About this project

Overview:

Founded in 2009, The Improv Space is a continuance of Ultimate Improv, previously founded in 1996. With a basis in story-telling and patient listening, The Improv Space is already a cornerstone in the Los Angeles comedy community.

Recently, The Improv Space has decided to extend our community outreach and provide a style of comedy that is not only fun and energetic, but also appropriate for all ages. Working around successful models such as Improv Boston's "Family Show," The Improv Space plans to have a full team of talented performers dedicated to the all age impromptu style of comedy.

The Improv Space Mission:

The Improv Space is dedicated to the performance, schooling, and advancement of improvisational comedy. Our theatre has four main objectives: to challenge the established structure of theatrical comedy by encouraging actors to find new ways of storytelling using different forms of performing art; to teach the art of improv comedy through a workshop system that focuses on relationship, character development, storytelling and vulnerability; to share our cultural development with the community of Los Angeles using outreach services such as free high school improv classes, local involvement in community functions and charity events that benefit local causes; and to form a community for local actors to come together to create, inspire and risk in a safe and fun environment.

About the Family Show:

We hope to create youth programming that encourages kids to play while learning. Improv comedy is a great tool for kids to empower their imagination – their words create a story with wild characters, plots with twists and turns and LAUGHTER! Our weekly family show will be a one-hour improvised production. The audience is an active participant in the show. We go to them for suggestions and volunteers to help tell stories, sing songs and much more. We will use short form improv games, music and multi-media to create an experience that mom, dad, Aunt Rhonda, Uncle Bob, cousin Kelsey, neighbor Julie from down the street, my friend from karate class, Principal Taylor, grandma, grandpa, even your little brother that you usually find annoying (gasp for air)...ANYONE can enjoy! Every show is different, so you can come every week and depending on the different creative minds of our audience we discover a whole new production!

Touring Company:

Another goal with the family show is to create a touring company that goes to schools and organizations, brining this fun show to kids that may not have the ability to come to our theater in Westwood. Not only would they perform the show, they would also lead a an improv workshop for kids – teaching them some basic improv techniques and games that they can take home and share with their family and friends.

We need your help!

Creating a show like this costs money. Not only do we need supplies – props, costumes, and basic set pieces that will enhance the show – we also want professional development for our family show performers. It’s important to us that we prepare our staff to work with children of all ages. Also, a portion of the funds will go towards getting the word out. We hope we’re giving the community quality programming for kids, but they need to hear about it. Marketing isn’t free, we need to print flyers and postcards, buy ad space online and in local papers, and we need to send members from The Improv Space to schools, daycare centers, and community organizations to talk with families about our show.

For more information about The Improv Space visit our website: www.theimprovspace.com

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

-The Improv Space-