SAN DIEGO — Amy Lisewski stirred up San Diego’s improv scene when she launched the first-ever San Diego Improv Festival. Three years later, the festival returns, attracting improv enthusiasts from around the country for the four-day comedy binge. From February 11-14, at Finest City Improv’s North Park theater, the festival will offer professional workshops, performances from a selection of hand-picked improv teams from cities around the country and master classes from two of the most well-known improvisers.“Improv has the ability to change lives and make us better people, and this festival gives us a concentrated dose of that special magic,” said Lisewski, founder of Finest City Improv and the San Diego Improv Festival. “We hope all San Diegans with a sense of humor and itch for learning will join us, for the love of improv.”
Headlining guests include Susan Messing and Rachel Mason—two Chicago-based improvisers who have built careers on making people laugh. Messing is a founding member of the Annoyance Theater in Chicago and Mason is head of advanced improvisation at the Second City in Chicago. Their improv group, The Boys, is one of Chicago’s premiere comedy teams. Both experts will teach sold-out improv workshop classes on Saturday, February 13.
According to Finest City Improv, this festival isn’t just for elite comedians or seasoned improvisers. Anyone attracted to improv is encouraged to take the plunge and join the four-day comedic journey because, as Lisewski says, “Life is just more enjoyable when you are laughing.”
The San Diego Improv Festival begins on Friday, February 11, with workshops and performances through Sunday, February 14 at Finest City Improv’s theater located at 4250 Louisiana St. To purchase tickets and get more information about the festival, please visit www.sdimprovfestival.com.
