“The WIF is coming up!”

“The what?”

“The Winnipeg Improv Festival!”

“Sorry, what’s improv?”

Sadly, this reaction is widespread. Winnipeg is home to a vibrant and dynamic improvisational community, but the majority is unaware that this theatrical art form even exists in our city.

Those aware of the Canadian improv scene may connect it with troupes like Vancouver’s Instant Theatre or Edmonton’s Rapid Fire Theatre.

But there is considerable and renowned talent in Winnipeg, including Crumbs (who have toured from Europe to New Zealand and all the way back to Winnipeg), and the Outside Joke (known for their brilliant anti-musicals).

Many performers, from these troupes among others, travel to Winnipeg especially to perform at our Improv Festival, which started in 2000. Performing this year are members of 4Track, George Basil and Christain Capozzoli, from New York.

They’ll also be hosting workshops where local improvisers can hone their skills and pick up tips from gurus of the Big Apple.

What makes the WIF such a great place both to watch and perform?

“I love that the festival is not just about showcasing individual companies, but also combining improvisers from different cities and allowing them to collaborate,” said Jayden Pfeiffer, a returning performer from Regina’s General Fools.

Theatrical improvisation is any unscripted performance, generally based on a suggestion from the audience. Most people’s knowledge of improv is based on comic shows such as Whose Line is it Anyway?.

Often confused with stand up, improv is much more than comedy. It can convey not only humor, but heartbreak, happiness and horror. It has even been used to make political statements and effect real change.

Although the festival provides a centralized annual venue for established troupes, there are constantly smaller groups seeking an audience and the opportunity to perform.

Micro Theatre Company is a small local improv company set on uniting and expanding Winnipeg’s improv community, hosting more than 20 shows and several workshops since its beginnings in 2009.

Lukas Conway, founder and member of local troupe RPG, has a particular goal in mind.

“Currently the community is scattered with everyone doing their own thing,” he said. “For the community to grow, the more experienced improvisers need to guide the younger ones.”

Yet this lack of coddling has also resulted in strength.

“Winnipeg is a community of self-starters,” said Pfeiffer. “There are lots of young people who are excited by improvisation and they’re all into starting small groups and projects.”

The Winnipeg if… Improv Festival runs at the Gas Station Arts Centre from Tuesday, Nov. 9 to Sunday, Nov. 14. For schedule and ticket information, visit www. improvfestival.blogspot.com.