What is improv?
Improv, a term short for "Improvisational Comedy" or "Improvisational Theatre", is a type of performance in which scenes/sketches/stories/plays are made up and performed on the spot, usually using suggestions from the audience to inspire scenes. Improv shows generally consist of a mix of short-form games that last a few minutes, and long-form sets that take more time and often tell a larger story. For more information, check out this handy video!
So what does UBC Improv do?
UBC Improv is a student-run Improv Comedy group at the University of British Columbia. Each year we cast 40 performers, divided into four teams of 10 and coached by professional improvisers in Vancouver.
Notably stationed in the Neville Scarfe 100 lecture hall, UBC Improv puts on shows every two weeks from October - April.
During the summer, catch us performing on Saturdays at Little Mountain Gallery!
Interested in watching us perform? Click here.
Or maybe you want to try your hand at improv? Click here for workshop information or here if you would like to audition.
Care to hire us for a party, private function, or business gathering? Well, then you absolutely have to click here.
Feel free to explore the site and learn about everything UBC Improv has to offer!
Notably stationed in the Neville Scarfe 100 lecture hall, UBC Improv puts on shows every two weeks from October - April.
During the summer, catch us performing on Saturdays at Little Mountain Gallery!
Interested in watching us perform? Click here.
Or maybe you want to try your hand at improv? Click here for workshop information or here if you would like to audition.
Care to hire us for a party, private function, or business gathering? Well, then you absolutely have to click here.
Feel free to explore the site and learn about everything UBC Improv has to offer!
HISTORY
Dide Su and Patricia, co-presidents of the 2017/2018 season
UBC Improv has been breaking funny bones on campus since 1999. We are a power-packed comedy juggernaut that assaults all that is dreary and unimaginative about the post-secondary experience. Stealing stories from the doldrums of the uninspired, we improvise a theatrical roller-coaster that does not comply with any of British Columbia's safety standards.
UBC Improv fields teams of expert improvisers for shows around once every two weeks in the Scarfe 100 lecture hall, but it's not uncommon to see surprise performances at events and parties all around campus. Many of UBC Improv's players can be seen performing theatre and comedy all around Vancouver. UBC Improv alumni have gone on to perform with and become some of the city's hottest improv and comedy tickets including: Instant Theatre, Grad School Improv, The Sunday Service, Rosa Parks, Hip.Bang!, QueerProv, and Pump Trolley Comedy.
Every spring, UBC Improv holds an epic improv tournament. In 2009, this grew into the IMUPLSE International Improv Festival. Top performers from UBC Improv and from all around Canada and the United States venture to the stages of UBC for an annual improv renaissance.
We're not afraid to spread the love to the club's members. Auditions for the teams are held just as the year is taking off its training wheels, usually at the end of September. Members can demonstrate their good financial sense by purchasing a bargain $20 membership. What do you get for that fine deal? Nothing less than free access to our regular shows, special events, improv workshops, and a cacophony of other exciting perks.
