And we're back

The new CIG season is fast approaching. Katie Bowes is at the helm, the volunteers are getting organized, and there are already dates in place for the first round of team training. All that's left is the building of the 2011-2012 teams.
For us here at Grimsby, Round One of auditions are over, two more rounds await us. Be brave, be bold, be generous...the rest is an unknown.
Stay tuned...

Check it out!

Just so that it's not only from our mouths...check out    canculture.com 
Pretty cool.

We have come together...

At the beginning of every night of play, at every tournament Canada wide, an oath is said. It begins with "We have come together...". For those of us who spend time in the CIG world, as players, coaches, judges, referees, family, and die hard fans, these words ring in our heads for ever. It is why we do what we do. Yes, it's a competition (the next line is "In the spirit of loving competition"); there are scores, and ultimately a winner, but it truly is about coming together. It's a really difficult thing to explain to anyone who watches it from the outside. Trying to explain it now, after spending a full week in Ottawa, is next to impossible.

The facts are we had a strong night of play but 10 other teams had a stronger one. We ended the week in 11th (tied for 11th actually). Do not read any emotion into this. This is a mere fact. We have, however, come home with a tangible memory - read as much emotion into this as you wish. Kenny was awarded the Johnson Heart Award. Far too detailed to mention here but needless to say, this is an honour about which Kenny and the entire team are beyond proud. It is only awarded once every year at Nationals. Awesome.

Despite the fact that this pic was taken at Regionals, it says everything else that needs to be said. Pride wins (because Love isn't one of the 7:) .

Although the competitive season is over, the Improv love continues. Stay tuned.

Ottawa fun!!

No one can ever say that this team doesn't have fun together... on the stage and off.

Still 2 nights of shows...last night of Round Robin and the FINALS tomorrow night. Currently in 8th and so proud of our week here. Making our mark on Nationals, building crazy friendships and learning something new every time we take a breath.

With birthdays and craziness we never get enough of each other.

LOVE admist it all

At the end of the day, all of this...the crazy practices, the endless quest for the right suggestion, the juggling of schedules, the brusies on the head due to a heavy box being pressed down oh so firmly but never intending to harm...all of it...points, tears, frustrations and the highest of high moments, all happen because of love. There is nothing any of us would rather be doing, nothing we love more than this crazy thing we call IMPROV. Crazy indeed.
Now is also the right time to send HUGE love to Da Fogato. We saw the video. We love you.
But alas, cafe BonoEbert opens in an hour. Gotta cook.

Oh hello there NAC.

To all those who are diligent Grimsby Improv watchers!
We have played! That's right, we hit up the National Arts Centre and kicked some butt. With a killer "Train" story we started the first round strong. It is such a thrill to play on such an amazing stage with such amazing people. For those interested in points (though they are Shmoints), we are currently sitting in third, but we are gonna have a blast so suck it points. The team is happy to be together and we have a number of awesome workshops planned.
Keep posted.
Pray to the improv gods.
And maybe we'll see you in finals ;)

We're heeeeere!

For the super fans who are following our every move...
We are here! 9:15 bus from grimsby. 12:15 train from Toronto. Arival in Ottawa at 4:20! A lovely dinner at Dunn's deli and some grocery shopping brings us back to the hotel for some down time. It's hard to believe we're actually here and competing tomorrow... A good night's sleep is in order and we'll be all set for our night of play.

Not even ONE DAY MORE

It's been quite the journey and here we are. Still feels sort of surreal but I'm sure once we all pile onto that GO bus and get some odd stares from the quiet Monday morning commuters it will begin to come together. AHHHH - we knew we could be crazy together.

We could never have made this part of the crazy journey if it weren't for all the love and support we have had from so many people. Friends, family, and "super fans". Friday night was awesome  - ya Crossley!! - thanks so much to everyone who ate sugary treats at lunch and then sat in those horrible seats for our show. So much love!!
Keep checking in here...we'll keep you posted on the week. Also go to improv.ca for tournament details.

p.s. Super love goes out to our beloved "juniors" who have been here with us all the way. You have no idea how much your support means. Those cookies were awesome and the card, well, no words :)

                     
                
                              

Back in reality soon to leave it behind again

Ask any team member and they will tell you that right now, it's all a little surreal. "Reality". It's where we spend our time when we are not together. How can this....

.... be considered reality? Trust us, it's not. The whole tournament is not like anything else you could imagine. And so... we couldn't be happier that we get to keep going.

This means there's more to do, more dates to keep track of. The basics right now



Wed. Apr 6 - practice, not too late. Let's get that trophy case filled while we wait for Jacob and Dan. I should have National forms etc by then.

Fri. Apr 8 - 7pm call in the AUD. 7:30 show...opening for DaFogato.

Wed. Apr 13 - practice, not too late

Thurs. Apr 14 - go to Hamilton to support the clowns!!

Fri. Apr 15 - All Improv, All the Time, show - did we say 7 or 7:30? Regardless, pump it up. Get an audience. It will be our last official one here.

Mon. Apr 18 -- Our journey back into the wonderful world of Improv begins...

Radiating joy!

My most favorite thing about coaching Improv is that no matter how much stress or "stuff" there is going on, Improv ALWAYS makes it better. I feel this way with each and every team, every season. BUT...the joy that radiates off of this year's team can never be truly explained except by those who see them play.
Pure joy is what took over the stage in Kitchener this past week and pure joy is what brought the Gold to Grimsby. And now, as we get it all back together to head to Ottawa for the National tournament, pure joy will guide us there.
I couldn't be more proud to coach this team. Look out Nationals!!!

We Know Who We Are...

I'm left speechless. "Words cannot describe" is always a convienient excuse, but it's taken on much, much more meaning in these past few days. With Grimsby students packing the seats, our scenes had reached new heights of fun and euphoria. Along with shiney pieces of metal, we got Tristan the Tri-City-Ceratops, more hugs than one could ever imagine, grand friendships with other teams, apple-pie, cake, and stickers -- take note that without pie and stickers, everything mentioned would be meaningless.
Holding the award, surrounded by the team... my brain was reeling, trying to find the perfect words that lay just below. But really, only one thing needed to be said, and everyone you asked that night knew that it couldn't be more true,
"WE KNOW WHO WE ARE! WE ARE GRIMSBY, AND WE ARE FAMILY!"

I can't shake this feeling that this end to an epic novel, but in 3 weeks, we are headed to the apex of our adventure. "We couldn't have any more fun if we tried." Sounds like a challenge to me. Stay tuned folks, more adventure to come April the 19th till the 23rd.

Don't Sit On My Sub!

Here we are. In the hotel (no one has been left behind this year). Being stoked on finals. Being so happy for our good friends and fellow competitors, who absolutely rocked it this week and tonight. We are here, in the moment, with best friends, and we couldn't be happier! Tomorrow is going to be a blasty blast, and we look forward to seeing friendly grimsby faces at the show! There is nothing other than love and tired faces (minus one of cash-man's nipples) in room 229, so we bid you goodnight, and we will see you in one day more!!!!

- hayley (potato head)

I, am, eating, the bread of BONONOS! Oh my word, have you ever been able to feel your eyes? I CAN'T! But then again, DOES that even matter? I am having an adventure that will forever be engraved on the Etch-A-Sketch history book that is my brain. Mmmm, more BONONOS bread! I am filling sace with words so literally that it is making me tired. Sorry for hogging the iPad! Oh, my, word, are, we, going, to, have, FUUUUUUUUUUN! So a formal goodnight to the denizens of the real world, because if my assumptions are correct, this is all a just a blissful dream of wonder and imagination! Please, don't pinch this winner. I will never truly be awake again!

- Okenwa (Julias Caesar)


Corbin... If you're reading this I'm afraid to say I love you. Mortgage.
-Brittany (Spider)

Shaving cream does not taste that bad. Update: I'm as blind as a bat (refer to previous joke to understand joke)
-Jacob (pimp)

That's right folklore. Were in finals! This is it! I have nothing more to say because no words can describe the joy. Keep checking back for details!
- Spencer (chicken)

Just about as proud as anyone could ever be!!!!!!!! Bring it on just don't sit on my sub.
- Ebert

Woah. Were here, were going to do what we love. And were going to love what we do.
- Dan (flying monkey)

Listen up all you shwarcz mgeees, Imma say something super good. Ya ya, super good. There is nothing better than what we are sharing and experiencing as I type this message. There are no people I would rather spend 3 of the craziest nights in my life with... Evaaaarrrr!!!! I love everybody and everything. An inside joke among the many formed tonight would be nice to end with, but instead I will say: we could , no, we are crazy together.
-Quinn (beetle , street QQ boss)

Whaaaaaaaaa!?

Well folk. For those of our followers back home, we killed it! Right now we are sitting in first place and we'll find out about whether or not we are in finals tomorrow after the evening show. All our competitors (Bff's) were wiiiicked tonight! We will keep you all posted!

Nerves...Big ones.

Nerves are a part of the game. Without them we get truly nervous. But that doesn't mean the flipping, twisting, weird feeling that all of a sudden finds itself in the pit of your stomach is any easier to handle. It's a strange one...it's that moment when you know that something big awaits...in this case something we've been working towards since late September...but it feels gross. Knots. That swimming sensation. And yet...it feels great and none of us would trade that stomach that we all feel right now for anything.
Yaaaa!!!!!

Mother nature how can we ever forgive you?

Well we're still in grimsby. It seems mother nature wanted us to stay here one more night. Now! Many of you are hardcore improv fans and would like to know where the heck we are this week and we would love it for you to come! We are competing tomorrow night at the registry theatre at 7 it's in Kitchener, google maps it for directions. If we make finals (knock on wood) we are at the king street theatre in Kitchener, be there around 6:30 to get a seat and a good one. I believe it's 8-10$ for round robin (Thursday and Friday) and 15 for finals. Contact any improv member for more info, and check back here to see ho were doing! Only One Day More!

BOOOO Mother Nature!! She threw a wee wrench in our plans.

We were so ready!
The countdown had been set, the perfect song had been sung.  Snacks and instruments were packed and tanks were full. Let's begin the best week of the year and then...            

                                                                  

We wanted to. We tried. We really, really did but Life (Character, Story, and Theme) are way too important, so tonight we're all home on the couch, resting, playing Monopoly, having dinner with the fam or just chillin' out.
Tomorrow we go cuz it's the day that really matters.
Gateway - 8:30 - be there!!

Don't worry about the dark, just crawl under the covers where the ant king awaits!!

So good today...breakfast and a pretty dark rehearsal space that rocked!!
Permission forms and Regional $ ASAP.
Practice tomorrow until 6pm - latest!!

Eggs 2.0

If you've been directed to this site by an improv-er you are probably attending tomorrow's breakfast!
Here are the deets.
9 and 10 sittings.
If you have a ticket, come at the time on your ticket
If you don't have a ticket but promised us you would "pay at the door"- bring your 8$ and come at one of the times posted above!
We are at Mustang's Big 'Ol Grill in Stony Creek.
Directions from Grimsby?

Grimsby, ON

	1. Head northeast on Ontario St towardAdelaide St
		600 m
	2. Turn left at the 1st cross street
		450 m
	3. Merge onto Queen Elizabeth Way via the ramp to Toronto
		11.0 km
	4. Take exit 83 for Fruitland Road towardRegional Road 455
		600 m
	5. Turn left at Fruitland Rd/Regional Road 434
		1.3 km

Mustang's Big Ol' Grill 301 Fruitland Road Hamilton, ON

Hopefully that helps. We hope to see you all there at nine or ten!

Ahhhhhh so close I can hear the oath!!

We will be crazy together in less than a week. Hope everyone has had a great Break. Enjoy the last couple of days,
BREAKFAST SUNDAY - be there @815. Hopefully ticket sales are going well. It's not much of a fundraiser without funds!!
Practice is on after breakfast - we'll aim to be done 2ish - maybe earlier depending on when we get started.
Sleep, rest, and enjoy the sun. See you Sunday.

PRETTY SOON IT JUST MIGHT LOOK LIKE THIS...

IT's all just around the corner!!!!!

Just got our official schedule with times from the one and only KatieBowes.

Thursday, March 24th - The Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St, Kitchener   - our call is 6:30pm, doors open at 7pm. SHOW TIME IS 7:30pm. To all our friends, family, and fans tickets are available at the door: students $5, adults $10

Saturday, March 26th - King St Theatre, 36 King St. W - Wildcard is at 1:30pm - we won't know if we're  playing until after Friday night's show. We will post results and be sure to phone home. Finals are at 7pm - just like Wildcard, we won't know until after Friday's show. Wildcard tickets are $5 for all; Finals tickets are $10 and $15 and are available at the door. Finals will likely sell out fast so get there early or let us know you're coming and we'll do what we can to get tickets in advance.

AHHHH, WE WILL BE CRAZY TOGETHER, actually we pretty much are now so...keep the energy flowing. How many sleeps?

p.s. - SUPER HUGE LOVE AND CONGRATS TO THE CLOWNS WHO ARE MOVING ON TO REGIONALS!!

23 days, 3 hours, and 3 minutes. But who's counting?

That is right! Only 23 days till tournament! We've got to jam pack so much into the remaining six things before we compete.
Tuesday - Go and support those crazy clowns in Welland @ 7
Wednesday - Practice is canceled, get some rest
Thursday- Practice @ 4
Next week
Monday - Practice as usual
Wednesday - SHOW! We will be staying after school that day to plan our order of fun, bring 5$ for pizza.
Thursday - Debrief on show and practice
March Break! Get some well needed rest because on...
March 20th - Improv breakfast! Be there for 8:15ish to set up, start selling tickets!
March 21st- Hardcore last practice.
March 22nd - Sleep.
March 23th - pony up, we're heading to Kitchener.
March 24th (somebodies birthday) - night of play!
March 26th - Finals.
It's a busy month. Stay healthy. Stay happy.
Keep it real?

Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey.

That's right folks (or should I say yolks)! Another Improv Breakfast! I spoke with Peter this morning and booked March the 20th as our breakfast date. We will talk details and costs on Monday but it looks like we are a go!

TIME CHANGE....BUT WE'RE GOOD WITH CHANGE...ISN'T THAT WHAT WE DO??

oK, jUST in casE You weRe Having a naP or at CabaREt uNtil 4am And Missed it,
              WE ARE OPENING Da Fogato's Inferno at 7:30 (not 7pm)
                           on FRIDAY, THIS FRIDAY, FEB 25th.

*WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Tshirts go in tomorrow; Tims will accompany me back to the school; at 4pm we will make our plan for Fri's show and then just play. 6pm will find most of us following the clowns into hell.
*** You guys are so awesome. So vulnerable. So committed. So much love. Thank you.

         

Can you sense it?

That's right...you can feel it. Her presence is close...she'll be here soon. No need to use your powers any longer - it has worked!!
                                 Thursday, February 17th...5:30-8pm. You know what to do!

Red Ball

Just thought I`d grab your attention. haha I know it worked.
We are definitely on our way. You can feel it in the air. We are testing out some new ideas and reaching into new territory. Structures are coming - some will work, some won`t and that`s just the game we play. We`ve amped up our rehearsal time - sorry juniors - and there seem to be an endless stream of performances on the horizon. I LOVE THIS TIME OF THE SEASON...SO MUCH.

Ok - Erin Wednesday night. I`ll see you in Main Ro at 3:30, permission form in hand. Guarenteed many laughs, some needed feedback, and a great night with our friends. We`ll test drive character and see if, in fact, it works as such. Theme - how do we make it work so that it and story don`t end the same way.

Thursday this week we begin and end early so that formal goers can get home and get fancy! 3:30 - 5:15.

We are definitely opening for the clowns at GSS on Fri. Feb 25th and our own show will be Wed. March 9th. Both nights are sure to be beyond awesome. Some promo would be a good idea. Check with Chelsea to see if she needs you guys to do some announcements.

A huge thanks to the juniors tonight for such an amazing rehearsal. Hilarious character shadow walks and some great storytelling. We`ll see you Thursdays at lunch.

GET OUT THOSE CALENDARS

THE IMPROV GODS SEND GREAT ENERGY YOUR WAY AS YOU STUDY, STUDY, STUDY...THEY KNOW YOU WILL ALL DO WELL.
Just when you need a break, get these dates down:

Next Sr. rehearsal - Fri. Jan 28 (Audit day) - 12-2

Next Sr. performance - Erin Secondary School - Wed. Feb 9th - departure from GSS @3:45

Opening performance for our friends, the clowns: Feb 24&25 - specifics to come

Sears performance at Welland Centennial - Tues. March 1st - Get there and support those clowns!!

School performance - I know we said Mar 9 but we might need to switch to Mar 10 - there's a ski trip on the 9th - anyone going? We'll talk on Audit day.

Alright, get your heads together.    Use that brain. 

Happy New Year...And now it begins again...and it's a bit more serious.

Serious? What? Improv?  Well, it's January which means we are officially in the right year for GSS IMPROV 2011. That means, absolutely no more fooling around :). It's down to business.
Nothing says down to business like 4 days in a row of Improv.

Monday - Combined rehearsal, Jrs and Srs - you know the drill

Tuesday - Grade 8 Open House - Srs. We've done this before - it's a long evening and it looks like this:
        After school - we'll meet those clowns for set up - halls, walls, spaces
        Post set up - rehearsal, Studio 2
        Dinner break - ** we'll sort out details on Monday
        6:15 - 8:45/9 - rehearsal, Studio 2

Wednesday - Srs rehearsal - 4-6pm

Thursday - Jrs rehearsal- lunch
                          Srs rehearsal - 4:15-6pm

*** Exams begin Friday, Jan 21st so things shift a bit. More importantly, study hard, do well, or Improv can't be a priority.

SRS - we will talk and make a plan for a possible rehearsal on exam audit day or during turnaround but as it stands right now, first official SR rehearsal of Sem II will be Wed. Feb 2nd - 4-6pm

First Combined rehearsal will be Monday February 7th.

That's enough. Go and study. And remember...