NEWS RELEASE
THE MAKING BOX
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Improv training centre and comedy theatre, The Making-Box is launching a new wave of online shows and classes. The first show to kick-off the new offerings is this Friday, April 24 and will feature improv legend, Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it Anyway, Second City).
“Colin Mochrie is of course one of our absolute favourites. It was very generous of him to say yes – and think, all it took was a global pandemic!” says Jay Reid, co-founder and president of The Making-Box. “We’re delighted to share the virtual stage with Colin and offer our community a one-of-a-kind experience. The show is free. Those who wish to support can donate to The Making-Box’s Student Bursary program.”
This community-funded program aims to reduce financial barriers that prevent people from participating in improv classes. So far, the program has helped more than 60 individuals and community organizations.
Since the start of COVID-19, The Making-Box has been improvising in new ways. After test-flying digital shows and classes this April, there seems to be lots of interest.
“Since quarantine, we’ve had more people in our virtual theatre for live shows than can fit in our two venues combined. Live comedy has always brought people together and it's inspiring to see it happen online,” says Reid.
Similar new experiences have been found through The Making-Box’s online improv classes.
“Online improv classes are a practical way to bring joy and adventure into your life. We’ve had people try improv for their first time online. We’ve had students from other provinces and more remote communities join. We aim to continue online classes after physical distancing because of the gains in accessibility,” Reid continues.
Weekly online comedy shows happen every Friday night in May at 8 p.m. (EST). A new semester of digital classes begin May 11 and includes programs for adults, youth and professional development. Drop-In improv classes are on-going. Registration for live shows and classes can be found at www.themakingbox.ca.
“COVID-19 is one large act of global improvisation. It’s inspiring to see organizations across industries ditch their old script and truly improvise. Practicing and applying improv principles in our daily lives right now feels more relevant than ever.”
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