The VIIF 2004 photos are here! Check them out!

IT'S A WRAP FOR VIIF 2004! THANKS FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT!

Hey folks! Well, last night's performances went off very well! It was nice to see a good crowd come out on a very rainy Thursday night. There was a little bit of confusion over the schedule times on your tickets and what's posted here, but that has since been rectified. The times on your purchased tickets are indeed the right times, and we've adjusted the schedule so it's all good. See you tonite! Don't forget the workshop on Saturday - $25 per person to work with Dave Morris (he performed with Instant Theatre last night - what a pro!).

It's all happening right now! For a short while there, we thought we'd lost Die Gorillas... but it turned out that they had just missed their connection in Vancouver and ended up arriving late Wednesday night. All the performers are excited to be here... so let's show them a big Victoria welcome by coming out to catch their shows!

Check us out in this week's Monday Magazine! Flip to page 18 for a chance to win some tickets to the festival...

One month from today, the Victoria International Improv Festival will present three nights of the best of improvised theatre. The Impromaniacs are pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale at the McPherson Box Office and A&B Sound, and the release of the schedule of events.

"We are putting on three nights of terrific, affordable entertainment" said festival producer Jonathan Argue, "There will be three shows a night, featuring the best of local, national and international talent."

Tickets for each show are $10, or you can buy a day pass for $25.

"Each show will offer up something unique," noted Co-Producer Neil Gurton. "I'm especially looking forward to the Jam Sessions, with members from various troupes working together. As well, they will be featuring Yuri Kinugawa, from Japan's premiere improv troupe, the Yellow Man Group."

For more information about tickets, you can contact the McPherson Box Office (386-6121 or toll-free 1-888-717-6121). For artist bios and more information about the shows, check out our website at http://www.viif.ca/

Hey! It's a little over one month until festival time! We've updated the schedule at http://viif.ca/ - take a look to see when everyone will be performing!

You ask for help... and it happens! I am pleased to announce that we've just filled our Volunteer Coordinator and Programme Coordinator positions. We're still looking for sponsorshop assistants and possibly other people to take on 'drone' type activites. Please continue to let us know if you're interested in helping out!

Volunteer update :: We've filled the Front-of-House Manager position... but are still looking for Sponsorship Assistants, Volunteer Coordinator and Programme Coodinator. Email volunteer@viif.ca for more information.

For a list of job descriptions, please see our job descriptions.

A bunch of Impromaniacs went to see the Improv-All-Stars crew - it was well worth the trip! We also didn't waste any time promoting VIIF as you can see :-) --> Improv-All-Stars sign VIIF handbill

Hey! We're looking for volunteers! If you are interested in filling our Volunteer Coordinator, Front-of-House Manager or Programme Coordinator positions, please contact us!

Well, we received a response from the Advisor of Protocol and Sprecial Programs regarding our application for a royal designation for VIIF. It seems that we don't meet the criterion at this time... but it sure didn't hurt to ask! You can read the response youself [page 1]  [page 2]

VICTORIA - The Victoria International Improv Festival (VIIF) officially announced its line-up of performers today, bringing together some of the best improvisers from around the world to entertain and amuse Victorians in September.

"When we put out the call for interested troupes, we were overwhelmed with the positive response. In fact, we've had to turn away several troupes," said festival co-producer Jonathan Argue of the Impromaniacs. "We have put together a wonderful mix of performers and styles. This is going to be something amazing."

New to the festival this year include Die Gorillas from Berlin, Germany. This is their first trip to Canada, and they are looking forward to showcasing their skills here. Also making their VIIF debut is Yuri Kinugawa of the Yellow Man Group from Japan. Yuri has performed improv in New York, Chicago and has won international awards for her improv stylings.

Three Canadian groups are also making their festival debut in September. General Fools, from Regina, Rapid Fire Theatre, from Edmonton, and "C" is for Comedy from Vancouver will be trekking to the coast for their showcase.

Several troupes from last year's successful debut of VIIF are returning, including Unexpected Productions from Seattle, Vancouver TheatreSports League, and !nstant Theatre from Vancouver.

And as always, local troupes will play an important role in the festival. This year, we are proud to present two troupes from Victoria, Spilt Milk and Throw Us a Line, and Caught in the Headlights from Nanaimo. Of course, the Impromaniacs are going to get in on the fun, and will be performing as well.

"We are really looking forward to seeing all these troupes, and working together with them," said co-producer Neil Gurton. "Both the performers and the audiences should be in for a real treat as nightly improv jams will be a great mix of styles."

The Festival will run from September 16-18 at St. Ann's Academy. Check out www.viif.ca for further news.

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** Media contact: Stephen May, Media Liaison: (250) 388-3658, media@viif.ca **

Who is going to the Improv All-Stars on June 6th? Well, we are! We tried inviting some of the stars to attend the VIIF... have not heard back from them yet.... the nerve! :-)

Greetings world! It's been a little while since the last post and I wanted to let you all know that things are still progressing away in the background. We are gearing up for a major media release, so stay tuned and look sharp!

Queen Elizabeth II responded to our invitation. While she could not attend, she did forward our request to call the event the "Royal Victoria International Improv Festival" to Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson so "that she may know of your approach to The Queen on this matter". Oh well, maybe next year she'll be able to attend...

Hello world! Exciting news... we've heard back from the Yellow Man Group! The person I contacted (located in New Zealand) will be checking with the other players (located in Japan). I have my fingers crossed that they'll be able to attend the festival...

Watch for our first ad in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival Program... coming out in late March 2004... I can hardly wait!