get out your verbal hammerlocks and dust off your melodrama, it's time for a Cage Match…of wits. The Impromaniacs, Victoria's longest standing improv troupe are proud to launch Cage Match 2007. The gloves are off as two teams of improvisers take the ring to duke it out for audience votes and see who's the smack down superstar of spontaneity!

Victoria teams UVIC Improv and Triple Threat are launching the series, pitting their mental powers against one another to see who gets to come back for more. Audience stacking, bribing, and begging for your admiration will common occurrences in the ring. Be there to decides who goes on, and who goes home.

The Impromaniacs begin the evening with witty theatre game acrobatics, then we get ready to rumble! Each team is given 25 minutes to perform, no more, no less. Anything can happen as our teams explore and expand improv to new heights and duke it out to the finish!

It all takes place Thursday, January 18, 8pm at the Victoria Event Centre located at 1415 Broad Street - right across from the A Channel.

Tickets for this exciting match will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Weird Family Fun

2006-12-04T20:20:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA - The Impromaniacs, Victoria's longest standing improv troupe, are proud to present "Family Portrait" at The Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad St. on Thursday, December 14th at 8pm. Come out and join the action as the Impromaniacs create a unique long-form performance inspired by the family portrait. Anything could happen as we take your suggestions and create a one of a kind story about a family that's even stranger than your own!

Before launching into the chaos of family life, The Impromaniacs will bring you short scenes and theatre games. Then we start the second half in a typical family portrait pose, and let the mayhem ensue from there! Crazy characters of all sorts are bound to make an appearance as we create weird uncles, creepy cousins, and psychopathic siblings, just like at home!

Bring family and friends to this all-ages comedy event, and laugh as we unmask our portrait and show the madness within! Your suggestion will inspire us for this hilarious night of family fun! Improv is the unique art of storytelling where you never know where you'll end up.

In an effort to keep theatre affordable, if you buy your tickets in advance we'll give you 3 bucks off the regular ticket price!

Tickets for this show will be available at the door (cash only) and in advance from Lyle's Place. Doors open at 7:30pm, the show starts at 8pm! Tickets are $10 general $8 student/senior.

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Grooving For Food: An Evening of Improv

2006-11-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA - The Impromaniacs, Victoria's longest standing improv troupe, are proud to present "An Evening of Improv" (with special guest !nstant Theatre) as part of CBC Radio One's Groove For Food Challenge, at The Metro Studio, 1411 Quadra St. on Wednesday, December 6th at 8pm. Come out and join the action as the Impromaniacs and !nstant Theatre dazzle you with comedic genius! Bring family and friends to this all-ages comedy extravaganza as we support our local food bank and community with this amazing event!

This show promises side-splitting laughter as our improvisors delivery an onslaught of short and long-form games! Watch in amazement as we take your suggestions and turn them into hilarious stories instantly before your eyes! We're pulling out all the stops for this night of crazy characters, twisting plots, and wacky hijinx! Don't miss out on this hysterical show!!

The Impromaniacs and !nstant Theatre are excited to a part of the Groove For Food Challenge! First organized in 1989 and incorporated under the BC Society Act in April 1992, the Impromaniacs have a 16-year history of commitment to Victoria's communities by providing outstanding, live family entertainment, fundraising for arts organizations and local charities. They are thrilled to once again be given a fantastic oppourtunity to help our local community with this great cause. !nstant Theatre, great friends of the Impromaniacs, are delighted to join us from Vancouver and lend a hand for this important fundraiser.

Tickets for this hysterical show will only be available at the door (cash only) on the night of the show. Doors open at 7:30pm, the show starts at 8pm! Tickets are $10 general or $5 with a non-perishable food donation.

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989

Soap Opera - Melodrama, Mayhem and Good Clean Fun

2006-11-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria's longest standing Improv troupe, are proud to present Soap Opera at the Victoria Event Centre,1415 Broad Street on Thursday November 16th at 8:00 pm. Come out and join the action as our Improvisors construct a live Soap Opera before your very eyes! Bring along your best soapy suggestions and watch as we weave unique, twisting tales of mysterious strangers, romance, and betrayal!

Along with their usual theatre game antics, The Impromaniacs will entertain and entrance you as they create a long-form performance in the style of day-time drama. That's right, were busting out the melodrama! Based on audience suggestion, anything could happen as the hilarity unfolds! Exciting stories criss-cross and entangle, wacky charactersc harm and thrill! This is Soap Opera as you've never experienced!

Bring the whole family to this fantastic all-ages comedy extravaganza! Improv is the amazing and unique of art of storytelling where you never know where you'll end up!

Tickets for this hysterical show will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

For more information, please contact Michelle Chowns, Media Liaison at media@impromaniacs.com, or 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have beenproviding entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.

Impromaniacs auditions!

2006-10-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

What: Impromaniacs Auditions
When: Tuesday, November 7, 6:30pm
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street (right across from the A-Channel)

Are you 18 or older? Do you think Improvisational Theatre is for you? Are you interested in trying out for the Impromaniacs? If so, give us a call at (250) 388-3658, or email us at auditions@impromaniacs.ca to let us know you're coming! (we have a limited number of audition spots).

Easy, Average or Vicious - Your choice!

2006-10-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s longest standing Improv troupe, are proud to present Vicious Games! at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, October 19th at 8:00 pm. Join the action as 2 of Impromaniacs' developing members test their mettle with the ultimate in improv initiation...Vicious Games! (There's nothing like the smell of fresh meat.)

The Impromaniacs will dazzle you with their wit and cunning as they charm and entertain you through an assault of short-form games! Come armed with your best suggestions for this night of theatrical madness! Watch as our greenhorns cut their teeth on wacky hijinx, then vote for your favourite!

After months of preparation these rookies are ready for a cut-throat battle for...audience admiration. Watch as our newbies team up with one veteran player and are put through the gauntlet! You choose the difficulty of the games: Easy, Average, Bonus or Viscious!! The victor joins the Impromaniacs in the second half for even more vicious mayhem!

Come and watch the newbies squirm under the lights as they duke it out to the finish! Only one will be triumphant! Only one will advance to the second half. Only you can decide.

Tickets for this exciting show will be available in advance from Lyle's Place (770 Yates Street - cash only) or at the door (cash only) on the night of the show. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students and seniors.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Argue, Managing Director at media@impromaniacs.com, 250.388.3658.

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The Impromaniacs are a registered non-profit society, and have been providing entertainment to Victoria and the world since 1989.