CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2013 Calgary High School Theatresports™ Championship
March 7-9, 2013

After a hugely successful debut in 2012, the Improv Guild is thrilled to be back for a second year with the Calgary High School Theatresports™ Championship.  Last year students from eight schools in the Calgary area developed confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills through the art of improv. Guided by expert improvisers, dozens of students explored Theatresports™, an improvisational format developed in Calgary in 1977 and an important part of Alberta’s rich cultural history. 

This year our aim is to expand the tournament to twelve schools to include even more students in the event. Our commitment remains to make the Championship 100% free to enter, and we are delighted to announce that at least $1000 in scholarship money will be awarded to the winning team courtesy of Chinook Landscaping.

Team work and listening are at the heart of what we do. No class time will be missed by students and this program is designed to enhance existing drama improv curriculum.

WE WILL PROVIDE

1. A professional improv coach to train and mentor students
2. A free workshop for all teachers on improvisation instructional methods will be taught by Rick Hilton . Rick Hilton is the Artistic Director of the Improv Guild and Producer of the Calgary Improv Festival. He has over 35 years of teaching and performing experience.
3. A professional theatre for the competition. All shows will be performed at the Epcor Centre’s Engineered Air Theatre .
4. A comprehensive in-school tournament guide and Championship guide .
5. Tickets to the Gala Performance of the 6th Annual Calgary Improv Festival ($ 40 value) for all participating students.

HOW IT WORKS

Each high school will select an improv team, usually in collaboration with the drama teacher. Each school will be paired with a coach who is a professional improviser with the Improv Guild who will train interested students in basic improv techniques and teach them the rules of Theatresports™. Any interested students are welcome to participate initially.
The Improv Guild will then help facilitate an in-school tournament to take place at each individual school. This is a great way for the students to learn the format and a fun way to get the whole school involved as spectators and supporters. Consulting with drama teachers , the coach will select a team to represent each school. We suggest teams of three to six members. The team will then attend the Championship tournament March 7-9, 2013. The tournament will take place Thursday and Friday evening as well as Saturday throughout the day and evening. No class time will be missed. Schools will not be responsible for transportation or supervision of students. The tournament is 100% free to enter.

THE WINNING TEAM

The winning team will receive a $1000 scholarship courtesy of Chinook Landscaping. They will also receive a performance showcase slot in the 6th Annual Calgary International Improv Festival  next fall.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

All students and teachers who participate will be entitled to free admission to any Improv Guild show for the month of February leading up to the event.  Watching professionals in action is another great way to learn about the art form as well as enjoy a good laugh . As well, each participant will receive a free ticket to the 6th Annual Calgary Improv Festival Gala Performance in fall of 2013.

REGISTER YOUR SCHOOL

If you are a drama teacher, all you need to do is send us an email at hsimprov@improvguild.com expressing your interest. Please include your name, the name of your school as well as your phone number and extension. We'll send you our full teacher information package and field any questions you might have about the competition. Then, you will be contacted by the coach assigned to your school.  He or she will come out to your school to meet you and get the ball rolling. It's as easy as that. All you have to do is send us an email confirming your interest and we'll take care of the rest!

If you are a student, talk to your drama teacher. Tell them to check out this website. Let them know you ’re interested. It’s pretty much the most fun you can have on stage.  But of course, we’re a bit biased!