Last year, the organizers of the Happy Valley XL Improv Festival saw an opportunity to turn Happy Valley into a destination for improv actors, comedians and fans of improvisation. The results are in -- and it was no mistake. In fact, the team behind the event are planning for an even bigger festival with more workshops led by major figures in the world of improv.

The XL festival will be held Thursday, May 18 through Sunday, May 21. The event will be based at the Blue Brick Theatre, home of Happy Valley Improv--State College's premier long-form improv company and will feature three nights of improv and a total of nine shows.

The other festival, the XS Improv Festival, is a one-day festival that will be held in September.

Organizer James Tierney, who is also the co-founder of Happy Valley Improv said that bringing in big-name improvisers to teach workshops is creating a virtuous circle where attracting improv experts builds credibility, which in turn draws in more teachers and participants. The team is also gaining more experience that builds confidence in pulling off a successful sequel to last year’s outstanding event.

"We're excited to learn from our successful first year of the XL Fest to build a bigger and better event this year!” said Tierney. “This year will feature a live podcast recording and additional State College-area events like a hike of Mt. Nittany and a yoga class! We will also have a youth workshop for local middle and high school students to learn and practice the art of improv."

The event continues to be about the community, not just the organization.

"We really want this festival to be a Happy Valley improv festival,” Tierney said. “To do this, we not only go on excursions around the county, but we hand out local business recommendations to all of our out-of-town guests! Last year, our guests reported spending over $3,000 at dozens of local businesses. As one out of town guest said, '...one specific thing I loved was the thoughtfully curated sheet of local dining recommendations. We'll be implementing that at our own festival this year.'"

You don’t have to be an improv actor or comedian to get something out of the festival. People from all fields and occupations may pick up a tip or two from watching or experiencing improv, whether it’s improving public speaking or learning how to spark collaborations.

"Improv, in general, is an art form built on agreeing and building,” said Tierney. “Learning--or just watching--improv can be beneficial for business leaders, educators, or entrepreneurs looking to add more creativity and team work into their everyday lives."

Organizers have lined up an impressive list of coaches, workshop leaders and performers.

Dana Powell

Known best for her role as Cam’s sister, Pameron Tucker, on ABC’s Modern Family, Powell (she/her) found her voice and began comedy improv training in Los Angeles at iO West, UCB, and The Groundlings. You may have seen her in other things such as Bridesmaids, Veep, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Good Place and more. Most recently you can hear her as Mater’s sister, Mato, in Disney’s Pixar ‘Cars’ universe.

Ti Malik Coleman

Ti Malik Coleman is a performer with Baltimore Improv Group and was in several house troupes before co-founding Casually Dope. Casually Dope (first Minority Re’port) has performed and featured in many cities, including Chicago, New York, Toronto and Calgary; and has been a very loud voice for the underheard and underrepresented on stage.

Dawn Rosenbaum

Dawn Rosenbaum has been doing improv since 2004 with a specialty in interactive theatre. Dawn is known for being quirky, loud, and the perfect person for a heart to heart conversation.

Marcely Jean-Pierre

Marcely Jean-Pierre is a Philly-based comedian, improviser, writer and sketch performer from Willingboro, New Jersey. Marcely was a longtime contributor for satire website Flexx Magazine and his comedy sketches have been featured at Toronto Sketchfest, Philly Sketchfest, and Funny or Die, Philadelphia Public Access TV station PhillyCam.

If you’re in the Happy Valley area and are interested in improv, or just enjoy it, Happy Valley Improv also performs weekly shows at 7 p.m. on Fridays at the theatre. The theatre is BYOB and tickets are only $15 for 90 minutes of entertainment.