17th Annual Vancouver International Improv Festival

September 14, 2016

The 17th Annual Vancouver International Improv Festival returns to Granville Island from October 4 to 8 featuring over 30 interactive performances, inspiring workshops and an opening night gala.

Since 1999, VIIF has showcased hundreds of international and local performers for thousands of Vancouver comedy fans. This year’s festival welcomes headliners Sexy Baby from New York, Kristen and Amie Show from Philadelphia, Limboland from New York and more.

[Your Moms; Vancouver]

Vancouver favourites including Vancouver TheatreSports League, The Fictionals and Sunday Service will also be featured.

“There is something for everyone at the 2016 Vancouver International Improv Festival,” said Alistair Cook, Festival Director. “No matter what your favourite style of comedy or theatre, you will have a great time.”

Audiences will recognize actors from The X-Files, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and CBC’s new Kim’s Convenience onstage at the festival’s two Granville Island venues, the Revue Stage and Performance Works. Every evening, 12 different acts will be showcased with two show times: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm.

[SEXY BABY; New York]

The festival will also feature two unique groups created specially for VIIF 2016: an International Ensemble with some of the best improvisers in the world and a Vancouver Ensemble teaming up some of the finest performers in the city.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these artists to try new forms of improv, and for audiences to see these performers work together,” according to Amy Shostak, Vancouver Ensemble director, adding, “These shows will challenge the performers, and the end result as going to be as entertaining as it is surprising.”

[HitchHikers; Regina]

The festival will also present a series of world-class workshops with instructors from Montreal, New York, Austin and Vancouver. Participants will learn a variety of improv skills that are useful both on and off stage.

“From Hollywood to the boardroom, we’re seeing improv being used in many creative ways,” said Montreal’s Vinny François who will be teaching at the festival. “Improvisers are also successful actors, business owners, writers and engineers. Improv skills can be applied to many parts of life.”

[Proud of You; Vancouver]