Tonight we were at Granville Island’s Improv Centre to check out their latest featured show. This is Exploration Blank, set in outer space.
As described in the press release, “Improv comedy is about to hit light speed with a rotating, rag-tag crew of space explorers blasting off on an adventure to accomplish… something! Through audience suggestions and a series of improv mini games, they’ll defy gravity and all its gases for a brand-new, dangerously dazzling
galaxy every show.”
Created by The Improv Centre’s Artistic Director Alan Pavlakovic, who stated that he “designed this show to really let imaginations run wild – for our performers and our audiences. “Whether you love the “Wars” or the “Trek”, this is the show that will make a spectacle of all those wonderful out-of-this-world tropes and bring some of your favourite galactic adventures to the stage. I’m over the moon excited to produce my first show from start to finish as AD and give audiences a peek into my mind, my formative years, and very much still my current passions. Expect rich soundscapes with flashing lights, boson whistles, red alerts, advanced tech, and alien encounters; no simple Earthbound characters in this show, just galaxies of wonder.”
The show is running from April 9th to June 27th, 2026. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm. Tickets are on Sale Now at www.theimprovcentre.ca
Once again, the performance is set in the deep of space with our characters exploring alien planets and making contact with unique beings. You as the audience are part of command control, set out to explore the universe for something that is suggested and shouted out. The cast of five performers are each a member of the crew with their own character trope: the know it all captain, the angsty warrior with a checkered past, the cyborg servant learning what’s it like to be human, the incompetent medical doctor, and the over reaching information officer. Each of our suggestions adding to their individual personality quirks. Therefore, and as a result, each performance is guaranteed to be different.
However, I would say that this show was geared towards those already familiar with improv. This was the first that I have watched one without a narrator or guide to introduce concepts and structure the scene. As a result, there were a few of the built-in improv games that the performers were acting out, that went over my head. I lost out on these. There are a few you can figure out mid way in and there were others that the booming voice over the PA somewhat explained, but without a narrator to set the scene, I didn’t know to look out for and listen closely in to each. Whereas as an audience member, I like being clued in to what is going on. I find that being in on the joke makes their improvisations more fun.
Overall the theme gave plenty of direction and possibilities to build on. The characters were humorous, with the standouts being the captain, cyborg, and warrior; in that order. I especially liked the actors trying to stump one another during the flash back sequences. And how sly they casually mentioned upgrading tickets for the 9:30pm show while in character and still on set.
To support local arts and crack a smile on your face, check out the latest show at The Improv Centre.
The Improv Centre
1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S4
604-738-7013
theimprovcentre.ca
