We’ve been friends with Vinny Francois for a long time now. He’s a founding director of The Montreal Improv Theatre. The work they’re doing up in Quebec is in the same vein as what we’re doing here, and the cross cultural exchange has benefited all of us. That’s why we’re super excited that Vinny is coming down to direct a project for The Improvised Play Festival. We’re even more excited that he’s coming early, so that he has a chance to teach a workshop. Total improv is a chance to put all your tools to use at once.

About the Workshop

Total Improv (2 hours)

Ok, you’ve heard about saying yes and miming and storytelling and connecting with your partner and making strong choices and all that great stuff. Super! Now let’s try and do all of them at once! This workshop presents a series of exercises that allow you to use all of the skills you’ve learned at the same time to build a fuller, richer scene.

About the Instructor

Vinny Francois has over 15 years of experience as a professional improviser. A founding director of the Montreal Improv Theatre, he has performed in more shows and venues across Canada than he cares to count. He also is on the board of directors of Mprov: The Montreal Improv Festival.

Vinny often performs with Sean Michaels (2014 Giller Prize winner) as absurdist duo Venezuela (Ottawa 2011 & 2014, Philly’s Duofest 2014, Toronto 2012, Montreal Fringe 2011). He appeared in the duo “Patti & Vinny” with Patti Stiles (2013), co-produced four improv shows for the Montreal Fringe Festival and directed the tragic improv show “It’s Not You, It’s Me”. He has appeared in improv festivals in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Austin, Ottawa, Toronto & Victoria. Vinny has also held workshops in London, Dublin, Paris & Antwerp and has been teaching in Montreal for over a decade.

Trained by improv luminaries Keith Johnstone, Joe Bill, Bob Dassie, Scott Adsit & John Lutz among many others, Vinny is excited to share the thrill of doing improv with anyone willing to learn.