The Canmore International Improv Festival is happening August 10-13 and will feature some local, familiar faces, some folks from across the country, as well as some internationally acclaimed headliners. The organizer of this festival of people making stuff up on the spot, or “festival director” as she probably would prefer to be called, is Loose Moose alumni Ali Froggatt, who was gracious enough to answer a few questions about the festival.
Q: Why choose Canmore for this festival?
A: What better place to show off our gorgeous country!? Okay I’m biased … because I grew up in the Rocky Mountains they are home, and I want to share that with the international improv community, especially those who have shared their homes with me as a travelling improviser. Also, Canmore is such a terrific community with so much support for the arts we are excited to bring more to their community!
Q: Headliners from Columbia and Norway — how the hell did you find them?
A: Met them all at other international improv festivals and through Shawn Kinley – I went to a festival hosted by Det Andre Teatret in September. They invited Loose Moose to come participate and I got to go! I actually met Felipe when I was 16 and took a workshop of his at Loose Moose Theatre … he didn’t remember who I was when we connected recently. It’s a small and warm international community!
Q: An improvised musical — CAN THEY PULL IT OFF?
A: They SERIOUSLY can. I’ve seen the show twice and it was UNREAL. They have the format down to a science, but its still obviously improvised … and they can all actually sing.
Q: Sophie’s Choice: What are you most looking forward to at the festival?
A: Ahhhhhhhhh … so tough … probably the opportunity to perform with this amazing ensemble of international performers we’ve curated. (Editor’s note: Well played, Froggatt. Well played.)
Q: Anything else you’d like the good people to know?
A: OUR LINEUP IS UNREAL. They are all like improv celebrities to me … so talented. Also if you are scared of being pulled on stage, do not worry! We don’t ever make anyone do anything they don’t want to. Our goal is always to take care of our audience and to make sure they have the best possible time.
Q: Bonus question: Cherry Coke or Dr. Pepper?
A: Dr. Pepper.
The Canmore International Improv Festival takes place August 10-13 at artsPlace, Canmore. Tickets can be purchased through Artsplace, check the festival’s website for schedule and info.
Kari Watson is a writer and former Listings Editor of FFWD Weekly, and has continued to bring event listings to Calgary through theYYSCENE and her event listings page, The Culture Cycle. Contact her at kari@theyyscene.ca.
