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LiF ensemble applications open tomorrow
13th September 2026.
We are thrilled to announce that the Liverpool Improvisation Festival (LiF) will return for our landmark fifth anniversary from 6–9th of May 2027.
Get ready for four days packed with world-class shows and masterclasses featuring some of the finest improvisers from across the globe. We are delighted to return to our fantastic partner venues, Unity Theatre and Liverpool Arts Bar Studios, to bring the very best of improvisation to the heart of the city.
Thank you for being part of our journey over the last five years. We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you.
Jen and Mark
Get ready for four days packed with world-class shows and masterclasses featuring some of the finest improvisers from across the globe. We are delighted to return to our fantastic partner venues, Unity Theatre and Liverpool Arts Bar Studios, to bring the very best of improvisation to the heart of the city.
Thank you for being part of our journey over the last five years. We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you.
Jen and Mark
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Applications for our next Liverpool Improvisation Festival ensemble production open on Monday, 14 September and close on Monday, 5 October.
This year’s production The Campfire will be directed by LiF co-director Jen Hardy, marking our third annual ensemble show following Taxi Tales (2025) and Ancestors (2026). The ensemble initiative has quickly become a festival cornerstone, bringing artists together from across the globe to collaborate, train, and build an ambitious, spectacular piece of spontaneous theatre. Key Dates & Venue:
Availability: You must be able to attend all mandatory rehearsals and the festival performance slot in Liverpool. |
LIF 2026 images by Andrew AB
Commitment to Access: Applications are open to performers of all experience levels and backgrounds. To widen participation, priority is given to performers who have not previously participated in a LiF ensemble cohort.
Financial Model: LiF operates on an artist-first ethos, there are no application or registration fees, and festival production assets (professional photos and performance video) are provided free to participants.
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What We Are Looking For: We are seeking improvisers who are:
- Excellent team players: This is our top priority.
- Committed: You must be available for the full rehearsal and show schedule.
- Open-minded: Willing to take risks and embrace new ideas.
- Experienced (preferred): Some improv experience is welcomed, though not strictly required.
- Fun-focused: We take the work seriously but believe fun is essential to the process.
Supporting Information to Assist You
Before submitting, take a moment to review this guidance to help you complete the form effectively:
What to prepare before you begin:
What to prepare before you begin:
- Bio & Experience Summary: A concise overview of your improve performance background.
- Your Artistic Intent: 1–2 short paragraphs on why this specific collaborative production interests you and how you would approach working in an ensemble? What do you want to get out of it?
- Audio Performance Clip: A brief audio clip (1 min) this gives us chance to hear you perform. Don’t write it, we can tell.
Our Vision for the Festival
- Inclusivity: We aim to showcase the full spectrum of the improvisation community, featuring both established companies and exciting newcomers.
- Global Reach: The festival celebrates the diverse world of improvisation, highlighting a distinct mix of local, regional, national, and international talent.
- Broadening Horizons: We welcome artists and companies that push the boundaries of what improvisation can be, including work that steps outside the traditional mould.
- Interactive Learning: Masterclasses provide a platform for international artists to share their expertise and for participants to experience current global practices.
"LiF is a rip roaring success" - North West End
Liverpool was ranked as the UK’s top city for culture and the 7th best globally by The Telegraph and Time Out. As a cornerstone of the city’s creative calendar, LiF remains a vital hub for the craft, bringing the world’s finest improvisers to Merseyside while showcasing our incredible local talent to a global audience.
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We are proud to be supported by our dedicated partners: the Unity Theatre, Liverpool John Moores University, and The Liverpool Arts Bar Studios.
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Visiting the festival
The Unity Theatre
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The Unity Theatre is located on:
1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG Home - Unity Theatre (unitytheatreliverpool.co.uk) 0151 709 4988 Box Office Opening Hours Unity is open to the public 2 hours before show start time You are able to contact our box office at the following times: |
Via Phone: Mon – Fri, 10am – 5pm
In Venue: 2 hours before show start time You can book tickets for our shows 24/7 using the UNITY website. |
Travel, Accommodation, Food Outlets
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The Unity Theatre is a 15 minute walk from Lime street station (Mainline) and a ten minute walk from Central station (Merseyrail).
There are numerous small hotels within the area all of which are 5 minutes from the venue. There are numerous bars, coffee shops, cafes and restaurants near to the Unity theatre. There is on street pay & display parking around Hope Street. There are car parks on: – Renshaw Street (8 min walk) – Hanover Street (15 min walk) – Mount Pleasant (10 min walk) – Duke Street (10 min walk) – Lime Street Station (15 min walk) |
If you are staying overnight these are a good resource for affordable accommodation.
https://www.theatredigsbooker.com/towns/liverpool https://www.kayak.co.uk/hotels/Unity-Theatre,Liverpool,England,United-Kingdom-c17586-l26306/2024-04-18/2024-04-21/2adults?sort=distance_a |
LiF is supported by:
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Thank you to all our partners who support the festival in kind. Without their support there would be no festival.