Phoenix Improv Festival
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| Country and Region | United States — Arizona |
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| Type of Festival | Drama |
| Location of Festival | Phoenix, Arizona USA |
| Festival Contact Information | Phoenix Improv Festival |
| Festival Description | The Phoenix Improv Festival is packed with shows, workshops and networking for improvisers and those who appreciate the art of improvisation. The Festival strives to bring the best improvisational entertainment to the Valley, while raising awareness about this brand new and rapidly growing art form. The festival showcases improvisational comedy troupes from around the country, whose shows come in all shapes and sized. There are short-form troupes that perform improv games, thoughtful and experimental troupes that perform longer scene-based work, and even fully improvised musicals and movies. The first festival was held in 2002. In its inaugural year, three local Phoenix troupes performed. Last year’s festival featured over 30 troupes from Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix and beyond. This year more than 45 troupes from across the country submitted applications to the festival. |
| Festival Dates | April 27 - 28, 2012 |
| Festival Links |
Festival Story:
To improvise is to completely make something up on the spot, whether it be a song, a character, or in some cases, an entire movie. Improvisers create entire scenarios and shows from audience suggestion. Nothing is predetermined, and the performers must support each other’s reality through a course of scene work. Most notable improvised works include Christopher Guest’s movies Waiting for Guffman and This is Spinal Tap, as well as television shows Curb Your Enthusiasm and World Cup Comedy.
The Phoenix Improv Festival is put on by CareFree Write Productions (CFWP), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. CFWP was founded in 2000 by Mack Duncan as a small, independent production company. Duncan partnered with Bill Binder in 2002 to form an official business, and now the company produces and promotes performance events, primarily but not limited to improvisational theatre. Some of the programs supported and promoted by CFWP include Apollo 12, The Remainders Musical Improv, and the annual Phoenix Improv Festival. This organization looks to serve as a support network for developing local artists, an educational resource for the community, and an integral part of Phoenix’s growing cultural movement.
Other Sources:
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Videos:
- Phoenix Improv Festival 2010 Promo, by Dane Paul Stewart
http://vimeo.com/10199797 - More videos associated with Phoenix Improv Festival at
http://vimeo.com/videos/search:Phoenix%20Improv%20Festival
Practical Info:
Venue:
- Herberger Theater Center
222 East Monroe
Phoenix, Arizona 85004
Tickets:
- Available at
- Herberger box office
Phone: (01) (602) 252-8497
- Herberger box office
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