The Kalamazoo Improv Festival returns for its 8th annual showcase of some of the best improv teams in the midwest. In the past, the festival has featured performers that later went on to such fame as The Walking Dead, Saturday Night Live, Second City Main Stage, and more. Festival goers have the chance to see and meet these talented folks before they make it big. Teams from Chicago, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Kalamazoo will perform scenes, all made up completely on the spot using suggestions from the audience. Also, there will be live music from the band Fishlips.

“We’re not only focussed on delivering great shows, we want to deliver a great experience for audiences and performers”, says Dann Sytsma, festival producer. “A happy audience and happy performers leads to a high energy, big laughs experience. That’s what we’re delivering.”

To make the Fest even more convenient to patrons, showtimes have been moved up 30 minutes. Ticket sales and alcohol sales have been streamlined to move things along more quickly to make for a better festival experience. Festival goers will be able to buy drinks, tickets and snacks at the convenient second floor concession area. All drink proceeds go directly to the Kalamazoo Male Chorus, who will be serving beverages both nights.

All shows and workshops will be at the Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Due to the efforts of the Kalamazoo Arts Council, the venue is able to hold even more people this year. To get more information or to purchase tickets, go to crawlspacetheatre.com.

The festival activities start at the 5:30 p.m., Friday, October 21, Happy Hour Show, followed by shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The festival continues Saturday, October 22 with improv workshops at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. The festival finishes off  Saturday night with shows at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Each show will feature three improv teams.

Tickets are $10 general admission for each show, or get a $25 fest pass and see as many shows as you want. For the Saturday workshops, admission is $15 per workshop.