Contact: Bruce Conley, News Information Director
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
e-mail: bruce_conley@augie.edu
www.augie.edu

February 18, 2004

Augustana Theatre Presents 'Cool Hip Awesome Improv Fest'

SIOUX FALLS - Improvisation has produced some of the finest comic actors and writers working in the entertainment industry today says Julia Bennett, associate professor of theater/communication at Augustana and director of the first ever "Cool Hip Awesome Improv Fest."

"The festival was created to celebrate improv as an art form," says Bennett. "First, we'll provide a weekend of great entertainment. Second, or 'Gen XYZ' artists can have an exciting and affordable opportunity to experience the highest quality training and performance around without having to travel to Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles. There's currently very little opportunity, especially for younger improvisers, to learn about improvisation from experienced professionals. CHAI FEST will provide that forum."

The festival will be held March 5-6 on the campus of Augustana College. It features cool, hip, awesome public performances, including:

The Best of Brave New Workshop from Minneapolis. Brave New Workshop is the second oldest comedy sketch theatre in the United States. "Bigly Huge (Hugely Big)" features Jeremy Lamb of Austin, Texas. Lamb brings his unique one-man cast of zany characters to life right before your eyes. Based upon audience suggestions, the show weaves diverse stories together to a satisfying conclusion without any pre-planning.

Improv-Beach-Blanket-Bonzo with Brand Name Improv. This is a full length, fully stages, all improvised play based on teen movies of the early 1960s. Staged by Augustana College's own Brand Name Improv, this talented troupe gathers audience ideas on the spot to create an immediate and swingin', rockin' story of teens, beats, surf and surprise.

Talent Sets by invited troupes. Invited troupes from colleges and universities around the region perform short sets throughout the festival.

Performances are scheduled from 7:00 p.m. to midnight on both March 5 and 6. All performances will be held in the Edith Mortenson Center theatre. A full access pass costs $20 and a pass to all shows costs $10.

Workshops are scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. Jeremy Lamb and Brave New Workshop members teach master classes morning and afternoon.

For information, registration, or reservations, call (605) 274-5320. Information is also available via e-mail - theatre@augie.edu. After February 20, the festival schedule can be found on the Augustana website www.augie.edu and click on arts and then theatre.