Big In Japan

What:
Known for their intense, interesting, organic style, Big In Japan is easily one of the best and funniest improv groups in Toronto and Canada. Their blend of organic, thematic and structural elements provides a unique take on Harold; their style is highly indicative of the Impatient Theatre Co. approach to longform improvisation. Formed in December 2005, their rapid escalation to the top of the Toronto improv scene has been nothing short of phenomenal, with its members being among the most sought after in the Toronto improv scene, and previous members having recruited by The Second City Toronto for its National Touring Company and gigs aboard international cruise ships. In 2006, Big In Japan took the stage at the Del Close Longform Improv Marathon at the Upright Citizens Brigade in New York City, where their groupwork caught the eye of New York improvisers and earned them a return visit in 2007. The same year, the team was also featured in multiple shows at the Toronto International Improv Festival where they wowed audiences with their smooth edits and hilarious scenes. In February 2007, the team made their U.S. comedy festival debut at the Dirty South Improv Festival in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Their show exemplified the fluid and organic style they have come to known for, winning the hearts and earning the laughs from audience members from across the U.S. who were in attendance. While at the festival, many of the Big In Japan team members competed with the Impatient Theatre Co. to be the only team to make it to the second round of competition in an international Cage Match tournament beating out critically acclaimed teams from Chicago and New York City. In the summer of 2007, the team was the first to earn a position as an ITC house team, based on its ability to get on stage in any configuration of members and consistently present the best, most hilarious improv comedy in Toronto, whether it be an absurd set featuring monsters and goblins or a sophisticated, intellectual and thought-provoking deconstruction on the issue of subsidization. Big In Japan continues to grow as a team with every performance and are currently in the process of developing a unique approach to the work that is distinct to the team and defines their style as their own.

Who:
Bob Banks, Sarah Hillier, Sean Magee, Sean Tabares, Kevin Thom, Alex Tindal

Where and When:
Sat 2:30 pm at UCB Theatre

Web site: http://www.biginjapanimprov.com/

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