When you're bringing people together from around the country (and around the world), it's important to give them somewhere to sleep at night. That's basic hospitality! And this year we're able to provide, thanks in part to one sponsor who's been with us through thick and thin - YHA Wellington and the wonderful Lisa Gebbels.
Read MoreTakayuki Ueda is an improvisor based in Osaka, Japan and the director of Impact 360 Improv. He has improvised for 16 years, and in the last four has travelled internationally to perform improvisation in six countries. Taka taught and performed at New Zealand Improv Festival 2015 with his creative partner Ronald Pabst (Cologne) and is delighted to be returning to direct Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
Read MoreJim Fishwick is an award-winning director, and performer based in Sydney, Australia. He specialises in interactive, intimate and immersive modes of performance, and is the General Manager of Jetpack Theatre Collective. A national champion improvisor, Jim performs and teaches improvised theatre around Australia and the world.
Read MoreRik Brown has been a member of Impro Melbourne for the past 15 years. He has taught and performed improvisation throughout Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Italy, Germany and The Netherlands. Rik is known for his mischievous style, sharp mind and strong grasp of Character and Narrative. He brings a playful and engaging approach to the art of improvisation.
Read MorePauline Calmé is a French improviser from Paris. Since 2011 she has performed in almost 150 shows. She is best known for her poetic, musical and clowning approach to improvisation.
Read MoreJaklene Vukasinovic is a performer, producer and teacher from Melbourne, Australia. She began improvising in 2006 at the University of Melbourne with student collective Off The Cuff. Jaklene trains and performs regularly with Impro Melbourne and The Big Hoo-Haa, and has taught impro in high schools, universities, and festivals.
Read MoreBrendon Bennetts (Christchurch) has been teaching and directing improv for the Court Jesters since 2002. He hosts comedy quiz podcast THE NERD DEGREE, teaches high school English, and in his spare time writes plays. Brendon is proud to have performed at NZIF every year since it started.
Read MoreDomeka Parker is founder and artistic director of Deep End Theater in Portland Oregon USA. She is the creator of many highly acclaimed and award winning improvised works. Domeka is the creator of Sound Improv, a unique approach to improvisational theater that is grounded in strong acting and true discovery.
Read More"Many people would shy away from ad-libbing in front of a crowd, but professional improvisers like Jennifer O'Sullivan can't get enough of it.
Troves of quick-witted improvisers are coming to dazzle Wellingtonians for one week only at the New Zealand Improvisation Festival in October. "
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