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
