Iowa Improv Festival 4

Comedy XPeriment, Des Moines’ favorite improv group, again hosts the annual Iowa Improv Festival (IIF) on Friday, Agust 16th and Saturday, August 17th. In its forth year, this time the 4th Annual Iowa Improv Festival features eight regional improvisation troupes (Comics In Action, Comedy Xperiment, 88 Improv, Paperback Rhino, Half-Masted, Anything Improv, Grandma Mojo’s and Wisenhimers) highlighting their particular skills and interpretation of the art of improvisation. The Iowa Improv Festival strives to bring a variety of improvisation formats to Central Iowa.

Held over two nights, the IIF features 25-minute sets from Half-Masted, Anything Improv, Grandma Mojo’s and Wisenhimerseach on Friday night… followed by Comics In Action, Comedy Xperiment, 88 Improv, Paperback Rhino on Saturday… along with a free-form jam at the end of each show.

Unlike a scripted play or sketch theater, improvisation troupes create scenes, short skits, or complete plays instantly before the audience. The audience provides suggestions for the troupe. Each show is unique in that it’s never been seen before and won’t be seen again. These suggestions allow improvisers to create a world of colorful characters and hilarious situations that often reflect true life and give the laugh muscles a complete workout.