What is the Happy Valley XS Improv Festival?
The XS Improv Festival is one of two improv comedy festivals held in State College, PA annually. It consists of 3 shows with 9 teams performing all in one night. The other festival, the XL Improv Festival, is a 3-day festival held in May.
When is the festival this year (2023)?
This year, the 1-day festival will take place on Thursday, August 31st, 2023.
Where are the shows taking place?
The festival shows will take place at the Blue Brick Theatre, home of Happy Valley Improv--State College's premier long-form improv company.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets for individual shows and an all-night pass are available here.
What is the best way to get to State College from afar?
State College is located in Central Pennsylvania and has it's 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?
We have secured a festival rate at the Hyatt Place State College which is right next door to the Blue Brick Theatre. In order to access this rate, email Director of Sales Michael Balchin at michael.balchin@hyatt.com or call +1 814 862 9811 and let him know you're a participant in the improv festival.
Other hotels within walking distance of the Theatre include the Scholar Hotel State College and the Graduate Hotel. The State College Country Inn and Suites is a nice, newly-renovated choice for something slightly away from downtown with plenty of parking.
Who can submit to perform during the festival?
We are accepting submission in 3 categories: Established Teams, New Teams, and Individuals. An established team is one that has performed together in front of live audiences before whereas a new time is one that has recently been formed (maybe even for our festival) and has yet to perform in front of a live audience. Individuals can also apply to be part of a festival ensemble team. The festival team will be made up of individuals who submit and will be coached by the Happy Valley Improv artistic director, Nathan Rufo.
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 now closed.
Is there a deadline for submissions?
The deadline to submit was August 15th.
Does it cost money to submit?
No. It is free to submit. There is a suggested $15 fee for all performers to cover a festival pass and other swag unique for those in the festival. This fee can be waived.
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 $500, $300, and $100 levels. Contact happyvalleyimprov@gmail.com or visit this link to become a Sponsor.
I have more questions! How do I contact you?
The best way to contact us is by emailing happyvalleyimprov@gmail.com
The XS Improv Festival is one of two improv comedy festivals held in State College, PA annually. It consists of 3 shows with 9 teams performing all in one night. The other festival, the XL Improv Festival, is a 3-day festival held in May.
When is the festival this year (2023)?
This year, the 1-day festival will take place on Thursday, August 31st, 2023.
Where are the shows taking place?
The festival shows will take place at the Blue Brick Theatre, home of Happy Valley Improv--State College's premier long-form improv company.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets for individual shows and an all-night pass are available here.
What is the best way to get to State College from afar?
State College is located in Central Pennsylvania and has it's 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?
We have secured a festival rate at the Hyatt Place State College which is right next door to the Blue Brick Theatre. In order to access this rate, email Director of Sales Michael Balchin at michael.balchin@hyatt.com or call +1 814 862 9811 and let him know you're a participant in the improv festival.
Other hotels within walking distance of the Theatre include the Scholar Hotel State College and the Graduate Hotel. The State College Country Inn and Suites is a nice, newly-renovated choice for something slightly away from downtown with plenty of parking.
Who can submit to perform during the festival?
We are accepting submission in 3 categories: Established Teams, New Teams, and Individuals. An established team is one that has performed together in front of live audiences before whereas a new time is one that has recently been formed (maybe even for our festival) and has yet to perform in front of a live audience. Individuals can also apply to be part of a festival ensemble team. The festival team will be made up of individuals who submit and will be coached by the Happy Valley Improv artistic director, Nathan Rufo.
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 now closed.
Is there a deadline for submissions?
The deadline to submit was August 15th.
Does it cost money to submit?
No. It is free to submit. There is a suggested $15 fee for all performers to cover a festival pass and other swag unique for those in the festival. This fee can be waived.
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 $500, $300, and $100 levels. Contact happyvalleyimprov@gmail.com or visit this link to become a Sponsor.
I have more questions! How do I contact you?
The best way to contact us is by emailing happyvalleyimprov@gmail.com