Shows About Workshops Press Contact Tickets Pictures

What is Improvaganza?

Improvaganza: The Hawaii Festival of Improv is a gathering and celebration of Improvised theatre in all its diverse expressions. Improvisers from all over the country come to Honolulu for a weekend of improv performances, workshops, and events. The festival strives to cultivate Hawaii’s local improv theatre community by showcasing local and mainland improvisers while providing opportunities for them to network with each other. The festival also strives to raise the profile of this rare art form by introducing audiences to entertaining, stimulating, and thought provoking performances, opportunities to participate in interactive activities, and a chance to learn improv through festival sponsored workshops.

The 2008 Improvaganza will feature 3 nights of improvised theatre at 3 venues and 12 improv groups from Honolulu, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Austin, and Seattle. An estimated 1500 people are to perform, participate, watch, and volunteer in this year’s festival.

A Brief History of Improvaganza

Improvaganza is the brain child of local improviser and festival executive producer Garrick Paikai. It was first produced in November of 2006 by Smash Box productions and Paikai’s own improv group ON THE SPOT (OTS). Improvaganza 1 featured four Local improv acts with the sole purpose of giving local improvisers a place to showcase their talents and providing entertainment for Hawaii Audiences. The festival raised the profile of the Hawaii improv scene and inspired new improvisers to start their own acts. The one night event sold out, turning away people at the door.

The following year OTS and Smash Box teamed up again to produce Improvaganza 2. This time the festival would feature two nights of performances adding an extra two acts to the bill. Producers focused their attention not only on continuing to showcase local talent, but also on presenting improv as theatre and providing information to the public on improv classes being taught around Oahu. Improvaganza 2, like its predecessor sold out every performance.