A showcase of improvisational theatre at its finest.
2014 marks the fourth year of the Improvised Play Festival. There's nothing like it in the world. After all, improv is an art form more often associated with "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" than "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"
But in Austin and in kindred theaters around the globe a new type of improvisation is emerging: It's theatrical. It tells a complete story. And it's not afraid to be solemn, scary, or sad.
This year, the schedule is packed with The Hideout's own repertoire of storytelling improv shows, exciting new formats from other theaters in Austin, and special out-of-town guests from Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Seattle.
"I'm really excited about Stephen Kearin (of Los Angeles) coming down," said Roy Janik, Artistic Director of The Hideout. "He's in two ground-breaking theatrical improv companies: Impro Theatre and 3-For-All. He's going to direct a special project featuring local Austin performers, and teach two workshops that delve into his unique sensibilities and techniques."
Along similar lines, Steve Moore of Physical Plant Theater will be directing a fast forward version of Casablanca, a feat he's never attempted before.
Other shows in the festival include Seattle's Bunker 13, an improvised drama set in the Vietnam War, the award-winning David Mamet-inspired Confidence Men, Parallelogramophonograph's Villainy, and many more, including samurai epics, pulp action stories, and cosmic horror.
The fourth annual Improvised Play Festival will have something for everyone.
http://www.improvisedplayfestival.com/