Improv

Fans of Hallmark Christmas movies love their predictable plots and happy endings — a big-city career woman finds love in a small town, a royal falls for a commoner, a holiday-hating protagonist rediscovers their Christmas spirit. Sarah Durham, associate director of improv, says Florida Studio Theatre’s seasoned improvisers put these satisfying tropes to good use in their holiday improv show.

The philosophy of yes. That is the secret of successful improvisers, says Stage 2 Improv co-founder Mike Santos. You take what's given to you and add on to it. You don't say no. You don't question it.

This year’s Sarasota Improv Festival features 17 improv troupes, more than 80 artists, 29 performances and 17 interactive workshops. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to improv, this high-octane weekend brings together top improvisers from across the country and around the globe for two unforgettable days of unscripted comedy.

Improv troupes and performances abound in Southwest Florida. There was improv recently at Fringe Fort Myers, and Sarasota Studio Theatre hosts the 15th Annual Improv Festival in July. In this segment, three Stage 2 players share their insights into maximizing the improv experience for both players and audience members.

Improv comedy is coming back to Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in early May, and it comes with a message about dealing with cancer through humor. “Harry’s…