Q&A with Very Very Improv's Cliff Prang: Bringing Hilarious Family-Friendly Comedy to Abbotsford This October

Have you ever wondered what happens when talented comedians take your wildest suggestions and turn them into side-splitting scenes on the spot?

On October 17th, you'll find out when Very Very Improv takes the stage at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium for an unforgettable evening of spontaneous laughter.

This isn't your typical night out – it's an interactive comedy experience where YOU become part of the show, and every moment is guaranteed to be unique, unpredictable, and absolutely hilarious.

We sat down with Cliff Prang, the host and artistic director of Very Very Improv, to get the inside scoop on what makes their family-friendly improv comedy so special.

For anyone who's never been before, what makes improv unique?

Everything we do on stage is based on audience participation and suggestions. Improv is a collaborative experience between performers and audience, so every show is unique and anything can happen.

What kind of suggestions work best for creating hilarious scenes? What's your favourite suggestion you've received recently?

When we as performers, or the show host, ask the audience for ideas, there are no right and wrong answers. We love it when our audience takes risks and engages with us (at the appropriate times). If you thought it up and believed in it enough to share it, then there's a good chance we are going to like it. Often times multiple suggestions come at us at once, so it's especially fun to feel out what is particularly inspiring in that moment.

Most recently we had the pleasure of acting out a Mexican Vacation in the style of a True Crime Documentary. Lots of layers and lots of fun!

How do you prepare for a show when you literally have no idea what's going to happen?

Haha. We get this question a lot. Like a basketball player practises their fundamental skills, we too, have fundamentals. For example: LISTENING keeps us patient and engaged and making informed decisions and ASSOCIATION exercises keep us sharp at making quick decisions. So when we connect together, run skill games and exercises, try out new formats and simply share space and get to know each other better, it helps us get ready for the challenge of performing for you.

What inspired Very Very Improv to bring "city quality" improv comedy to the Fraser Valley?

Scott Campbell - founding member of The Panic Squad, alumnus of Vancouver TheatreSports and TWU's 11:07 also established Pacific Theatre's Side Show Improv and when he found himself MISSING the thrill of the stage and the joy of collaboration, decided to create Very Very Improv. We ran 2 years under his passion and vision and he has since handed the reins of Artistic Director to myself, but you can be sure that Scott will be back on the stage again soon. Oh… back to why… who wants to drive over the bridge to Vancouver? Not I. Valley people deserve to laugh too, no?

What makes Very Very Improv's approach unique?

We do do an all ages show. I said do do.

What can families expect from an all-ages improv show?

Parents can relax regarding the content they are going to be experiencing. No cussing. No raunch. Just fun. Maybe some do do, but you can also rest assured that we are more clever than that.

What's something about improv comedy that would surprise people who've never experienced it live?

Besides the general good looks and high intelligence of our cast, most surprising would be our humility. Seriously though, the big thing we get a lot is 'How do you come up with stuff so fast?' I believe I already showed you behind the curtain on that - we practise listening and associating and if you want to try, we'd love to get you on stage on the 17th and maybe you even want to try out some our academy workshops and classes. We're not special or superhuman, but we do often stretch our creative muscles and love to play and we very very much enjoy making you laugh.

If you're looking for entertainment that's interactive, unpredictable, and guaranteed to leave your family talking about the experience for weeks to come, Very Very Improv is exactly what you need. On October 17th at 7:30 PM, join us at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium for comedy gold.

Don't miss this chance to experience the magic of live improv comedy right here in the Fraser Valley. As one recent attendee shared: "Our kids have been talking about the comedy all day and can't wait until we can find another show to take them to! We wish we had shared this opportunity with other friends and families!"

Get your tickets now at www.gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940.