The Improv Conspiracy (TIC) has announced it is bringing back its annual Defrost Festival for a third year – a yearly spectacle celebrating the art and community of improv.
For two weeks the festival will play host to the crème de la crème of interstate and local comedians, entertaining and educating a community of thousands with brand new shows, workshops and social events
The Defrost Festival is fast becoming a strong and unique highlight of Melbourne’s world-class comedy scene, built around three core events:
- The Ritual: a dark (but hilarious), Dionysian induction into the sacred mysteries of improv
- Humdrum: a sprawling, artistic theatre display spanning 4 decades of time.
- Royal Rumble: a 30-person competitive spectacle, complete with WWE-style entrances and eliminations.
The festival features performers from across Australia, with shows including live podcasts, improv inspired by Law & Order, a show set entirely in a Bunnings, and eclectic challenges such as improv in the dark and the world’s longest attempt at the La Ronde improv format.
Throughout the festival, Theory Bar in Myers Place will throw open its doors for lip sync battles, karaoke evenings, and a closing night party.
Adam Kangas, TIC Founder and Artistic Director said TIC has been home to many of Australia’s rising stars.
“Every year, we welcome the opportunity to showcase the value of this art form at Defrost,” he said.
“Improv is about more than just being funny,” adds Laura Buskes, Theatre Manager. “It’s collaborative, inspiring, and endlessly surprising – it teaches us a lot about life.”
Bren Carruthers, a recent graduate of TIC’s training program, echoes these sentiments: “I’ve found a community here, and I’m excited for this year’s Defrost to broaden that community even further.”
The Defrost Festival will take place from 31 July – 11 August, Thursdays to Sundays with more than 50 shows and seven workshops across three venues.
