SCRAM!, SHADES OF BROWN and More Set for 2nd Annual Houston Improv Festival, 4/18-21

"Our intent this year is to showcase the vast diversity within the improv artform," says Todd Boring, the festival's producer.

Leading the charge is the hard-hitting national duo SCRAM! composed of Joe Bill from Annoyance Theater and iO Chicago and Jill Bernard of HUGE Theater and ComedySportz Minneapolis. The Latin flair of the TV novella inspires Austin's Shades oF Brown. Houston's This Infinite Closet performs their entire show in the dark.

For the first time, the festival will offer improv workshops. Elite improvisers Joe Bill and Jill Bernard, as well as Chris Grace of New York's The People's Improv Theater will conduct a variety of workshops designed to accommodate all levels of improvisers, from those just starting out to the advanced improviser.

"Being funny or spontaneous is not a requirement," says Todd, "just bring yourself and be prepared to have a blast."

Tickets to individual shows are $15. Weekend passes are $45. Each workshop is 3 hours long and is limited to 16 students, allowing everyone plenty of personal attention. Workshops are $60 each.

For more information and to make reservations, go to www.houstonimprovfestival.com.

The Houston Improv Festival is a unique event that promotes improvisational theatre in collaboration with the growing pool of comedic talent in the Houston arts scene. The Houston Improv Festival produces a week long improv-iganza every spring and hosts smaller showcases throughout the year. This year's festival takes place April 18-21 at the Midtown Art Center. HIF is sponsored in part by No Label Brewing Company.