What is the Happy Valley XL Improv Festival?
The XL Improv Festival is one of two improv comedy festivals held in State College, PA annually. It consists of 3 nights of improv with a total of 12 shows.
When is the festival this year?
This year, the 4-day festival will take place Thursday - Sunday, May 14th - 17th, 2026.
Where are the shows taking place?
The festival shows will take place at the Blue Brick Theatre (209 W Calder Way), home of Happy Valley Improv--State College's premier long-form improv company.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets will be available May 1st through the Blue Brick Theatre ticketing website.
What is the best way to get to State College from afar?
State College is located in Central Pennsylvania and has its own airport, University Park Airport (SCE). Delta, American, United, and Allegiant all service the University Park Airport. You can also fly into the Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) which is 90 minutes southeast of State College.
Is there a hotel block for performers and audience members during the festival?
Yes! We have a hotel block at the Hyatt State College just steps from the Blue Brick Theatre. Please head over to our Hotels and Accommodations page to learn more about our exclusive rate.
Who can submit to perform during the festival?
Anyone can submit! Submissions for the 2026 festival are open now!
What types of improv are you taking for this festival?
We are open to any improv forms for this festival. In the submission link below, you will be asked to describe your improv team and form as we are looking for a diverse group of improvisers to take our stage.
How do I submit?
Submissions are open now!
Submit your team for the 2026 Festival HERE!
Read through the submission guidelines HERE!
Is there a deadline for submissions?
The deadline to submit will be January 15th, 2026.
Does it cost money to submit?
Yes. There is a non-refundable submission fee that increases as we get close to the start of the festival. The fee is $25 until January 1st. After that, the submission fee increases to $40. Any improvisor accepted to the festival will be asked to pay a $25 fee to cover a festival pass and other swag/local coupons unique for performers in the festival. If submission fees are keeping you from submitting and attending, please reach out to us directly at [email protected] to learn about financial assistance.
I'm thinking of coming in early and/or staying a bit longer. What else is there to do in Happy Valley?
For more information on all that the area has to offer, visit the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau site.
My business is interested in advertising opportunities with the festival and want to support. What's the best way to do so?
Sponsorships will be available at the $2500, $1000 and $250 levels. Please visit our sponsorship page here to learn more.
I have more questions! How do I contact you?
The best way to contact us is by emailing [email protected]
The XL Improv Festival is one of two improv comedy festivals held in State College, PA annually. It consists of 3 nights of improv with a total of 12 shows.
When is the festival this year?
This year, the 4-day festival will take place Thursday - Sunday, May 14th - 17th, 2026.
Where are the shows taking place?
The festival shows will take place at the Blue Brick Theatre (209 W Calder Way), home of Happy Valley Improv--State College's premier long-form improv company.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets will be available May 1st through the Blue Brick Theatre ticketing website.
What is the best way to get to State College from afar?
State College is located in Central Pennsylvania and has its own airport, University Park Airport (SCE). Delta, American, United, and Allegiant all service the University Park Airport. You can also fly into the Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) which is 90 minutes southeast of State College.
Is there a hotel block for performers and audience members during the festival?
Yes! We have a hotel block at the Hyatt State College just steps from the Blue Brick Theatre. Please head over to our Hotels and Accommodations page to learn more about our exclusive rate.
Who can submit to perform during the festival?
Anyone can submit! Submissions for the 2026 festival are open now!
What types of improv are you taking for this festival?
We are open to any improv forms for this festival. In the submission link below, you will be asked to describe your improv team and form as we are looking for a diverse group of improvisers to take our stage.
How do I submit?
Submissions are open now!
Submit your team for the 2026 Festival HERE!
Read through the submission guidelines HERE!
Is there a deadline for submissions?
The deadline to submit will be January 15th, 2026.
Does it cost money to submit?
Yes. There is a non-refundable submission fee that increases as we get close to the start of the festival. The fee is $25 until January 1st. After that, the submission fee increases to $40. Any improvisor accepted to the festival will be asked to pay a $25 fee to cover a festival pass and other swag/local coupons unique for performers in the festival. If submission fees are keeping you from submitting and attending, please reach out to us directly at [email protected] to learn about financial assistance.
I'm thinking of coming in early and/or staying a bit longer. What else is there to do in Happy Valley?
For more information on all that the area has to offer, visit the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau site.
My business is interested in advertising opportunities with the festival and want to support. What's the best way to do so?
Sponsorships will be available at the $2500, $1000 and $250 levels. Please visit our sponsorship page here to learn more.
I have more questions! How do I contact you?
The best way to contact us is by emailing [email protected]