 Improv has been alive in Winnipeg for years, but now it has a chance to truly grow up.
Stephen Sim, longtime member of local improv troupe Crumbs, itched to create a more advanced workshop for Winnipeg improv. The result of his efforts is this year’s new Adult Improv Company at Prairie Theatre Exchange, with himself as instructor. It’s a role he’s used to as he’s been invited to teach advanced improv all over Europe and North America. Yet here in Winnipeg, although he has taught youth and “hobbyist” improv, Sim says there’s been little in the way of so-called “master classes.”
 Thus, Sim formed the new class on the Crumbs model, seeking to offer the members some formal guidance. Response has been enthusiastic, Sim says, despite more of a reliance on word-of-mouth than formal advertising. The ultimate goal is to hone the members’ improvisational skills, and in the long run bring improv in Winnipeg—which Sim says already has an excellent reputation—to a whole new level. To this end, the group, which has named itself “Blurt,” will give public performances throughout the year, beginning this month, as part of the workshop process. These will feature “jam sessions” with other local improvisers and are, Sim says, an essential part of the learning process. It’s precisely how the actors “work with what actually comes up in the moment” that makes improv so special for an audience, he explains. Given that there are few open stages in Winnipeg, this makes the new class even more invaluable.
Ultimately, Sim says he would like to see Winnipeggers treat improv as a less obscure entertainment option. “Yeah,” he chuckles, “I’d like to see people choose us over the movies.” |
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Wed, Jul. 30th
- Judas Priest
- MTS Centre
- Winnipeg, MB
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Thu, Jul. 31st
- Team Canada Volleyball
- Investors Group Athletic Centre
- Winnipeg, MB
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Thu, Jul. 31st
- Nine Inch Nails
- MTS Centre
- Winnipeg, MB
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Sun, Aug. 3rd
- Folklorama
- Various locations
- winnipeg, MB
- Buy Tickets
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Mon, Aug. 4th
- Folklorama
- Various locations
- winnipeg, MB
- Buy Tickets
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