Here we go

by Eran Thomson, Festival Founder and Executive Producer

The Australian Improv Festival kicks off tomorrow!

As we head out of the pre-production maelstrom and into the actual fun stuff, I just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who has helped make this inaugural event possible.

Starting with all the amazing performers and teachers who have travelled around the globe and come from all across Australia to be here. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you.

To all the people who bought tickets to shows or registered for workshops. Even those of you who haven’t bought yours yet (there’s still time). Thank you.

To all the creative, talented, and funny students, no matter which school or training centre you hail from. This festival is for you and we’re glad you’re here. Thank you.

To the AIF support team: Susan Zheng for your help selling on social, Betty Stephanie-Ng for helping out on Tech, Ashlee Brown for the ochre accent on our PA announcements, PJ Hyland for being our Stage Manager, Sebastian Antoniou our videographer for capturing all the fun on camera, and Ramona Datu our amazing intern for essentially saving our lives. Thank you.

To all our wonderful volunteers for their flexibility, adaptability and willingness to jump in and help get things done: Thank you.

To our venue partners the Seymour Centre, and The News South Wales Teachers Federation Conference Center. Thank you.

To her majesty the Queen for having a holiday on her (non) birthday so we can play, learn, and party for three whole days with new and old friends. Thank you.

And lastly, to the determined dynamo that is Happy Feraren, our Festival Director. Your persistence, planning, and vision transformed what started as a small idea into a big, beautiful event that will forever change the landscape and perception of improv in Australia.

Thank you.