First Annual Improv Retreat = Success
The first annual Improv Retreat was about a month ago. It was incredible. To assist others in making their decision to attend next year, I’ve put together a brief rundown of what you could expect. One thing’s for sure: it’s a good time.
I was fortunate enough to attend The Improv Retreat about a month ago, which is the latest brainchild of Tara DeFrancisco. If you’ve seen either DeFrancisCO and RoundRobin at iO, you know Tara is all about sharing the fun. Amazingly, Tara was able to harness the fun, supportive atmosphere from those shows and foster an intensely playful retreat.
Despite being it’s inaugural year, TIR (The Improv Retreat) nearly sold out, with over 250 improvisers flocking to Wisconsin from May 30 – June 1. If anyone is on the fence about signing up next year, I can’t recommend TIR highly enough! But if you’re the type of person who needs a bit more detail before booking a weekend away, hopefully this review will be of assistance.
The Improv Retreat was held at Beber Camp, in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. The gazebo, which jetted out on the lake, quickly became the late night hotspot for drinking and free s’mores. The sleeping cabins weren’t anything lavish but they had outlets and bathrooms, so by camping standards they were pretty fancy. Snacks were sold at the auditorium at night alongside the improviser’s drink of choice: PBR. All the prices were reasonable, but most improvisers stocked up on their own supplies (mainly beer) before checking into camp.
Even though this was a Jewish camp, (aka it was all kosher), the pizza, tacos and lasagna were fan and all in all, it was tasty. They also had a very accommodating kitchen staff for anyone with dietary restrictions or allergies. I was pleasantly surprised by how well everything was organized. Parking was readily available, check-in ran smoothly, meals left people satisfied, and the scheduling was thorough and detailed. Upon check-in, every camper was provided with a schedule and a map on a lanyard, which was also acted as their name-tag and meal ticket. As a result, nearly everything you needed the whole weekend could be found around your neck. And if you were left with any other questions, the sixteen counselors and four interns were always visible and helpful. Despite being the first year, The Improv Retreat ran like a well-oiled machine.
The faculty at The Improv Retreat were top notch improvisers, mostly from Chicago, but representing all of the major theatres: iO, Second City, The Annoyance, and ComedySportz. They all made it a point to get involved in activities with the campers, which fostered an environment of trust and creativity. The workshops were focused and unique, providing opportunities to learn specific skills (like corporate improv-training or playing non-humans) over generic “Level 1” classes. Campers registered weeks in advance, so nothing was overcrowded and everyone got equal stage-time. Campers’ experience ranged from short-form to long-form; twenty-year vet to two-month beginner. Even though everyone was at different places with their improv training, it didn’t seem to pose a problem and we were constantly reminded why were were there: to learn and have fun. And that’s exactly what we did.
Everyone was so positive and open to meeting new people and learning new things while still being confident enough to share who they were with the rest of camp. It was an amazing atmosphere, void of judgment and full of weirdness. I had never been to camp before, but I know this is what camp must feel like because I felt like a kid again. Now I’m counting down the days for next year’s camp, which is tentatively scheduled for the weekend after Memorial Day and I hope to see you there! For more information on The Improv Retreat, check out www.theimprovretreat.com and/or “Like” them on Facebook.
