Ventura Improv Company Brings Back Its Beloved Comedy Fest
Labor Day Weekend Sunday Features Two Shows in One Night
The Ventura Improv Company (VIC) is bringing back its Labor Day Weekend Improv Festival for one night on Sunday, September 6, at NAMBA Arts in downtown Ventura. The festival, a longtime favorite with VIC audiences, returns with two comedy improv shows—and plenty of familiar faces joining the company onstage.
The VIC has been making audiences laugh in Ventura County since 1989, and the Labor Day Weekend festival has been part of that history, hosting its first tournament in the 1990s. This year, the Fest is back for one night, with shows at 5 and 7 pm
Artistic Director Judy Gottlieb, who has been with the VIC since the early 1990s, took over from the late Gary Best in 2023. Today, the VIC is thriving, with long-time performers alongside a new generation of talent.
“This is a really fun moment for the VIC,” said Gottlieb. “We’ve got people who have been doing ... view more »
Ventura Improv Company Brings Back Its Beloved Comedy Fest
Labor Day Weekend Sunday Features Two Shows in One Night
The Ventura Improv Company (VIC) is bringing back its Labor Day Weekend Improv Festival for one night on Sunday, September 6, at NAMBA Arts in downtown Ventura. The festival, a longtime favorite with VIC audiences, returns with two comedy improv shows—and plenty of familiar faces joining the company onstage.
The VIC has been making audiences laugh in Ventura County since 1989, and the Labor Day Weekend festival has been part of that history, hosting its first tournament in the 1990s. This year, the Fest is back for one night, with shows at 5 and 7 pm
Artistic Director Judy Gottlieb, who has been with the VIC since the early 1990s, took over from the late Gary Best in 2023. Today, the VIC is thriving, with long-time performers alongside a new generation of talent.
“This is a really fun moment for the VIC,” said Gottlieb. “We’ve got people who have been doing this together for decades, people who are newer to the company, and some wonderful friends coming back to play with us. And after all these years, you never really know what’s going to happen when you put everyone in the same room—which is exactly how we like it.”
At 5 pm, Spontaneous Broadway features acclaimed musical improviser Richard Allen, a longtime friend of the VIC. With audience suggestions, the performers will create a completely original, long-form, Broadway-style musical on the spot. The Spontaneous Broadway format was created by improvisation teacher and performer Kat Koppett.
At 7 pm, the Improv Tournament brings VIC teams together for some competitive fun. Teams will face off in a series of comedy challenges, with the audience helping determine who earns the title of Best of the Fest. The evening will also feature the ChImps (Chadwick Improvisers) and other special guests and familiar VIC performers.
Tom Mueller, who co-founded the VIC with Sally Mueller in 1989, will also take the stage. The company grew out of an improv workshop held in Santa Paula that year, where Tom, Sally, Gary Best and other local performers discovered TheatreSports – short-form improvisation. With the VIC approaching its 40th year, having one of its founders onstage is a fitting part of a night celebrating where the company has been—and where it’s going.
The Ventura Improv Company One-Day Festival takes place at NAMBA Arts on Sunday, September 6.
· 5 pm: Spontaneous Broadway
· 7 pm: Improv Tournament
Tickets range from $10 (plus fee) to $25, depending on the show and whether purchased online or at the door.
· Tickets: NAMBA Arts — Improv One-Day Festival
· More information: venturaimprov.com/laborday26
The Ventura Improv Company performs on the second Friday at NAMBA Arts in downtown Ventura at 7pm. Drop-in improv workshops for all levels happen at NAMBA on Monday nights at 7pm. More information can be found at venturaimprov.com and on social media: @venturaimprov.
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