Asheville Set to Embrace Laughter at the Improv Festival 2024
Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Asheville Improv Festival 2024 approaches! Scheduled for October 9 to 12, this festival promises to be a delight for comedy lovers, showcasing a fantastic array of unscripted humor and creativity. Get ready for a whirlwind of laughter as over 35 improv teams from across the country and local comedians take the stage!
A Celebration of Spontaneity and Community
Hosted by Double Dip Productions, the festival is more than just a series of performances; it’s a celebration of the improv community. George Awad, one of the festival’s organizers, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, noting, “We wanted to create a big community party that showcases the joy of improv.” Awad has deep roots in Asheville’s improv scene, having been a partner in the Asheville Improv Collective that began in 2016. The first festival took place in 2019 and has since become a vital part of the local arts community.
“The festival really rejuvenated the improv community here,” Awad continued. “It introduced audiences to a variety of improv styles beyond the familiar setups of shows like ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’” It’s an opportunity for both performers and attendees to learn about and appreciate the diverse forms of improv.
Headliners That Will Leave Everyone in Stitches
This year’s lineup boasts an impressive list of headliners, including Mick Napier and Jennifer Estlin from Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre, along with Carla & Craig Cackowski from Los Angeles. Fans will also be thrilled to see the acclaimed Chicago troupe 3Peat, Jill Bernard from Minneapolis’s HUGE Theatre, and the talented Ithamar Enriquez, known for his physical comedy. Plus, local favorites like Reasonably Priced Babies will bring their unique flair to the festival!
Beyond their performances, these headliners will also offer master-class workshops on various aspects of improv. Awad explains, “We’re bringing in top-tier talent who write for TV shows and movies. They’ll be doing headlining shows and teaching workshops covering everything from character creation to physical comedy.”
Workshops Designed for All Skill Levels
One of the highlights of this festival is undoubtedly the workshops. They cater to all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned performer or a curious newcomer. For instance, Jill Bernard will lead a workshop on creating and maintaining realistic characters on stage. Meanwhile, Ithamar Enriquez will invite participants to explore physical comedy, encouraging everyone to step out of their comfort zones.
Awad emphasized the variety of topics available, saying, “We have a wide array of topics covered, from character work to physicality in improv.” Each workshop is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone leaves with new skills and a deeper understanding of the art of improv.
A Packed Schedule of Performances
As the festival kicks off, attendees can expect performances at notable venues throughout Asheville. It all starts with the opening night at The Asheville Music Hall on October 9, followed by thrilling shows at Burial’s Eulogy on October 10. The grand finale will take place at The Grey Eagle on October 11 and 12, with multiple shows lined up each night.
After each evening of performances, festival-goers can enjoy themed afterparties featuring unique entertainment, adding an extra layer of fun to this already exciting event. Awad shared, “We have shows lined up every night with different time slots. It’s going to be a packed schedule with something for everyone.”
Get Your Tickets Early!
If you’re eager to join in on the laughter, it’s crucial to grab your tickets early! Festival passes went on sale August 1, with an early bird price of just $99 using promo code EARLY30. Individual show tickets became available on August 28, and registration for workshops is already open.
For more information about the festival and ticket purchases, be sure to check their official website or follow their social media updates!
A Community Event Like No Other
The Asheville Improv Festival is shaping up to be an incredible event filled with laughter, learning, and community spirit. With its unique blend of performances and engaging workshops, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for comedy lovers and performers alike. So gather your friends, grab those tickets, and get ready for four days packed with comedic inventiveness!
