Local Improv Teams Head to Ottawa for 31st Annual Canadian Improv Games Competition
April 08, 2008
Ottawa (Canada) -- You know you've walked into a different kind of competition when the winning teams starts a rousing chant of "Everyone! Everyone!" the spreads through the other teams and audience in appreciation of peers, teachers, coaches, volunteers and fans.
April 8-12, twenty teams of high schools students from Salt Spring Island to St.John's will take the stage at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa to compete in the 31st National Tournament of the Canadian Improv Games. Tournaments held Canada-wide determined which teams will go to the Capital to make the most of the moment.
The Canadian Improv Games is a spontaneous theatrical "loving competition" played annually by thousands of high school students. For participants, this demanding week is the experience of a lifetime as they genuinely support, cheer and applaud their competition. For many students the CIG is an opportunity to make friends across Canada, build self-confidence and hone communication and performance skills.
"I'm excited about this year's talent," says National Artistic Director Alistair Cook, "We have some teams who are returning, and we also have some exciting new teams."
Competitors in the Canadian Improv Games create their performances using audience suggestions for inspiration. In this particular "theatrical pentathlon" the teams will explore five events: Storytelling, Character Creation, Style Exploration, the use of Theme and the portrayal of Life. This five event structure lends itself to a dynamic evening of theatre that over 26,000 people across Canada enjoyed last year.
The Canadian Improv Games were created by Howard Jerome and Jamie Wyllie based on a concept created by David Shepherd and Howard Jerome.
The Canadian Improv Games would like to thank:
ING Canada
The Extended Stay Deluxe Hotel
Show Information
The 2008 Canadian Improv Games in association with the National Arts Centre
National Semi-Finals: April 8-11, NAC Theatre, 19:30
Students $10, adults $13
National Finals: April 12, NAC Theatre, 19:30 Students $13, adults $15
Tickets are available in person at the NAC Box Office (no surcharges), through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC web site (www.nac-cna.ca), and at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by telephone from Ticketmaster, 755-1111.
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For more information about the Canadian Improv Games:
Briana Rayner
National Administrative Director:
(778) 317.6725
Briana@improv.ca
www.improv.ca
For more information:
Danielle Hunnisett
Marketing Coordinator
National Arts Centre
(613) 947-7000 ext. 526
dhunnise@nac-cna.ca
Winning Teams by Province
Alberta
Northern Alberta
JH Picard School
Calgary, AB T6E 3R4
Coach: Jon Sheilds
Email: shieldsj@ecsd.net
Alberta South:
Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive School
Red Deer, AB T4N 2L6
Coach: Trina Penner
Email: TPenner@rdpsd.ab.ca
British Columbia
Vancouver Island:
Gulf Islands Secondary School
Salt Spring Island V8K 2K3
Coach: Jason Donaldson
Email: 
