Just Say “Yes, and” to Stranger Than Fiction’s 2-Day Comedy Festival

Big Laughs, Expert Instructors, and Diverse Workshop Opportunities 

Comedy brings people together, and for two days over the weekend of May 15-16th, Stranger Than Fiction Improv and Comedy is facilitating a collaborative, energetic, laugh-inducing festival featuring exciting performances and workshops.

Whether you’re new to improv, stand-up, or sketch, love performing, or just like to enjoy the show from your seat, the 2-Day Comedy Festival has something for you. 

Friday, May 15th: Let the Laughter Begin

The weekend’s events kick off in true improv fashion: with a jam. Our improv jams are widely known for being a laid-back, low-stakes, super fun way to experience improv regardless of your skill level. Join us from 5:30-6:30 pm at the Kittery Community Center for a high-energy way to shake off the week. 

After the jam, catch a showcase featuring students from our 101, 201, and musical improv classes. We love seeing our students take to the stage, demonstrating what improv and comedy are all about: risk-taking, growth, inclusion, and a whole lot of fun.

Friday wraps up with a headlining set from Portland, Maine-based improv troupe Yes & Co, which is sure to have you wanting more. 

But wait – there IS more! 

Saturday, May 16: Learn, Play, Perform

The festival’s Saturday shenanigans will transform the Kittery Community Center into a full-on comedy playground. 

From 10:00 am-5:00 pm, we’re offering a variety of workshops led by some truly exceptional improv personalities. Whether you’re new to improv and want to learn basic skills, want to work on techniques you’ve already learned, or want to try something completely new, you’ll find a workshop for the job. 

Choose from:

• Fast-paced, hour-long crash courses in Improv 101 or musical improv, both led by veteran improvisor Tyler Paterson.

• An introduction to slow improv focused on making honest and grounded choices, or a 2-person scene “tune up”, both led by Chicago improv veteran Jimmy Carrane.

• Making and Breaking Things, focused on bold, intentional physicality, led by John Serpico of the Boston-based Nova Comedy Collective

• A teen-focused improv workshop led by Tyler Paterson to help individuals ages 13-18 tap into their funny bone.

• An introduction to sketch comedy writing focused on the fundamentals, led by Stranger Than Fiction cast member Tim Englert.

• The Rabbithole Format, which uniquely combines the longform skills of a Spokane with the playful energy of shortform game. Learn the ropes with Whitney Hawkins of Nova Comedy Collective.

We’re excited to offer workshops led by instructors with backgrounds spanning Chicago, Boston, and around the Seacoast – all in one place. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from such a diverse group!

Saturday Night: Big Shows, Big Laughs

After a busy day of workshops, we’re offering another improv jam to close out the afternoon before the festival shifts back into performance mode. 

Saturday night’s show is a dynamic mix of styles and voices:

• A showcase featuring students from our improv classes 

• Sketch comedy from Darwin’s Waiting Room.

• A whimsical, interactive musical adventure from Adventure Improv, complete with audience suggestions and spontaneous storytelling.

• A double-feature from Stranger Than Fiction! Our talented cast will perform a newly established long-form format called America, Signing Off!, and a special Armando featuring guest monologist Jimmy Carrane, which blends true stories with improvised scenes for a performance that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming. 

Bringing the Comedy Community Together

In its second year, and expanded from a single day to two days, the 2-Day Comedy Festival at its core is about connection. 

We encourage everyone to participate, whatever that means for you. Step on stage for the first time, make a bold choice with confidence, try an improv format you’ve never done before, or take a chance with a group of strangers – because they will quickly become your friends. 

Everything you do during the 2-Day Comedy Festival will happen for the first time ever – and will never happen again. 

Ticket options are flexible, from discounted passes to single-class tickets, and opportunities to both watch and participate. The 2-Day Comedy Festival was designed to be as accessible as it is fun. 

Curious about improv? Already love it? This is your chance to dive in. Check out the full 2-day schedule, grab your tickets, and learn more about each workshop and instructor here.