Theater

Phoenix Improv Festival 2011 Dates Announced

The 2011 edition of the Phoenix Improv Festival will take place on April 15 and April 16, festival officials announced last week. The indie fest, which will be entering its tenth year, is produced and run by Bill Binder, a stalwart in Phoenix's improv community.

PIF (the hip kids pronounce the acronym like the word "spiff," sans the "s") began in 2002 with just three local Phoenix acts. Since then, the festival has consistently grown in size and stature; last year's fest, for instance, showcased troupes from more than six major cities, such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Austin.

PIF can also boast past performers -- including Stephnie Weir from Mad TV and 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer -- that went on to or had already achieved a good amount of fame.

Though the lineup is still being hashed out, tickets are currently on sale. Visit www.phoeniximprovfestival.com.

Here's a teaser for the 2010 fest, courtesy of the PIF website: