We are kicking off September with an improv team that hare all about short form – Gämez! An improv team that started as a house team for Hoopla and over the years has expanded to be a team that performs at many festivals and even remixes improv games! All month, I will be speaking to team members Ryan and Charlotte about everything improv, on the road and so much more! This week we talk about going on tour!

 Even though there are a few months left of the year, Gämez still has a lot of shows in many locations coming up, that is exciting!

Ryan: It’s really exciting! A mix of our classic London gigs, our own night and international festivals – it’s going to be a hoot!

Tell us about these festivals that you are looking forward to?

Ryan: We’re performing at Barcelona Improv Festival on 27th October and at Improv Fest Ireland on Saturday 18th November. These are both brilliant festivals that some of our group have been to before though Gämez haven’t performed at. They’re melting pots of improv ideas and great ways to get to know improvisers from around the world.

How different is it to perform your shows at festivals then a standard improv night – are there any differences that you love?

Ryan: It’s really exciting to perform to a brand new audience, especially with improvisers from all across the world watching who might come from very different improv backgrounds. Particularly as we are typically one of the only groups performing short-form at most festivals. 

Charlotte: For our longer sets it’s great to have a show to ourselves where we can push our format to the max in a nice hour long segment. We love getting to host the whole show and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for our lovely audiences. 

How do you find travelling with each other?

Charlotte: We love it! Aside from our improv adventures we’ve had lots of Gämez retreats together including a glorious two week trip to Iceland and a more recent few days in Amsterdam. 

Do you ever get fed up with one another?

Ryan: Honestly, not really. We really enjoy travelling together, and will also give each other space and downtime when we need it.

How do you make tour life fun?

Ryan: We love a group activity. From karaoke to a murder mystery dinner to homemade Taskmaster tasks to playing Overcooked (and getting very stressed pretending to be “chefs”), we have lots of fun. 

What have been some of the best memories of Gämez on tour?

Charlotte: I can’t remember where we were but we created a rule where you weren’t allowed to say the word spoon correctly so the whole trip was people asking for a Spooooooon or a spahon. There was also a lovely sunset on Brighton beach during our Brighton Fringe shows. 

What advice would you give to other improv teams that are planning on going to festivals with their team?

Ryan: Make sure to sell what’s unique about your group and your show in your application. And when you’re at the festival get to know the other improvisers!

Charlotte: Remember there is even more admin that you could ever imagine!