Looking for something new and exciting to do on a Friday night?
This month at Baxter Baristas, we wanted to rave about the fabulous Coventry Improv troupe and the work they do! Every second Friday of the month, the group host their successful Full of Beans Show with us at our Jordan Well location. Our resident blogger, Rav, recently had the pleasure of chatting with Shai and Rob, two key members who make up this exciting community, here in the heart of Coventry.
Who are Coventry Improv?
Coventry Improv are a community-focused improv group established by several improvisers, including Shai, in 2018. Now grown to a core team of six, with additional members joining occasionally, their journey saw them grow momentum and live shows up until a COVID-based lull. Nevertheless, since lockdown restrictions lifted and they began interacting offline again, the group has continued to regrow organically and now again offers a range of regular shows and conducts interactive workshops.
The momentum of Coventry Improv is on the rise, with the magic coming from the strong chemistry and shared values of a diverse group of people dedicated to Coventry Improv. With improvisation being a passion of theirs, the core troupe come from a diverse range of backgrounds, ranging from engineering, social care, media, to theatre itself.
“Part of our strength is that we’re quite committed to choosing the right members for the group because people can sense the chemistry, like when we’re doing games. It’s not about improvising with strangers or someone you’re not comfortable with.”
Rob, Chairman
Engaging and unique Performances for all.
Regarding the Full of Beans show and those involved with Coventry Improv, there is a similar ethos surrounding the community, with the event being a very family-friendly event to attend and open to all ages.
“The audiences are massively diverse. We have people from babies to senior citizens coming to our show. You’ve got people from every background. It transcends language barriers because even if you don’t necessarily get the spoken jokes, it’s so physical and sensory. It really does bring a cross section of people together that you wouldn’t find in other places.”
Rob, Chairman
Not just for laughs – Coventry Improv are a Community Driven Organisation.
Treasurer Shai discusses how Coventry Improvs grassroots are in the Community and Charity initiative.
“We wanted to be able to give back, and that started the charity theme as part of Coventry Improv. But again, we were just a group of friends who continued wanting to grow the group and still have that bit of fun and joy and do the improvisation, but with a different twist. After COVID, we wanted it to be more community centric compared to what it was before. So that’s where Coventry improv grew from.”
Shai, Founder and Treasurer
Coventry Improv has raised over £5,500 for various local charities since its inception, with donation-based performances and proceedings going to a dedicated charity each quarter. The group aims to continue growing, both in terms of audience and team size, while maintaining their community-centric approach.
“Charity is baked into the DNA of Coventry Improv. I don’t think it would be the same if we stopped doing charity shows and were just like, no, we’re just going to take this to theatres and do paid ticket. It wouldn’t work, because helping the community is at the heart of what we do.”
Rob, Chairman
How can I get involved with Coventry Improv?
Book on for Full of Beans.
Full of Beans offers a comedy night with a twist – expect audience interaction, fun and a spontaneous evening!
Every second Friday of the month:
7pm – 9pm at
Jordan Well, Coventry CV1 5QP.
The Events are 100% FREE to attend. We have a donations bucket from which ALL donations go to our nominated quarterly local charity.
Interactive Workshops. The community offers workshops for those interested in participating and learning how to improvise.
At Square One. Monthly Sessions.
For booking Coventry Improv Events and Workshops, follow the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/coventry-improv-79067614923
and for more information, visit their website:
Charity and Community Involvement.
Local charities are always welcome to get in contact with Coventry Improv via email at coventryimprov@gmail.com, where they can learn about them and explain how they can collaborate and get them on the list to support.
They also reach out to charities that are recommended to them or are close to the group for one reason or another.
They have already supported over 26 charities to date!
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