This Comedy Festival, WIT and the Improv Divas present...

Improv Angels
Fighting Improvised Crime

You've helped them find love in 'Love Possibly,’ now WIT and the Improv Divas are back - taking on the adrenaline fuelled classic kick-ass adventure.

As far as hair-tossing super sleuths go, The Improv Angels are living dangerously by making it all up. Can they spontaneously solve the latest mysterious crime wave, lock away the supervillain … and save New Zealand?

"no script, just guts, teamwork and imagination" - Capital Times

Starring: Anna Burns, Christine Brooks, Clare Kerrison, Jen Mason and Merrilee McCoy. Lighting: Jo Eggers

9.30pm, 24-26 April
$16 full /$13 concession or groups 8+
BATS Theatre

http://www.myspace.com/improvdivas

The Young and the Witless - an improvised soap opera!

From those witty bastards who brought you such improvised comedy classics such as 'Love Possibly' and 'To Be Continued,' comes 'The Young and The Witless: an improvised soap opera."

Does anyone know what's going on? We don't! It's all improvised!

With more twists, secrets and dirty dealings than parliament! A continuing improvised story that keeps everyone guessing. Including us!

Eight nights of shows. Six Characters in search of a storyline. One spontaneous saga of polished stupidity.

Starring W.I.T regulars Anna Burns, Anton van Helden, Christine Brooks, Clare Kerrison, Julian Faid, and Simon Smith. Directed by Derek Flores.

Wednesday to Saturday Feb 20-23 and Feb 27-Mar 1
Blue Note Cafe, 191-195 Cuba Street
8pm - Tickets $12 / $10 / $8 door sales only.

Micetro - Bringing Improv to the Burbs

Need a good laugh at the end of a hard day, but don't want to drive back into the city?

Wellington Improvisation Troupe has the answer - crash and burn elimination improvisation where the audience decides the winner. Comedy for those that need it most!

Part of FringeNZ

(click addresses for maps)
8 Feb – Linden Social Centre, 10 Linden Ave
9 Feb – The Rock Church, Glover St, Ngauranga
12-13 Feb – Newtown Community Centre, cnr Rintoul and Colombo Streets
15-16 Feb – Little Theatre, Queens Drive, Lower Hutt

Shows start at 7.30pm
$10 Full / $8 Fringe Addicts
Door sales only

WIT gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Creative Communities Wellington City, Creative Communities Hutt Valley and Hutt Valley Community Arts.

Micetro - Improv Comedy

W.I.T is back this spring with an eager company of improvisers ready to explode on the stage and is excited to present its new season of MICETRO improv.

A raucous evening of spontaneity that mixes beloved improv games, charismatic humility, and audience suggestions to create a unique night of entertainment that will never be seen again. Improv is theatrical tight rope walking: balancing one's fear and wit, improvisers valiantly struggle to cross the gaping abyss of failure - to everyone's amusement and joy!

Two directors bring actors on stage. The audience votes on several rounds of improvised scenes, eventually to eliminate all but one; crowned the Micetro improviser for the evening. Twelve improvisers vie for the title; only one can win.

The Micetro format was created by improvisational guru and teacher Keith Johnstone to handle a large group, and is now played in 20 countries around the world.

WIT... Fumbling Towards Awesome

Wellington Improvisation Troupe and the International Comedy Festival present..

Saturday Night Divas and To Be Continued

Two fantastic shows in the NZ International Comedy Festival...

http://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/

The 24 Hour Improvathon!

March 17th-18th, 7pm - 7pm

Well, It's all over!!!! Just got the figures back from BATS, we raised $2,192.44! Wicked awesome. We'd like to thank all the troupes that came along and participated, The Wellington Improvisation Troupe, The Improvisors and Joe Impro. Also, a special thanks to all the schools that came down in force, Wellington High, Newlands College, Wellington College, Kapiti College and Wellington East Girls College.

Huge Thanks as well to...

The knives are out...

And their wits have been sharpened as the Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT) do Battle in FRINGE 2007 in Battle of WITs.

WIT unleashes a full arsenal of improvised stories, songs and sagas into the suburbs, with the battle grounds for these epic events being:

Newtown Community Centre - 9th &10th February
Tararua Tramping Club - 16th & 17th February
St Johns Hall, Karori - 24th & 25th February
Linden Community Hall -. 2nd & 3rd March

Battle begins at 7pm
Tickets $9.95/Fringe Addict $7.95
Bookings: book@wit.org.nz
Door Sales available

Kong is gone. Gorilla is back.

Improvised scenes from tear-jerking to side-splitting!

7pm Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 August

Gorilla Theatre, the hit improvised comedy show from the 2004 International Comedy Festival, is back! Come along to McKenzie Theatre, Capital E, 7pm Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 August to see the show that TV3’s Nightline called “edge-of-your-seat comedy”.

With law of the jungle competitiveness, improvisers in Gorilla Theatre direct scenes to entertain the audience who then decide if they were successful or not…. You'll see stories, scenes and songs that range from tear-jerking to side-splitting from the leading improvisers of the Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT), winners of the Wellington Fringe Festival Best Comedy Award 2003.

The Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT) is the team that brought shows to Wellington such as Micetro (Fringe 2003, 2006), Love Possibly (Comedy Festival 2005) and the highly innovative All New Old Time Radio Show in January this year.

So book now for Gorilla Theatre or take your chances on the door!

Booking Information:

When: 7pm, Tues 8 - Sat 12 August (+ 4pm matinee on Sat)
Where: McKenzie Theatre, Capital E, Civic Square, Wellington.
Bookings: 04 913 3720. Door sales may be available on the night.
How much: $16 waged / $12 unwaged or group booking.
How long: These are approximately 70 minute shows.

Micetro

Everybody’s favourite improv comedy show, ‘Micetro’ (NZ Fringe Best Comedy Award ’03) returns to the Wellington stage for The Fringe Festival. Stories, songs and scenes are made up on the spot by seasoned professionals and gutsy newcomers alike – you decide the winner!

When: Feb 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th - 7:00pm
Where: Capital E - Main Floor - Civic Square
How much: Full: $15 Concession: $12 Addict: $10 Child: $10 Group over 6: $12
Bookings: Capital E – ph: (04) 913 3720

For more info on The Fringe visit Fringe.org.nz

We interrupt this programming to bring you....

THE ALL-NEW OLD-TIME
RADIO SHOW!

Classic comedy made up before your ears!

January 12th - 22nd 2006

'The All-New Old-Time 'Radio Show!'' is a totally improvised comedy show in the style of the golden age of radio, created and performed by leading improvisers from the Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT) (winners of the Wellington Fringe Festival Best Comedy Award 2003).

Using only the technology of the era, WIT's radio players will take you back to a surreal summer in the 1930s - a simpler time of stories, songs and standard King's English. This kiwiana variety show will vary every evening, being completely unscripted and based entirely on suggestions from the BATS 'live studio' audience.

'Radio Show!' is the first long-form improv radio show in New Zealand, and the latest innovation from the improvisers that sold-out BATS in seasons of 'Lovepossibly' ("no script, just guts, teamwork and imagination" - Capital Times) and 'Gorilla Theatre' ("edge-of-your-seat comedy - TV3 Nightline). Featuring WIT's radio players - Ryan Hartigan, Nicola Hill, Pete Hodgson and Simon Smith - and accompanied by a foley of artists - Anton van Helden, Richard Samaeli, Jamie Burgess, Paul Sullivan and Kirstin Price.

The 'Radio Show!' is truly accessible local theatre - elements of the show will be podcast on WIT's website - wit.org.nz - for download onto your personal MP3 player! The show will also provide unique aural theatre accessible for those that are sight-impaired.

Donations will be collected on the night to support the work of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind. Funds raised will purchase a valuable new 'talking book' for members of the Foundation.

Booking information

Book early, or take your chances on the door! Groups of eight get an absolutely spiffing discount.

When:    7pm, Thursday 12 - Saturday 21 January 2006.
Where:    BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington.
Bookings:  book@bats.co.nz, phone 802-4175 (24 hr answerphone!) or door sales from 6pm on the night.
How much:  $15 (Full) / $12 (Group 8+/Concession/Child).
How long:  This is a 60 minute show.

Find true love at the International Comedy Festival...or not...

8pm, Tue 10 - Sat 14 May

Not just another romantic comedy! ‘lovepossibly' is a totally improvised ‘chick flick’ where the audience will call the shots.

“Love and long-form improvisation are high-stakes games for consenting adults only. Over the course of one hour, six of Wellington’s best improvisers are going to attempt to find true love without a script.” explains Improv Diva Nicola Hill. “There could well be broken hearts.”

lovepossibly is the first improv RomCom in the country. “We were inspired by movies like ‘Four Flops and a Turkey’, ‘Nothing Hill’ and ‘Bridget’s Dairy Intolerance’” says Hill, “But this show will appeal to all improv lovers. It represents a rare opportunity to see a long-form improv comedy show in New Zealand.”

The show is being brought to the stage by The Improv Divas, New Zealand’s first all-female improvisation act (“highly inventive”– National Business Review). Featuring Clare Kerrison, Danielle Hodgson, Kirstin Price, Nicola Hill, Barry Miskimmin, Nigel Chin, Paul Sullivan and Simon Smith.

PG Adult Themes.

Booking Information:

There are only five nights of shows. So book early, or take your chances on the door! And remember that if you arrange 8 of your friends or family to go with you, you all qualify for the group discounted rate!

When: 8pm, Tue 10 - Sat 14 May 2005
Where: BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace.
Bookings: (04) 802 4175 or book@bats.co.nz Door sales available
How much: Only $15 full price, $12 unwaged/groups 8+... so it's a cheap date!
How long: These are 60 minute shows.
Website: Visit wit.org.nz to read more about WIT, including upcoming shows and details of courses to learn improvisation.

Contact: for more information.

The winning players of the Best Comedy Award (Fringe 2003) are back with an all-new show!

It is Part Theartre....Part-Gameshow...Part Human...It is.....

The Improv Factor

The Improvised tribute to TV Gameshows!

7pm, 22-26 February.

The brand new improvised gameshow spectacular which mixes Fail of the Century with the Weakest Link. Teams are pitted against each other night after night, in pulse-racing theatrical challenges set by the host of the show. Take a ride on our wheel of fortune where the contestant's success means points on the board (Miss Ford?), and failure means jeaopardy where players must perform a "Forfeit"(which can be really nasty!). Songs, scenes and stunts performed live before your very eyes. Come on down and have your say, as you determine which team goes forward to the grand final where one team will show that they have....THE IMPROV FACTOR

Booking Information:

There are only five nights of shows. So book early, or take your chances on the door! And remember that if you arrange 5 of your friends or family to go with you, you all qualify for the group discounted rate!

Where: McKenzie Theatre, Capital E, Civic Square.
Bookings: (04) 977-9226 or
How much: $15 Full Price, $12 Concession, $10 Fringe Addicts, $5 children (Umder 14 yrs).
How long: These are 90 minute shows.
Website: Visit wit.org.nz to read more about WIT, including upcoming shows and details of courses to learn improvisation.

Contact: for a personal touch from our host.

Keith Johnstone visits Wellington

In June 2004, WIT hosted a 5-day masterclass by the world's greatest authority on improvisation, Keith Johnstone, in Wellington. Bringing together twenty improvisers from around the country, the masterclass was the greatest event in the national improv calendar in 2004. Keith appeared on stage for the first time in New Zealand on Sunday 27th June in 'The Secret Origin of Improv'. With Keith directing, the night showcased his approach to improv and the talents of the masterclass students. While he was in Wellington, Keith also delivered training for the New Zealand School of Drama, WIT's Tuesday, and WIT's militant youth wing, Joe Improv. Read more about him here.

Is it a bird! Is it a plane! No, it's...

The Secret Origin of Improv

WIT presents one action hero-packed night of super improv comedy, directed by international legend Keith Johnstone. Watch! - as the inventor of TheatresportsTM turns kiwi comics into genius! Gasp! - as he swoops down and makes stories out of thin air! Laugh! - 'till you cry!

Songs, scenes & sketches will be made up on the spot for one night only. Don't miss this chance to see Keith Johnstone appear on stage for the first time down under.

See the press release for more info.

Booking information

Book early, or take your chances on the door! Groups of six get a super discount.

When:    7pm, Sunday 27 June.
Where:    Ilott Theatre, Town Hall Wellington.. 
Bookings:  Ticketek (4) 384 3840 (booking fee applies) or door sales on the night.
How much:  $18 (Full) / $12 (Group 6+/Concession) / $10 (Child).
How long:  This is an 80 minute show.

As part of the Wellington Comedy Festival in May 4 - 8 at Bats Theatre...

Gorilla Theatre

See WITs' top improvisers direct each other in improvised comedy scenes.

You be the judge - do they deserve a banana or a lemon?

It's monkey business mayhem with zest and a peel!

Read more in the press release.

Five nights only! So book early, or take your chances on the door!

When:    9:30pm Tuesday 4th - Saturday 8th May. 
Where:    BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington. 
Bookings:  book@bats.co.nz, phone 802-4175 (24 hr answerphone!) or door sales from 6pm on the night.
How much:  $15 waged / $12 unwaged or group booking (8+).
How long:  This is a 60 minute show.

Just when you thought it was just a little too quiet on the Western Front, the players from the Fringe Festival 2003 Best Comedy Award are back...for the Fringe Festival 2004!

Battle of WITs

An epic clash of comedians where YOU decide the winner!

Wed 18th - Sun 22nd February

Battle of WITs is the all-new improvised comedy show from the Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT).

"'Battle of WITs!' will unleash comedy carnage on a scale never before seen in the capital! Well. at least not since our award-winning 'micetro' show in 2003." says WIT's co-creative director Julian Wilson, "Nine improvisers start the show, only one finishes. Blood will be spilt. Which is a shame because it's really hard to get the stains out of my jumper."

Scenes, songs and stories are made up on the spot by Wellington's leading improvisers and gutsy newcomers alike, armed only with their wits! Split randomly into teams throughout the night, players must work together in order to sway the audience, whose vote, after each round, determines who gets to live on... or fall on the sword of death!

"The showdown in the final round has been known in the past to cause more than it's fair share of heart failure amongst our audience", explains Wilson.

Never...will so many...die laughing...at so little.

Standing orders:

There are only five shows. So book early, or take your chances on the door! And remember that if you arrange 7 of your friends or family to go with you, you all qualify for the group discounted rate!

When: 7pm, Wed 18th - Sun 22nd February.
Where: McKenzie Theatre, Capital E, Civic Square.
Bookings: Email for an unsecured booking (you must book at least a day before the show and turn up and pay for your tickets before 6:45pm on the night of the show). Secure your booking anytime with pre-payment at Ticketek.co.nz or by phoning (04) 384 3840. Door sales may be available on the night.
How much: $15 waged / $12 unwaged and groups (at least 8 people) / $10 Fringe Addicts and children (up to 14 yrs).
How long: This is a 60-70 minute show.

Eaten too much turkey and ham off the bone? Sick of summer television programming and sand in all the wrong places? Your antidote is here!...

The Improv Divas in

DIVA FEVER

Scorching improvised comedy from New Zealand's first all-female improvisation act. Sizzling stories, songs and scenes made up on the spot.

Three hot summer nights only! So book early, or take your chances on the door!

When:    8pm Thursday 15th, Friday 16th & Saturday 17th January. 
Where:    BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington.
Bookings:  book@bats.co.nz, phone 802-4175 (24hr answerphone!) or door sales from 6pm on the night.
How much:  $15 waged / $10 unwaged or group booking.
How long:  This is a 60 minute show.

Just when you thought it was just a little too quiet on the Western Front, the players of micetro and winners of the Fringe Festival 2003 Best Comedy Award are back! ...

Battle of WITs

Out-ryhme. Out-sing. Out-wit.

Battle of WITs is the all-new improvised comedy show from the Wellington Improvisation Troupe (WIT).

Songs, scenes and sagas are made up on the spot by Wellington’s leading improvisers and conscripted amateurs alike. Armed with their wits alone, players are drawn at random and commissioned to perform scenes that are completely unscripted and totally unrehearsed. The audience votes for their favourite scenes until gradually all players are eliminated from the field of battle. Only one is left standing. You decide the winner!
Bring along the whole family for comedy that’s Over the Top!

Standing orders:

There are only four shows. So book early, or take your chances on the door!

When: 7pm Thursday 4th, Friday 5th & Saturday 6th December.
Where: Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street, Wellington .
Bookings: Ticketek (4) 384 3840, or door sales on the night.
How much: $12 / $10.
How long: This is a 60 minute show.