NZ Improv Fest 2023

After a year’s hiatus, the New Zealand Improv Festival makes its triumphant return this October. Help us keep it going by supporting its delivery in 2023, along with the trust that oversees its production.

This year’s NZIF will take place from 6–14 October 2023, at the beautiful BATS Theatre in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). Improvisers from all over Aotearoa, Australia, and the World will be presenting more than 30 workshops, over 25 shows, a dozen conference sessions, and a tasty selection of social and networking events.

What our participants said about NZ Improv Fest 2021:

"This festival has given me a professional environment to hone my skills as a director and as a teacher. It's helped give me tools as an improvisor, a teacher and a director in so many aspects... It's truly a festival that has the participants best interests at heart. I grow so much with every festival and I could not speak more highly of it."

"Having an annual event like NZIF keeps the passion for improv alive. As well as giving practitioners the opportunity to try something new and hone their craft, it allows us to become inspired by watching shows created by some of the best talent in the country."

"Untold treasures. Our biggest and best opportunity to jam, meet, engage and inspire each other."

"I had never directed or taught improv before my first NZIF. It has shaped me as a teacher, and director, and helped me grow as a performer."

Why We Need You

Since its inception, the size and quality of NZIF has grown as the community it serves has grown - from three companies in 2008 to around 130 participants in 2019. Even in the quiet covid years we have presented a top quality experience for our participants and audience, and we intend to continue that tradition as we return to a full programme in 2023.

In past years we have been successful in CNZ's Art Grants - unfortunately, this year's first round of Festival Grants did not provide us with that same result. We wish to be clear: this is an issue of insufficient funds, and we are thrilled for all those who were successful in their application and wish them the best for the delivery of their events. 70% of applicants were in the same boat as us, which speaks to the pressure on our sector and the consistent underfunding of our governing bodies.

Thus, in order for us to continue delivering this event at the standard our participants and audience expect, and to remain sustainable for the future, we need further support. As well as looking to local government and charitable funding organisations, we want to give our community and networks the opportunity to support us through this campaign.

75% of the funds from this campaign will go towards personnel, marketing, production, and our conference programme for NZIF 2023, with the remaining 25% going towards the running of the NZ Improvisation Trust.

With our anonymous match funders, every dollar you give us is doubled up to the maximum of $10,000.

About NZ Improv Fest 2023

• Artistically Co-Directed by Matt Powell and Jim Fishwick
• 6-14 October
• BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Terrace
• 28 performances from local, national and international improvisors (tickets on sale soon)
• 33 masterclasses in improv and associated skills (earlybird registration open now)
• Presenters from Aotearoa, Australia, USA, Canada, UK, Argentina and Mexico
• A busy conference and social event calendar

About the Trust

In 2015 the New Zealand Improvisation Trust was established to oversee the management and delivery of the New Zealand Improv Festival, and as of 2023 is a registered charity. 

The purpose of the Trust is to represent the New Zealand improvisation community on a national scale by advocating for improvisation as an art form within and amongst the arts and theatre community in New Zealand. Our current board members are Tai Samaeli (chair), Claire Alderton (treasurer), Jennifer O'Sullivan (secretary), and Lisa Garrity.

“This festival blows me away with its skill and generosity... In short it is a breath-taking, giddying display of mastery.”

— Theatreview

Thank you for your time in reading and sharing this campaign. If you are not in a position to support us financially, we'd love you to spread the word - use the links below, email to your friends, or even just tell people in person!