Weird Family Fun

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

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

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!

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!

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.

Victoria International Improv Festival LAUNCHes!

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv troupe, are pleased to announce we're kicking off this year's Victoria International Improv Festival with a special two part launch event at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, September 21st at 8:00 pm and two shows on Saturday, September 23rd at 8:00 pm and 10:00pm.

On Thursday, September 21st at 8:00 pm (all ages) catch the Impromaniacs Theatre Company and the Victoria All Stars, a combination of Victoria’s best and brightest Improvisers who have come together for VIIF ’06. On Saturday, September 23rd catch Bob Loblaw Queer Comedy Troupe all the way from Vancouver to entertain us with two shows 8:00 pm (all ages) and 10:00 pm (18 years and older).

Come down, join the laughter and check out the shows. What should you expect? Expect the unexpected. Improv is the unique of art of storytelling but you never quite know where the story might go. No matter what the story, we guarantee you’ll be on the edge of your seat.

Tickets are on sale at:

• Lyle's Place (641 Yates Street).
• At the door!
• You can also leave a message on the Impromaniacs Hotline at (250) 388-3658.

Tickets are $10 for adults 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.

Candid shots from the last two Cage Match encounters...

Moments captured by our talented photographer, Neil Gurton...

The mitts are off, laughter will be spilled – only one will emerge victorious…

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv troupe, are pleased to announce Cage Match – THE FINALS at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, August 17 at 8:00 pm. There can be only one!!! Where have I heard that line before? Doesn’t matter, because at the end of Cage Match – THE FINALS, there will be only one!

The Storytellers and Pharce were victorious during previous rounds of Cage Match held earlier this summer. The Storytellers are made up of Dave Morris and Ryan Beil who began working together in 2000 as part of Vancouver's !nstant Theatre Company. Pharce is a dynamic combination of members of local improv groups, the Impromaniacs and Throw Us A Line.

But now both these winners will face off for one night 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.

Improv is more than just a few one-liners and actor jumping around. The Storytellers and Pharce are out to tell you a story, and not just any story but a damn good story. Each team is timed for their twenty-five minute improvised story – complete with a beginning, middle, and end.

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 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.

Cage Match - Round #2 Results!

Thanks to all our Cage Match guests for coming and duking it out! Once the dust settled, the results were...

• Storytellers Improv Co. with 31 votes
• AKA Improv with 14 votes

So the Storytellers will be moving onto the finals to be held Thursday, August 17 at the Victoria Event Centre. Join us for the excitment!

CAGE MATCH Round #2 - the battle is on!

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s original Improv troupe, are pleased to announce Cage Match (Round #2) at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street on Thursday, July 20 at 8:00 pm.

Come see The Storytellers and A.K.A Improv face off to entertain the audience with their off the cuff dramatic antics. Who will have the audience cheering? If you really want to know, you’ll have to come down, be a part of the audience and then, you can judge for yourself.

Many people think improv is just an endless barrage of puns and one-liners. But the Storytellers and A.K.A Improv want you to know they can tell a damn good story.

“Good storytelling doesn’t need to involve complex scenarios with outrageous situations.” says Dave Morris, of the Storytellers Co.

After entertaining the audience with some short games, the teams will each face the challenge of creating a long form story. Each team is timed for their twenty-five minute improvised story – the aim is to tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end.

“It’s a good opportunity to explore characters further, and to get into a more meaty story,” says Andrew Chen of A.K.A. Improv “We really have to focus and listen to each other to make sure each thread gets picked up.”

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 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.

Cage Match - Round #1 Results!

Thanks to all our Cage Match guests for coming and duking it out! Once the dust settled, the results were...

• Pharce with 31 votes
• Planned Sanity with 15 votes

So Pharce will be moving onto the finals to be held Thursday, August 17 at the Victoria Event Centre.

Join us July 20th when we pit AKA Improv against Storytellers Improv Co.

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

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

June 22nd at the Victoria Event Centre 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 team Planned Sanity and Victoria team Pharce pit their mental powers against one another to see who gets to come back again for a second challenge later in the tournament.

“It’s an interesting challenge,” says Pharce member Kelly Hudson. “I’m thinking of bringing my ring girl outfit. Just to help with the audience votes.”

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

“I just don’t see anything wrong with that,” says Morgan Cranny, also on the Victoria team. “Winning is winning. Does it matter how you get there?”

Come have your say on June 22nd 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 (start of the competition! Round #1)
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street
When: One night only! - Thursday, June 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 Media Liaison, Briana Rayner 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 Auditions (last set until the fall)

What: Impromaniacs Auditions
When: Tuesday, May 2, 6:30pm
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street (right across from the A-Channel)

Are you 16 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).

It’s finders keepers this month.

VICTORIA - It’s finders keepers this month as Victoria’s longest-running improv company The Impromaniacs present “Found Objects”.

Along with their usual theatre game antics, The Impromaniacs return with this popular long-form involving objects from their day.

“Found Objects is an interesting concept,” says performer Neil Gurton. “I bring in an object that affected my day, and then we see how it affects the stories we tell.”

Found Objects, created by Seattle-based improviser Randy Dixon, also allows audience members a peek into the lives of these storytellers. The owner reveals the story behind their object, and when they use it in a scene the character he or she must play is…them self.

“We get so used to creating caricatures of people we know, or out-there, oddball people[1],” says performer Morgan Cranny. “Playing ourselves is a lot harder than it seems—it means we have to be a little more vulnerable as performers, and –get this—honest. Corny but true.”

Before discovering the stories of the objects and their owners, the performers will bring you short scenes and theatre games.

So, if you’re interested in finding some laughs and insider tips into the life of your favourite Impromaniac, pencil May 11th, 8pm at the Victoria Event Centre in on your calendar.

What: Impromaniacs present Found Objects
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, May 11th, 2006 @ 8:00 pm (90 minute run, includes one 15 minute intermission)
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors.
Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

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!

The Impromaniacs would like to thank Randy Dixon, Artistic Director, Unexpected Productions (Seattle, WA) for bringing this form to our repertoire.

For more information contact Managing Director, Jonathan Argue, media@impromaniacs.com, 250 388 3658.

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[1] incidentally, also people we know

Impromaniacs Auditions!

What: Impromaniacs Auditions
When: Tuesday, April 25, 6:30pm
Where: James Bay Community School Centre (140 Oswego Street), Blue Zone Room

Are you 16 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).

If you cannot make this audition, we are running another set of auditions on Tuesday, May 2 (same time) at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street (right across from the A-Channel).

And you thought your family was weird.

VICTORIA - On Thursday, April 13th the Impromaniacs, Victoria's longest running improv ensemble, start their all-ages show in a typical family portrait pose, and let the mayhem ensue from there.

"In family portraits everyone looks sweet and happy and like they like one another." says Impromaniacs performer Briana Rayner. "They mask the madness that lies within."

In this long form, the ensemble will take a suggestion from the audience and tells the story of the family they create.

"We can end up with weird uncles, dodgy kids, and deranged cousins, " says Managing Director Jonathan Argue. "It's just like real life."

Before launching into the chaos of family life, the performers will bring you short scenes and theatre games. Either way they'll bring you laughter, just don't forget to be on your best behaviour and say "cheese".

What: Impromaniacs present Family Portrait
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, April 13th, 2006 @ 8:00 pm (90 minute run, includes one 15 minute intermission)
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors.
Tickets available at: Lyle's Place – 770 Yates Street

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!

The Impromaniacs would like to thank Alistair Cook, Artistic Director, !nstant Theatre Company (Vancouver, BC) for bringing this !nstant Theatre developed form to our repertoire.

For more information contact Managing Director, Jonathan Argue, media@impromaniacs.com, 250 388 3658.

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The Impromaniacs are butterflies, effectively.

“Chaos Theory” builds from a simple thought, creating beauty from chaos

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s premiere improvisational theatre company, have placed order on the back shelf, and are going the other way.
On Thursday, March 9, 2006, they will be performing “Chaos Theory”, where everything will spin from one simple decision.

“Chaos Theory suggests that a butterfly flapping its wings in China can cause a storm in B.C.,” notes improv guru Jonathan Argue. “So, what will our show cause in China? Let’s find out!”

The Victoria Event Centre will be the home this dangerous improv experiment.

“I just want everyone to know that this show will have absolutely nothing to do with Aston Kutcher,” emphasized performer Chris Gabel. “I don’t want to be associated with that guy.”

Showtime will be 8:00 pm at the Victoria Event Centre. Tickets will be $10, and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door. They also can be purchased at Lyle’s Place (770 Yates St.) And our regular special is in effect: if you buy your tickets in advance – we’ll give you 3 bucks off!

What: Impromaniacs present Chaos Theory
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street – right across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, March 9, 2006 @ 8:00 pm
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors.
Tickets available at: Lyle’s Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information contact Media Liaison Steve May, media@impromaniacs.com, 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.

Launch of the VIIF 2006 website

VICTORIA - The Impromaniacs have launched the VIIF 2006 web site! "This is a result of many hours of blood sweat and tears, and the collaboration between myself and Chris Lynch, Editor of CanadianStreetBike.com" exclaimed Jonathan Argue, Producer of this year's festival. "Without this kind of volunteer effort, the festival would just never happen".

The Victoria International Improv Festival 2006 runs September 28 - 30 and will take place at Intrepid Theatre's Metro Studio.

Please visit viif.ca for more festival information.

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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!

What: Impromaniacs Auditions
When: Tuesday, February 21, 6:30pm
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street (2nd floor), right across from the A-Channel.

Are you 17 or older? Do you think Improvisational Theatre is for you? Are you interested in trying out for the Impromaniacs? If so, bring yourself down to the venue by 6:30pm sharp. Need more information? Give us a call at (250) 388-3658, or email us at auditions@impromaniacs.ca

The Impromaniacs light the torch!

VICTORIA – The Impromaniacs, Victoria’s premiere improvisational theatre company, are lighting their own torch.

On Thursday, February 9, 2006, they will be performing “The Games”: two teams of improvisers will put their best scenes forward. After each round, the audience vote on their favourite scene and our judge keeps a tally of the votes. At the end there is a play-off for the top spot!

“If this is anything like battling traffic on my way to work in the morning, it should be a breeze – vrrrroooom!” comments Chris Gabel, an avid cyclist and film maker.

The Victoria Event Centre will be the coliseum for this Olympic-style event as our “athletes” improvise their way to the finish.

“While there is a competitive aspect to this event, we like to stress that teamwork is paramount” observed Morgan Cranny. “The only ‘drug’ we’ll be testing for is laughter – and that’s no joke!”

Showtime will be 8:00 pm at the Victoria Event Centre (right across from the A-Channel on Broad Street). Tickets will be $10, and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door. They also can be purchased at Lyle’s Place (770 Yates St.) And our regular special is in effect: if you buy your tickets in advance – we’ll give you 3 bucks off!

What: Impromaniacs present The Games
Where: Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street (2nd floor) across from the A-Channel
When: Thursday, February 9, 2006 @ 8:00 pm
How much: $10/ $8 for students/seniors.
Tickets available at: Lyle’s Place – 770 Yates Street

For more information contact Media Liaison Steve May, media@impromaniacs.com, 388 3658 or visit our web site at http://impromaniacs.ca.

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

Candid Shots from Cage-Match

...and thanks to Alan Thurston of Lightimages.ca we have a number of memorably shots from Cage-Match! I don't have enough space to show them all, so I've picked a few for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

...Neil and Kjell have a couch discussion...

You can see a complete set of these picture at the Victoria Event Centre's gallery! The "VEC" (as we fondly refer to it) is located at 1415 Broad Street, right across from the A-Channel.

Shameless Plug?

Shameless yes, but not all my doing! The following was plucked directly from my inbox, sent to me by a reader of this blog:

"If you can… try and fill out Monday's M Awards… be shameless and nominate your favorite comedy (improv) company! Or better yet, your favorite festival? (not quite annual… but heck!)"

http://m-awards.blogspot.com/

... and a "heck" of an idea it is. Help get the word out and Victoria could be entertained for centuries to come.