'LiF has changed the improv landscape in Liverpool'
The Reviews Hub
|
Established in 2022, LiF (Liverpool Improvisation Festival) held its inaugural event in April 2023. We emerged in a post-pandemic landscape aiming to reignite the love for improvisation within the Liverpool community and the wider region.
The pandemic undoubtedly impacted the local improvisation scene. While some companies and troupes sadly disbanded, it's important to acknowledge the positive aspects that arose. Online spaces fostered the creation of new groups, and access to international teachers became readily available – a silver lining during a challenging time. |
Photo Credit: Andrew AB
|
LiF cultivates innovation and risk-taking. Since 2023, we have premiered 16 pieces of brand-new improvised work. The festival serves as a platform for performers, teachers, and improvisers of all levels to connect, learn, and grow. Building on the success of our most recent event in 2025, plans for the next festival are already underway.
Our volunteer team comprises of dedicated improvisation enthusiasts committed to supporting their local community. We offer valuable networking opportunities, facilitate engaging improvisation workshops, and help develop essential skills beyond performance, including marketing, press liaison, and show production.
We document performances and conduct artist interviews, making this material freely accessible as a valuable resource for researchers and future improvisers. Currently, we maintain the UK's largest archive of this kind.
LIF is supported by the Unity Theatre and Liverpool John Moores University.
Why a Festival?
The region boasts a vibrant live performance scene with music, theatre, dance, opera, stand-up comedy, and much more. To rise above this crowded space, we recognised the power of a festival format. Strength in numbers allows us to make a bigger impact.
Improvisation thrives in live settings across the UK, yet it rarely finds a home in traditional theatres. This project directly addresses that gap. By bringing improvised performances to a theatre environment, we provide artists and companies with additional resources they might not have access to in their usual venues.
Our Vision for the Festival
Our volunteer team comprises of dedicated improvisation enthusiasts committed to supporting their local community. We offer valuable networking opportunities, facilitate engaging improvisation workshops, and help develop essential skills beyond performance, including marketing, press liaison, and show production.
We document performances and conduct artist interviews, making this material freely accessible as a valuable resource for researchers and future improvisers. Currently, we maintain the UK's largest archive of this kind.
LIF is supported by the Unity Theatre and Liverpool John Moores University.
Why a Festival?
The region boasts a vibrant live performance scene with music, theatre, dance, opera, stand-up comedy, and much more. To rise above this crowded space, we recognised the power of a festival format. Strength in numbers allows us to make a bigger impact.
Improvisation thrives in live settings across the UK, yet it rarely finds a home in traditional theatres. This project directly addresses that gap. By bringing improvised performances to a theatre environment, we provide artists and companies with additional resources they might not have access to in their usual venues.
Our Vision for the Festival
- Inclusivity: We aim to showcase the full spectrum of the improvisation community, featuring both established artists/companies and exciting newcomers.
- Global Reach: The festival will celebrate the diverse world of improvisation, highlighting local, regional, national, and international talent.
- Broadening Horizons: We welcome artists and companies that push the boundaries of what improvisation can be, including those that don't fit the traditional mould.
- Interactive Learning: Workshops will provide a platform for artists to share their expertise and for participants to experience current improvisation practices.
- Preserving the Legacy: We will document the festival's performances and make them freely accessible, creating a valuable resource for researchers and future generations of improvisers.
LiF Artistic policyThe festival encourages innovation, risk taking and are inspired by those that do. The festival aims to create opportunity for those who create and teach improvised live performance at whatever stage of their career and across multiple art forms. In doing so we aim to educate, inspire and develop future audiences and performers of improvisation.
|
LiF Aims
|