The improv team from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer, Alberta, is heading to national finals after winning top honours at two provincial competitions. The team secured a gold medal at the Wildfire Teen Improv Festival in early February 2026 and later won the regional title for the Canadian Improv Games.
This victory marks a significant step up for the students, who earned a silver at the Nosebowl and bronze at the Canadian Improv Games in 2025. Coach Tara Koett, a teacher at the school, helped guide the group through the tournament held in Edmonton.
Winning the regional championship gives the team the chance to represent Alberta at the national festival in Ottawa from April 15-18, 2026. The competition will take place at the National Gallery of Canada and the National Arts Centre.
Dill Prusko, a producer for the games, noted that the Red Deer team stood out for their sense of humour and how well they supported other schools during the matches. The program focuses on teaching students skills like listening, creativity, and confidence through acting.
To help pay for travel costs, the team is hosting a fundraiser on March 26, 2026, at 7 p.m. featuring professional performers from Rapid Fire Theatre. The community can also support the students through a GoFundMe page created to cover their airfare and hotel expenses.
