REGINA - A local theatre group, Handsome Bevel Improv, looks to fill the gap in Regina's arts community.
Carter Stenberg, creative director of Handsome Bevel Improv, mentioned that around 2016, Regina had multiple improv groups performing every other week.
"They ranged from Hitchhikers to Prism, which filled up houses and venues," he said.
Once COVID-19 began, comedy groups in the city took a massive hit.
As a former member of Hitchhikers, Stenberg knew the city had a gap in the arts community.
So, Stenberg, Vince Good, and Linden Kohut formed the group in late 2022.
The group took a big step forward after people started finding out there was a new improv organization in the city.
"It’s really snowballed since then, and now we’re hosting our own shows," said Stenberg.
Around 20 people currently participate in the shows, which are primarily held at the Unitarian.
To prepare, Stenberg said the group meets roughly two times a week to practice different skills.
"You’re going to work off your instincts and how that can be groomed to build a story and narrative with other people," he said
Stenberg mentioned one of the challenges of starting improv is being in sync with others on stage.
"When a person responds with something completely different from your expectations, they tend to freeze up."
While it can be a challenge, Stenberg said not knowing what will come next is a fun part of improv.
"There’s a moment of surprise that turns into something fun."
The group has performed around seven shows since the start of Jan. 2024, with Stenberg estimating they average around 50 people in attendance.
He mentioned their last show had close to 100 people watching.
Their next upcoming show, 'Handsome Bevel Improv Goes Gardening: A Spring Comedy Show,' will be held on Friday, April 25th at the Unitarian.
Stenberg said each of their shows follows a similar formula, with different improv games, narrative sets, and more spanning over two hours.
For anyone new to improv, Stenberg described it as a "fast-paced environment, with quick comedic jokes."
As they continue to perform, Stenberg wants to establish a place in the city where people are given an opportunity.
He stressed how improv helps people socialize better or think faster.
Stenberg's hope is that the comedy group will perform more regularly on a consistent level so more people can tune into their shows.
the group is encouraged to check out their website."
