If you’ve ever been to an improv show, you know you’ll leave with a sore face and abs from an evening of belly laughs—and thanks to people like Scott Campbell, Managing Artistic Director of Very Very Improv, Fraser Valley residents and visitors can enjoy a lively evening of fun and entertainment right in the heart of Langley. We had the chance to chat with Scott to learn more about his journey through the arts, as well as to hear more about some of the magic and memories made at Very Very Improv.
Tell me a bit about yourself and your background. What brought you to Very Very Improv?
After graduating from university with an undergrad degree in theatre, I started on staff with Vancouver’s award-winning Pacific Theatre. At this time, I was also invited to play on the mainstage with Vancouver TheatreSports (now The Improv Centre).
A few years later, improv work began to ramp up when a group I co-founded with a couple of university friends really took off. I spent the next three years traveling North America performing improv as well as producing shows here in the lower mainland.
When my spouse and I started a family, it wasn’t long before we realized traveling a lot was going to be too taxing on home life, so I transitioned into other work.
My kids are older now, university and high school age. I have time and energy I didn’t have when they were younger. For several years I’ve been batting around the idea of starting a new improv company and early in 2023, after a few important conversations with friends working in the performing arts, it became clear that it was time to step out and discover what was possible.
I cast a new company of improvisers in May 2023 and we launched a full season of performances in September at The Bez Arts Hub in Langley.
Would love to know more about the cast. What keeps them coming back?
The VVI cast are talented, loveable and hilarious. These are professional improviers, bringing city-quality improv comedy to the suburbs. Many of them make their home here in the Fraser Valley or are connected in some other way to the community.
This season’s cast has a handful of shows left before the end of June. Auditions for next season will take place before the summer and in September audiences will recognize some of their favourites performers returning to the stage as well as being introduced to some new improv personalities.
We’re also committed to bringing in special guests from Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland. Guests always add a little extra spice to a show.
What’s your most memorable experience so far with Very Very Improv?
How well received we’ve been by the broader community. We’ve already sold out a number of shows and we’re starting to see some familiar faces in the audience. We have produced shows in Chilliwack and host a monthly improv jam in Abbotsford. We seem to be meeting a need, and that’s both encouraging and really rewarding.
What can a new person expect from their first Very Very Improv show?
Magic. I think it’s the best way to describe improv. Performers, on stage, with no script, making funny stories on the spot based on suggestions from the audience. When it works it’s hilarious. When it doesn’t work, it’s still hilarious.Take a look at what’s happening at Very Very Improv and experience the magic Scott talks about. Plan your next visit here.
By: Jaclyn Hayward