Free laughs. Florida Studio Theatre takes annual improv festival online this weekend

Florida Studio Theatre has a long tradition of celebrating the art of comedic improvisation, and it’s not about to stop for a pandemic.

FST’s annual Sarasota Improv Festival was supposed to take place in person this weekend, but had to be canceled in May.

Always one to think on his feet, FST improv director Will Luera put together a last-minute event in an online format.

“Though it can’t go on in its usual whirlwind festival form, we’ve decided to virtually celebrate and recognize the event that has brought some of the best improv comedians in the world to Sarasota,” Luera said.

Past Sarasota Improv Fests have brought performers from as far as Los Angeles, Chicago, Spain and France as well as TV stars like the Smothers Brothers and Craig Cackowski (of “Veep,” and “Drunk History” fame).

Though virtual, this year’s event will still feature top talents in the world of improv.

Friday will feature a performance by There Goes the Neighborhood, an act that challenges racism through comedy, as well as a two-man show starring FST Improv’s Charles Gooch and renowned improv teacher Joe Bill. The night will close with an interview of actress and improv artist Madi Goff.

Saturday will feature performances by two Austin-based improv groups, Parallelogramophonograph and Available Cupholders, followed by an interview with Joe Bill.

Sunday’s schedule includes interviews with some of the leading talents of Europe’s improv scene and members of Burn Manhattan, an influential New York City improv act that performed in the ‘90s.

The festival will conclude with an all-star lineup improv session at 4 p.m. Sunday.

All interviews and performances are free to watch and will be broadcast on the Sarasota Improv Festival’s Facebook page, according to FST.

The festival will also include workshops for those interested in honing their improv chops or learning more about the craft. The workshops can be accessed via online Zoom sessions for $30 each.

Details: Friday through Sunday. Watch online at facebook.com/sarasotaimprovfestival. Interviews and performances are free to view.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Friday, July 10

3 p.m. - Be Here Now: Joy and Presence in Scenework - A Workshop with Tara DeFrancisco

6 p.m. - Improvised Personal Monologues - A Workshop with Joe Bill

8:30 p.m. - Shows by There Goes the Neighborhood/Joe Bill and Charles Gooch

10 p.m. – Interview with Madi Goff

Saturday, July 11

10 a.m. – La Ronde – A Workshop with Craig Cackowski

12:30 p.m. – Virtual Improv Genre Techniques – A Workshop with Parallelogramophonograph

8:30 p.m. – Shows by Parallelogramophonograph/Available Cupholders

10 p.m. – Interview with Joe Bill

Sunday, July 12

10 a.m. – The Character Playground – A Workshop with Gael and Laura Doorneweerd-Perry (France)

12:30 p.m. – Interview with Gael and Laura Doorneweerd-Perry (France)

1:30 p.m. – Interview with Founders of Burn Manhattan

3 p.m. – Interview with Stacey Smith

4 p.m. – Festival All-Star Show

This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 8:33 AM.