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The first ever Canadian Improv PD Performance Troupe! Those with previous improv experience are invited to join the Performance Troupe to focus on applying the foundations of improv for performance.
In this course, you will develop as part of an ensemble & build skills for 2 performances (one mid course, and another at the end of the course). We will dive into more specifics, learn and practice games, performance formats, hosting, show shape, and more!
*This course will be always delivered via zoom with some options to join in person In-Studio on select weeks, depending on space and interest.*
We are committed to keeping our courses accessible. If you are experiencing financial barriers we are happy to offer a pay what you can model for the course. We also have full scholarships available to cover the full price of the course. Email tightropememberships@gmail.com
We are proud to be partnered with the Parkinson Society of British Columbia to offer online Improv Courses focused on health, wellness, and joy.
Tightrope Impro Theatre in partnership with Parkinson Society BC presents: PD Performance Troupe Showcase!
When: Thursday, June 16th 6pm PDT - 7pm PDT
Where: ZOOM, please contact rosemary@tightropetheatre.com for the private link!
Facebook event: Performance Troupe - Improv for Parkinson's - Virtual ZOOM Show
Detours are an inevitable part of my life. Detours to paths not typically trodden by the cautious. I welcomed them all as challenges, though I was thrown some formidable ones, I conquered them and kept moving onward!
But a Parkinson detour? No! This I wanted to retract from. Not an option, I realized. Had to keep moving…
Whew, I was worn ou
Detours are an inevitable part of my life. Detours to paths not typically trodden by the cautious. I welcomed them all as challenges, though I was thrown some formidable ones, I conquered them and kept moving onward!
But a Parkinson detour? No! This I wanted to retract from. Not an option, I realized. Had to keep moving…
Whew, I was worn out when vigorous exercise, diet and various other run of the mill suggestions failed. Ready to crawl into a hole and call it quits…or find a divergence. I stumbled upon an old cast out comrade.
Improv!
And I found the perfect move to: A Parkinson’s Improv Performance Troupe!
Goodbye hole! Hello heal!
Wit and Play are the fuel that empowers me. Reviving an old friend is renewing me!,
Diagnosed with PD 2013. Since the diagnosis my wife and I have travelled to (not in chronological order) Iceland, Denmark, Germany, France, Greece, Portugal, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, western USA, Nova Scotia, Ontario and too many to mention BC
Diagnosed with PD 2013. Since the diagnosis my wife and I have travelled to (not in chronological order) Iceland, Denmark, Germany, France, Greece, Portugal, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Japan, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, western USA, Nova Scotia, Ontario and too many to mention BC locations. Individually I have parachuted and paraglided (both dual), bobsledded, zip-lined, scuba dived, walked around the Aukland Sky Tower on the Sky Walk, bungie jumped and canoed the Bowron Lakes. I am still able to ski, although I was ready to quit just before I was diagnosed with PD. I was golfing until we moved and covid became an issue, I was able to drop my handicap to under 100 after my meds were readjusted. Aways enjoying a change we moved from a land based house in Tsawwassen to a float home (1760 sq ft) in Mosquito Creek Marina, North Vancouver in 2018. We have experienced and enjoyed our daughter’s wedding, our grandson’s birth, although I was just the voice behind the curtain, and recently his 5th birthday. Looking forward I am hesitant to say we will complete our bucket list since it is always morphing moment to moment. I also facilitate a PD Support group on the North Shore. I have PD but PD does not have me. PD can try and pry my life from my cold, dead hands.
Peter is a relative newcomer to Tightrope Theatre and improv, having taken up improv in 2018 to help him deal with the cognitive impacts of Parkinson’s Disease. It’s working so far and Peter can be found supporting Improv programs focused on cognitive wellness and serving the PD community. Prior life experience includes an Economics degre
Peter is a relative newcomer to Tightrope Theatre and improv, having taken up improv in 2018 to help him deal with the cognitive impacts of Parkinson’s Disease. It’s working so far and Peter can be found supporting Improv programs focused on cognitive wellness and serving the PD community. Prior life experience includes an Economics degree from the Royal Military College, a law degree from University of Victoria and 30 years in the traces as a commercial lawyer. All quite conventional aside from a habit of tending towards the sardonic and wordplay. Peter lives in Vancouver and enjoys a broad range of outdoors activities.
Larry Gifford, 50, started his improv training by finding new and creative ways to hide mushy Brussels sprouts on his dinner plate as a child. After a 45 year hiatus he’s discovered shredding is the key to great tasting Brussels sprouts. Yes! And… he’s realized life is one big improv scene – say yes to what life offers you. For instance,
Larry Gifford, 50, started his improv training by finding new and creative ways to hide mushy Brussels sprouts on his dinner plate as a child. After a 45 year hiatus he’s discovered shredding is the key to great tasting Brussels sprouts. Yes! And… he’s realized life is one big improv scene – say yes to what life offers you. For instance, Parkinson’s disease. Not funny? Larry bets he can make you laugh about the degenerative brain disease. And he insists on shaking on those bets. Laughter is one of the ways Larry takes care of himself and continues to a live a full life despite a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2017. An Ohioan at birth, Larry moved to Canada to continue his 30+ year career in radio. He’s the National Director of Talk Radio for Corus Entertainment. He loves soup. In fact, he and his wife both love soup. And they can talk or not talk forever.
Stephen Gardner was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease in 2003, at the age of 43. He underwent successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in March 2013. Living in Tsawwassen British Columbia with his wife of 29 years, he enjoys working out at the gym and keeping up to date with the latest research into Parkinson Disease. Until the
Stephen Gardner was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease in 2003, at the age of 43. He underwent successful Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in March 2013. Living in Tsawwassen British Columbia with his wife of 29 years, he enjoys working out at the gym and keeping up to date with the latest research into Parkinson Disease. Until the COVID-19 pandemic he led a local voice and speech group for people with Parkinson,. He provides support to people with Parkinson who are considering DBS. He is an original member of the Troupe.
Shabbir used to be an Electronic Engineer. At the age of 55 he got his M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation. The patient/client is involved in activities that create “leisure state of mind” as part of the treatment or therapy. He is a member of a specialised Toastmasters club that includes improv activities besides the standard Toastmasters pro
Shabbir used to be an Electronic Engineer. At the age of 55 he got his M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation. The patient/client is involved in activities that create “leisure state of mind” as part of the treatment or therapy. He is a member of a specialised Toastmasters club that includes improv activities besides the standard Toastmasters program. Check out: www.meetup.com/SVImprovMasters . He has taken part in five classes in the Improv for Parkinson’s program.
Diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s in 2008 at the age of 44, Miriam lives with determination in the face of the unknown. Among the many silver linings has been her introduction to Tightrope Theatre’s Parkinson’s
Performance Troupe. Improv helps her to be quick on her “slowed-down” feet. She loves to laugh and make others laugh. She’s
Diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s in 2008 at the age of 44, Miriam lives with determination in the face of the unknown. Among the many silver linings has been her introduction to Tightrope Theatre’s Parkinson’s
Performance Troupe. Improv helps her to be quick on her “slowed-down” feet. She loves to laugh and make others laugh. She’s a cyclist, swimmer, yogi and hiker. Miriam lives in Manhattan with her husband, two daughters and Cavapoo named Winnie.
"Hi everybody. My earthly life journey has ended and I have started a new path. I have had a wonderful life and leave with so many great memories. I married my dancing partner and the love of my life, Tammy. She is my angel who fell from the sky and her blue eyes and loving smile cast a spell on my heart forever. I have a wonderful son, Akshay, who is my pride and joy and carries my crazy love for sports. I know this is the Maple Leafs year. I also know that he and Kathleen make a beautiful couple.
I am blessed to have grown a new family. Thank you Sydney, Seth, and Jenn for embracing and loving me. I will always be Pop Pop to Stella and Jameson. How lucky I am to be a Grandpa.
I am so fortunate to be so close to my mother, Harbax. She was always there for me to lean on and I am so grateful for our Thursday dinners and chats. I look forward to seeing Dad and giving him a big hug from both of us.
I have many memories of when I was young growing up in Sherwood Park, Alberta, particularly with my brother Paul. I am glad I was able to watch his three sons, Tristan, Aidan and Dallyn grow to be beautiful men.
My life has been filled with much love and support. All the years with the Parkinson Wellness Project and the Self Realization Fellowship gave me purpose and focus. The everlasting love filled my soul.
I am glad I was able to connect with so many relatives and friends across this world in my life. A special shout out to my great friend Randy. Our talks on every subject under the sun were blessings.
Thank you all for being a part of my life. I am at peace now. I love you all and feel divinely blessed I was able to have you in my life."
Ali cut her teeth as a performer and storyteller as a teen at Loose Moose Theatre Company, founded by Keith Johnstone. Ali went on to study acting, singing and dancing at Randolph College of Performing Arts as well as Film and Video Production at SAIT Polytechnic. Ali has performed and taught improv on numerous stages across Canada as we
Ali cut her teeth as a performer and storyteller as a teen at Loose Moose Theatre Company, founded by Keith Johnstone. Ali went on to study acting, singing and dancing at Randolph College of Performing Arts as well as Film and Video Production at SAIT Polytechnic. Ali has performed and taught improv on numerous stages across Canada as well as in Norway, Holland, Germany, Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates. Ali is a proud company member of Spontaneous Theatre, a company founded by Rebecca Northan which merges the worlds of high level improvisation with professional Theatre, select Spontaneous Theatre credits include: Mimi in Blind Date (Canadahub/Edinburgh Fringe, Artsclub), assistant director of Undercover (Tarragon Theatre), and ensemble member in An Undiscovered Shakespeare (Stratford Festival). She has performed in numerous international improv festivals, including Den Andre Teaterfestivalen, Improvaganza, Vancouver International Improv Festival, and is the founder and Artistic Director of Tightrope Impro Theatre.
Quinn is an alumnus of Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, has been a member of Rapid Fire Theatre in Edmonton since 2014, and is the Co-Artistic Director of the Canmore International Improv Festival. A year spent working in every department at Alberta Theatre Projects in 2011 instilled in him a keen interest in the organizational side of the
Quinn is an alumnus of Loose Moose Theatre in Calgary, has been a member of Rapid Fire Theatre in Edmonton since 2014, and is the Co-Artistic Director of the Canmore International Improv Festival. A year spent working in every department at Alberta Theatre Projects in 2011 instilled in him a keen interest in the organizational side of theatres, and he went on to earn a degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of Alberta. He is an actor, writer, and co-founder of Marv n’ Berry - Sketch Comedy, cast member of Off Book The Improvised Musical, and has emceed the dog show at the Calgary Stampede for four years. Since 2015, he has been teaching improv for youth classes at the Citadel’s Foote Theatre School, has been a faculty member of the Rapid Fire Theatre Academy since 2018, and spent two years coaching the University of Alberta improv group. Teaching and performing has brought Quinn from coast to coast in Canada and the United States, around Europe twice, and as far as Dubai. He has created and co-created numerous new shows and formats that have been seen at festivals including: Den Andre Teaterfestivalen (Norway), Wurzburg Impro Fest (Germany), Improvaganza (Edmonton), Vancouver International Improv Festival, Bonfire (Edmonton), San Francisco Sketchfest, Seattle Sketchfest, Edmonton International Fringe Festival, Grindstone Comedy Festival (Edmonton), Montreal Skecthfest, Out of Bounds Comedy Festival (Texas), Philly Sketchfest, Floodwater Comedy Festival (Iowa), Hell Yes! Comedy Festival (New Orleans), SAC Comedy Festival (Sacramento), and Charm City Comedy Festival (Baltimore). He is beyond thrilled in this new position of Executive Director for Tightrope Impro Theatre as the dream of starting a theatre company close to the mountains is beginning to come true.
Parkinson's Society of BC empowers the Parkinson’s community in British Columbia through providing resources and services to enable self-management, self-reliance, and self-advocacy.