Improv Adventure Theatre - Comedy lives in Calgary!
Melissa Rene is the leader of this merry band of misfits. She is the Robin Hood of ImprovAT. (Don't know why, was just picturing her in green tights.) Her insight and wisdom when it comes to teaching improv is invaluable to the team. From a young age, Melissa was only ever interested in one thing. That thing was writing receipts for make believe customers... Unfortunately, her dream of working retail didn't pan out so she fell back onto her second love... acting. Never stop dreaming Melissa. With hard work and a little luck, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to... You'll be writing receipts in no time.
Phil Abusow is the brain child behind ImprovAT. Not that he invented improv, but that would be cool. If it weren't for Phil getting the idea stuck in his head to form an independent comedy improv group none of us would exist, at least that's what the narcissist in him would like to think. Phil trained at Rosebud School of the Arts. He has been involved in several community theatre productions. Phil most recently graced the Engineered Air Theatre's stage in Fire Exit Theatre's production of 'God's Man in Texas', where he played a bumbling half wit, type cast.
Lukas Kowalko is our resident face contortionist. He's also a pretty fine improviser. Lukas has played many roles over the years, from Aladdin to Joseph. And when he's not playing make believe with his friends he likes to perform on stage as well. Lukas' love for performing has grown exponentially in the last two years and we expect at some point we'll lose him to Hollywood. But while we have him we'll squeeze as much talent and comedy out as we can.
Cast
Ryan Holukoff first joined ImprovAT as that funny guy who never pictured himself on stage. Since discovering the wonders of improvisational theatre he has passionately pursued all things improv. While never giving up on his other passions, which include Walmart cinnamon buns and Ben & Jerry's Half Baked, Ryan took his appetite for comedy all the way to Chicago to train at the world famous iO (formerly Improv Olympic). There, he discovered that commitment to the scene trumps everything, and that anything can be used as a springboard to high emotion! He hopes that his manic energy can be put to good use here in the Calgary comedy scene. We look forward to seeing him grow as an artist and a person with ImprovAT.
Kirsten Harper is new on the team but not so new at improv! She began improv and acting in High School where she was trained by the fine coaches from Lord Beaverbrook. She went on to further her acting at Red Deer College where she really got to delve into the many forms acting provides. Kirsten loves the stage and she absolutely loves making people laugh. She is incredibly excited to be a part of this team filled with these hilarious individuals! - We couldn't be happier to have Kirsten join our group, we'll try not to scare her off!
Deniss Aleksandrs joined ImprovAT out of peer pressure and discovered we were right all along. His natural charm and wit are a welcome addition. He has stuck with us even though we bug him relentlessly about his accent. Somehow we forget about the rule of three. Deniss is no stranger to the stage however, he has performed in his fair share of community theatre, mostly as the comic relief. Keep bustin us up Deniss (haha, get it? Bustin'... nevermind.)