Improv & Science Festival - 3 days of FREE learning & laughing

Utrecht Improv & Science Festival
👉Free tickets & registration: https://www.utrechtimprovfest.com/[utrechtimprovfest.com ](https://www.utrechtimprovfest.com/)
👉Full schedule & workshop info: improvutrecht.nl/festival2025

📍 Theaterhuis De Berenkuil, Biltstraat 166 Utrecht and De Snijzaal behind De Berenkuil
📅 Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September 9:30-21:30
📅 Sunday 28 September 10:00-17:00

The Utrecht Improv Festival 2025, subtitled “Improv & Science: A Festival of Play, Insight & Connection,” bring three days of creativity, experimentation, and collaboration to Theaterhuis De Berenkuil from 26–28 September.

👥Who it’s for:
This free-to-attend festival celebrates the intersection of improvisational theatre and scientific thinking, inviting researchers, students, artists, educators, and curious minds to explore new ways of thinking, communicating, and connecting.

👥Organised by who:
Produced by Merrill Multimedia, pioneers in immersive storytelling.
In collaboration with Improv Utrecht, an improv school that offers courses, shows and teambuilding training.
Sponsorship from the Utrecht Municipality, ZIMIHC Connect, and Improv Utrecht highlights the city’s engagement. commitment to innovation-driven cultural engagement

What to expect
the festival features world-class workshops, interactive sessions, and live performances.

## Festival Highlights & Programme

Over three days, participants can experience:

• Keynote: Improv and the Dialogue Between Science and Society with Dr. Frank Kupper – exploring public engagement, dialogue, and playful approaches to science communication.
• Interactive Workshops: Featuring Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro), Frank Paats (De Ontsaaiers), Burgert Kirsten (SA), Nina Saunders (USA), Suzan Lemont (USA), Marieke van Laar (NL), and more, covering topics from storytelling, body language, and mindfulness to scientific communication and creativity in organizations.
• Theatresports Tournament: Utrecht’s best improv troupes compete in live, high-energy matches.
• PowerPoint Karaoke: Led by Marieke van Laar, participants create spontaneous presentations with unexpected slides.
• Evening Shows & Open Sessions: Including improvisational longform performances, audience participation jams, and laughter-filled interactive experiences.

The festival is free and inclusive, with advance registration required to secure spots for workshops and sessions.
Inspired by Utrecht Science Week, the festival embodies experimentation, dialogue, and discovery.

## Featured Trainers & Speakers

• Dr. Frank Kupper: Biology, philosophy, and theater expert; founder of Mens in de Maak; associate professor at Vrije Universiteit.
• Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro): Improviser, comedian, and change management trainer.
• Joost Augusteijn (Popprofessor): Connects innovation lessons from pop music to organizational strategy.
• Frank Paats (De Ontsaaiers): Creative trainer leading fun, interactive team-building sessions.
• Burgert Kirsten: Organizational psychologist and improv trainer from South Africa.
• Nina Saunders: Theatre and wellness expert, guiding participants in embodied storytelling and personal growth.
• Marieke van Laar: Founder of Improv Utrecht; leader of PowerPoint Karaoke and creative workshops.
• Suzan Lemont: Dance-theatre maker and expressive arts therapist.
• Kevin Miller: U.S.-based improviser, performer, and director.
• Iwan Dam: Actor and theatre maker, teaching authentic stage presence and confident presentations.
• Dr. Aniek Ivens: Evolutionary ecologist integrating improv into science communication.
• Sjoerd Provoost: Coach for beginner improvisers.
• Matthijs Meulblok: Experienced Theatresports judge and coach.
• …and many more local and international improv talents.

## Quotes from Organizers

“Improv and science both rely on creativity and adaptability,” say the festival organizers. “By combining them, we create a playful environment where complex ideas become accessible, and participants build confidence in communication and collaboration.”

Marieke van Laar, Director of Improv Utrecht, adds:
“This festival showcases the broad value of improvisation as both a skill and a mindset. It supports personal and professional growth while fostering curiosity, connection, and creativity.”

“Thanks to the Utrecht Municipality, ZIMIHC Connect, and our local improv community, the festival enables curiosity-driven art forms and creates a foundation where science, art, and education intersect,” the organizers conclude.

## About the Partners

• Merrill Multimedia: Multimedia studio creating immersive, interactive experiences spanning film, theatre, and live events.
• Improv Utrecht: Inclusive improv community offering lessons, workshops, shows, and corporate training in Utrecht.

### Hire our trainers!

This festival is a showcase of what our network of professional trainers can do. What we all have in common are: learning by doing, humor and new insights. Entertainment & training! You can book them for

• small or big events: interactive theatre shows, interactiev lectures, big group workshops, onboarding events, hosting/MC
• team training: teambuilding, presentation training, communication, personal development, professional development.
• personal learning and entertainment: join an improv course, go see our shows

For more information:
Marieke van Laar
Cultureel programmaproducent
marieke@improvutrecht.nl
+31 (0) 6 44 72 0580
https://www.improvutrecht.nl/festival2025/
ticket app
https://utrechtimprovfest.com/