Scratch is Canada's biggest improv export, having toured several times across the US, the UK, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. It's a fast-paced, high-energy spectacle of improv comedy with two actors switching between several characters and storylines. It's physical comedy with a flair for the absurd, it has gotten rave reviews around the world and this is the final tour for Scratch in Europe!

Thread-Bear takes a constrasting style of performance, it favours realism and focuses on the relationship between two characters, and their personal stories. Developed over two seasons in Edmonton, it finds the comedy in our most human, dramatic moments. This show, originally toured with Kurt Smeaton in Europe last season, was an absolute hit. Per Gottfredsson, artistic director of Stockholms Improvisationsteater said: "it takes improvised theatre to another level."

Rapid Fire Theatre is one of the biggest improv companies in the whole world. Every year we produce more than 150 shows in Edmonton, 20 shows across Canada, and several international tours. We are committed to exploring the art of improvisation, fostering relationships between companies and presenting unique, hilarious shows.

Arlen Konopaki trained in improvisation from a young age in organizations like CIG, he then went on to earn a degree in theatre from the University of Alberta. Since graduating he has written and directed several low-budget movies, but hasn't had that much time to focus on filmmaking because he's been touring Scratch for years!

Kayla Lorette has twice been nominated for the Canadian Comedy Award for best improv group along with her original ensemble AKA. She lives in Toronto where she peforms for The Second City touring company, and just finished working on her first season of her own sketch comedy show on YTV. She loves getting out to Edmonton whenever she can to perform with her friends at Rapid Fire and is so excited to be on tour.

Kevin Gillese, Rapid Fire Theatre's artistic director, studied Theatre and Creatvie Writing at the University of Alberta, before going on to complete the Post-Graduate Comedy Writing and Performance program at Humber College in Toronto. He has toured for years with several acts, most notably Scratch, and has also worked as an actor in several film and television productions. He is Artistic Director of Rapid Fire Theatre and is committed to building up relationships with other improv companies just like yours.