April 19, 2006 -

Ottawa -- The National Arts Centre congratulates Kitsilano Secondary School from Vancouver, BC, the Gold medal winning team of the 2006 National Improv Tournament. British Columbia teams led the Games! Bronze went to Burnaby Mountain Secondary School from Vancouver BC and Silver went to Lady Smith Secondary School from Vancouver Island!

The 29th season of the Canadian Improv Games was a great success. Students made new friends, practiced their improv skills and got a chance to strut their stuff on the NAC stage. Mr. Howard Jerome (Old Man Improv), one of the first creators of the Improv Games handed out the prised first place trophy, which is named after him, the one and only: “Howard Jerome Trophy” to Kitsilano Secondary School the 2006 National Champions, congratulations!

This year the Improv Festival which runs concurrently during the National Tournament and allows students to take workshops in mime, clown, storytelling and physical theatre, attracted participants from across the country. In years past, Festival participants were improvers who were also competing in the Tournament. This year students that didn’t make it to the National Improv Games showed their enthusiasm for improv and flew out to Ottawa to participate in the Festival and come to the Games to cheer on their fellow improvers. A sign of true team spirit!

The Canadian Improv Games and the NAC would like to recognize the hard work and talent of each and every one of the teams that competed this year and in particular the 20 dedicated teams from Victoria, B.C to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador whose determination and skill won them a place in the National Semi-Finals. In addition, the NAC acknowledges the dedication, drive and generosity of parents, teachers and coaches who volunteer their time to ensure that the Canadian Improv Games continue to impact the lives of Canada’s youth. By teaching life skills, fostering positive self-esteem and encouraging team spirit all in a fun environment the CIG truly are a rewarding and positive experience.

The Final results for the 29th season of the Canadian Improv Games National Finals are:

1st place Kitsilano Secondary School, Vancouver BC
2nd place Ladysmith Secondary School, Vancouver Island BC
3rd place Burnaby Mountain Secondary School, Vancouver BC
4th place Cardinal Carter Academy, Toronto ON
5th place Rosedale Heights Secondary School, Toronto ON

Every single team is a winner! Well done and see you next year!

The Canadian Improv Games were created by Howard Jerome and Jamie Wyllie based on a concept created by David Shepherd and Howard Jerome.

Special thanks to:

ING Canada
Major supporter of the Canadian Improv Games

Capital Hill Hotel & Suites
First Choice Entertainment
NAC National Youth and Education Trust, TELUS Founding Partner.

And the many volunteers who make the games a reality.

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Any inquiries about the Canadian Improv Games should be directed to:

Alistair Cook, National Director
(604) 874-7522
improv@magma.ca
www.improv.ca

Martina Kuska
Education and Outreach Coordinator
National Arts Centre, English Theatre
(613) 947-7000 ext. 522;
mkuska@nac-cna.ca