By Natasha Jamal
It is hard to define what improv really is. It would probably be found in the grey area between a theatre show and an energy-filled sporting event, with its fair share of adrenaline and screaming fans holding signs.
From acting the part of an old man with a major temper problem, to pretending to be a broken clock in the corner of an attic: the beauty of improv is never knowing what to expect next.
Beginning Monday, Ottawa’s best improvisers will showcase their talent at the National Arts Centre, which hosts the Ottawa Regional Tournament. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the tournament.
“Improv games’ finals are the Super Bowl of the theatre world,” says Al Connors, the director for the games.
“They are high-energy and have high stakes. They are just a lot of fun.”
But for improv enthusiasts, the question looms: what will happen to the hundreds of improvisers when they graduate?
There are few opportunities available for students to showcase their improv talent after high school so many improv careers often come to an abrupt standstill after graduation.
“After high school, many students often find there is a lack of opportunity to do improv,” says improv coach Kathleen Klassen. “Competition drives up the levels, but unfortunately post-secondary won’t see this because there is no competition.”
Klassen has been teaching improv for more than 10 years and she says it is a shame that students cannot keep up with the same level of high school improv when they graduate.
The benefits of the activity are numerous, she says, and they stretch far beyond just theatre.
“The education system tends to be really serious, and the creative side of people can be difficult to access,” says Klassen. “With improv, students learn to play again and they realize you can be silly, ridiculous, smart and witty, all at the same time.”
Klassen says improv also improves participants’ self-confidence, as well as their public-speaking skills.
Ben Farrow, a student at Lisgar Collegiate, has been doing improv for four years. He says he enjoys the elevated level of connection he develops with his teammates. Trying to predict everyone’s next move also helps his team build trust among each other.
“If you are going to stand in front of 300 people and make a fool of yourself, you have to trust the other people will help you turn that into good theatre!” he says.
Farrow says he will at least have developed a number of helpful skills that will remain with him throughout his life.
But as Connors explains, these skills are not just relevant to theatre.
“Improv is problem-solving, and really, everyone wants to hire a good problem-solver.”
Connors says after graduating, improvisers don’t necessarily lose interest in the activity.
There are, however, fewer opportunities for adults to perform because unlike other major cities in the country, Ottawa is lacking decent venues to put on a show.
Most of the times adults are forced to book non-traditional venues for shows – bars, nightclubs, cafeterias – which are not always suitable for improv, he says.
For those eager to stay connected, the solution to this lack of opportunity means involving themselves in the games through coaching, judging or helping to organize events.
“Improv after high school is just for entertainment,” says Farrow. “But the people who really love it will stay connected in some way, shape or form.”
Regional tournament winners from across the country will compete at the national championships here in Ottawa in April.