Program Manager
alconnors@improv.ca
Operations Manager
operations@improv.ca
Elizabeth Glenn, Newfoundland Regional Producer
newfoundland@improv.ca
Based in St. John’s, Elizabeth is a junior high/high school teacher and a passionate improv educator. She’s taught across the country for over a decade as a coach, CIG volunteer, Improv U trainer, and currently as the CIG Newfoundland Regional Producer. At home, she performs and produces improv shows with her troupe, No Vowels, who recently debuted their second sketch comedy show at NL Sketch Fest. Elizabeth is a proud Improv U alum!
Lucas Arab, Nova Scotia Regional Producer
novascotia@improv.ca
Lucas has been participating with the Canadian Improv Games for eight years. He’s been a player, coach, and now Regional Producer of Nova Scotia. Lucas considers himself to be a “Professional Make-Believer” as a Scenic Designer for theatre, having designed over a dozen productions in Atlantic Canada. He also works at Neptune Theatre, Atlantic Canada’s largest professional theatre, initiating unique educational programs for high school students in theatre design and behind-the-scenes training. Lucas is thrilled to be back as a Regional Producer this season!
Mitchell Horne, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Trainer
Mitchell is a loyal CIG volunteer and staff member; a teacher and student of improv.
He says: Be good to one another! Love yourself and love the world. No one can be human on their own, but together we will live and thrive.
Julie Dunleavy, Quebec Regional Producer
montreal@improv.ca
Julie (she/her) has been involved with the Games since 2012. She discovered her love for improvising as a player in the Tri-City region, where improv kept her in the moment and she created life-long friendships. She wanted to stay part of the magic, so began to volunteer in 2015 in Ottawa, Sudbury-Northern Ontario, and Quebec regions, as well as The National Festival.
She has been trained and done shows through The Making Box in Guelph, Montreal Improv, Variations Mile End, and was in an improv troupe in Ottawa for two years. Since 2022, Julie has been training CIG players and producing shows in the Quebec region, and she ain’t too shabby on the DJ deck at Nationals, either. She can’t wait to see the Box being won once again by Someone’s Dad, so she’ll be around for the years to come.
Mark Everson, Ottawa Regional Producer
ottawa@improv.ca
Mark (Foreva Eva) Everson started out as a player in the Ottawa region, and now, 16 years later, he is the Ottawa Regional Producer! Mark has reffed, judged, and sold What’s in the Box tickets all across Ontario and Quebec. Outside of the CIG, Mark works as a policy analyst with the Federal government, is a frequent trivia night silver medalist, and is constantly on the hunt for the world’s best apple butter recipe!
Glenys Marshall, Ottawa Trainer
Glenys Marshall (she/her) is an improv all-rounder with a 3-foot vertical. She’s been Ottawa’s official trainer and head referee since 2022, a responsibility so great and powerful it threatens the provincial government. A musical comedian and sketch artist in her ample spare time, she knows the fastest way to capture the audience’s attention is to just be honest and tell them you love them. FUN FACT: Her “1” in “5,4,3,2,1, improv!” is a big thumbs up!!
Wilding, Kingston Regional Producer
kingston@improv.ca
Rowyn McGinley, Toronto Regional Producer
toronto@improv.ca
Rowyn is the current Toronto Regional Producer at the Canadian Improv Games; a nation wide youth improv festival, and one of the largest theatre festivals in Canada. He has been performing and teaching improv throughout Canada for almost 10 years, and has experience writing, directing, and producing with local theatre companies.
Grace Lawrence, Toronto Regional Trainer
grace@improv.ca
Clare Reid, TriCity Regional Producer
tricity@improv.ca
Clare Reid (they/them) began their CIG journey as a player in the Tri-City region back in 2012. Now, with the experience of a player, a student coach, a ref, a judge and a trainer, they are in their second season of producing the Tri-City region! When Clare isn’t scream-laughing at an improv event, they are working in post-secondary education to create programs and pathways for Black and Indigenous (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) youth. Clare is grateful for the spaces, places and faces CIG opened up to them as a high school student and is honoured to carry out that work for the next generation of performers, leaders and world-changers.
Kez Vicario-Robinson, TriCity Regional Trainer
Kez Vicario-Robinson has over a decade of experience as an arts worker, performer, and facilitator. They’re a trainer and head referee for the Tri-City Region of The Canadian Improv Games. They work with Spectrum Waterloo Region running programming for 2SLGBTQ+ people who are neurodivergent. Kez has worked with OK2BEME and other Waterloo Region community organizations leading improv, puppetry, stand up, and other performance focused workshops and classes. As a performer Kez has been featured at JFL42, Guelph Comedy Festival, and Canadian Festival of Spoken Word, among others. Kez has been involved with the CIG for almost 15 years, and has run specialized workshops at the National Festival for the past 3 years.
Billy Wray, Sudbury & Northern Ontario Regional Producer
sudbury@improv.ca
Billy Wray (he/him) was dared to join a CIG team by a friend and has now been doing improv for 20 years. He takes dares very seriously. He’s been a player, coach, judge, ref, and more from Ontario to Newfoundland, although he is most at home in the Sudbury and Northern Ontario region. When not improvising, Billy can be found playing volleyball, heckling referees at PWHL hockey games, and trying to teach his dog to become the next Air Bud.
Khris Finley, Sudbury & Northern Ontario Regional Producer
sudbury@improv.ca
David Wray, Sudbury & Northern Ontario Regional Producer
sudbury@improv.ca
The Shaw Festival, three consecutive seasons at the Stratford Festival, over twenty Mirvish performances, and four touring productions of Phantom of the Opera: David (he/him) has been in the audience for all of these. While participating in the arts, David owns and operates Prism Theatre in the Park, which is celebrating its 15th season this year. He has taught improv and theatre for all ages across Ontario, and he has been with the Sudbury and Northern Ontario region since 2008, as a player, ref, judge, trainer, stage manager, and more. He has represented both the SNO region at the National festival, and represented Canada at an international Improv competition, and is thrilled to be back with the region.
Emily O’Keefe, Manitoba Regional Producer
manitoba@improv.ca
Emily O’Keefe (They/She) has been a member of the Canadian Improv Games since 2007 where they began as a player. Since then, they have gone on to hold many roles within the organization. Traveling across the country to volunteer, and work at tournaments, national festivals, and camps. Bringing with them, their skills of judging, producing, performing, and training. Although they started their journey in Newfoundland, and loved their time as Newfoundland Regional Producer, they’ve made a home in Manitoba with their partner (who they met at improv camp!) and child. Emily wants everyone to have the most best time, and to commit themselves to every moment.
Aaron Merke, Manitoba Regional Trainer
Aaron Merke is a Canadian actor, comedian, and improviser known for his grounded, collaborative approach to both stage and screen. Trained in long-form improv under Del Close (Chicago) and at Second City Toronto, Aaron has built a reputation for quick-witted, character-driven comedy with groups like BUCKO (with Lauren Cochrane) and RUBBLE RUBBLE. His smart, layered humor has entertained audiences across Canada and beyond. Alongside his live comedy work, Aaron continues to build an impressive film and television resume. You can see him in upcoming projects including Normal (a feature starring Bob Odenkirk), Psycho Killer as Lewis Wilkes, and The Safe Haven series. His past credits include MuchMusic’s ‘Video on Trial,’ his own series ‘LOL,’ and a variety of independent films, where he’s recognized for bringing authenticity and comedic timing to every role.
Aaron is also passionate about supporting new talent through teaching and producing with the Royal Awesome Society. Whether performing, mentoring, or creating, he aims to foster genuine connection, discovery, and a few well-earned laughs. Check out Aaron’s full filmography on IMDb
Calla Reis, Saskatchewan Regional Producer
sask@improv.ca
Calla Reis (she/her) has been part of the Canadian Improv Games since 2012, taking on roles as a Player, Coach, What’s-in-the-Boxer, referee, judge, and now Regional Producer. By day, she’s the local Toby Flenderson—putting the “human” in Human Resources. By night, her true passion shines through: being as delightfully silly as Michael Scott (preferably on an improv stage!). Calla performs quarterly with her Regina-based improv troupe, In Good Company. Outside of work, she’s a devoted dog mom to her pup, Finch, and enjoys painting, reading, and sewing—embracing her “grandma hobbies” with pride. Next on her list? Learning to knit and adding another cozy skill to her repertoire.
Dill Prusko, CIG Alberta Regional Producer (Director of Youth Education at Rapid Fire Theatre)
youth@rapidfiretheatre.com
Dill is the Alberta regional producer of the Canadian Improv Games, and is proud to be the Director of Youth, main ensemble member, and part of the touring company at Rapid Fire Theatre. Working with youth is their passion, and they are the team lead at a drop-in centre that provides support to youth experiencing homelessness in Edmonton, Alberta. Fun fact about them, their grade 12 CIG team made it to nationals and absolutely tanked!
Sarah Ferguson, Lower Mainland Regional Producer
lowermainland@improv.ca
Sarah Ferguson (she/her) is an actor, improvisor, and teacher in Vancouver, BC. She holds a diploma in Theatre Performance from Mount Royal University, and a BFA in Theatre from Simon Fraser University. Sarah is one of Tightrope Theatre’s Co-Founders, Director of Operations & Marketing, and performs regularly with their ensemble. As a faculty member, Sarah is dedicated to developing exciting programming for Tightrope’s Youth & Teens. She has been the Lower Mainland Regional producer for The Canadian Improv Games since 2022, and is so excited to be back for another season!
Riley Hardwick, Lower Mainland Trainer and Online Regional Producer
online@improv.ca
Riley Hardwick (he/him) is an improviser, actor, and Jessie Award-winning sound designer. A graduate of Studio 58, he performs regularly at The Improv Centre and with his comedy duo Little Tall Guys. He has taught with the Canadian Improv Games, Arts Club, Arts Umbrella, and more.”
Erin Purghart, Lower Mainland Regional Trainer
Erin Purghart is an actor, comedian and award-winning producer based in Lower Mainland, BC. Erin graduated with a BFA in Acting in 2021 and has since produced and performed in independent film, professional stage productions, and comedy shows across North America. As an improviser, Erin has performed locally with companies including Instant Theatre, QueerProv, Tightrope Improv Theatre and That’s gay! comedy, as well as at improv festivals including Bellingham Improv Festival, Vancouver International Improv Festival and Wasatch Improv Festival.
Travis Stanley, Vancouver Island Regional Producer
vancouverisland@improv.ca
Travis Stanley is an experienced improviser and trained Shakespearean actor. He has performed with Dave Morris’s Master Class Ensemble, in Victoria Fringe, and Victoria’s Shakespeare by the Sea. He presently works BC Registries as a Support Clerk.
Travis has been with the Canadian Improv Games for 17 years. He has been a player, a coach, a volunteer, a judge at the National Festival, and worked as a trainer at Improv Camp. Since 2021, he has taken on the role of Regional Producer of the Vancouver Island region. Outside of work, Travis is a avid tabletop gamer, a published writer on card games, and is a proud CIG Van Island alum.
Sam Wharram, Vancouver Island Regional Producer
vancouverisland@improv.ca
Sam Wharram is an improviser, actor, photographer and technician wrapped into a 5’5” bundle of joy. They have an extensive history of acting, and have been working with the CIG since 2016, and have been a player in the games since 2010. They believe that the power of play is important to life, and live their life with the mantra “Yes, And!”
Chris Ramelan, Board Chair
chris@improv.ca
Sabrina Haloulakos, Interim Treasurer
Sabrina Haloulakos is an experienced operations and strategy leader with a background spanning investment banking, consulting, and media/entertainment. She has led teams, driven strategic initiatives, and overseen organizational development across a range of industries. Passionate about fostering creative spaces and supporting youth in the arts, Sabrina brings a strong mix of business acumen and creative insight to her role with the Canadian Improv Games. A published poet and lifelong advocate for storytelling and collaboration, she is committed to helping build environments where young performers can grow, take risks, and thrive through creativity and play.
Nikhil Gupta, Board Member
Nik Gupta is a Management Consultant with McKinsey & Company residing in Toronto, Ontario. During his high school days, Nik was a participant in the Canadian Improv Games with The Woodlands School in Mississauga. Nik holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Oxford, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from McMaster University.
Shawn Norman, Board Member
Shawn Norman is a software developer and improviser living in Vancouver. He has been involved with the Canadian Improv Games for over 20 years in many different roles. Including regional producer and national head judge. He currently produces and performs in Little Mountain Improv monthly. Shawn is very excited to contribute his technical and artistic expertise the the board of directors.
Ashley Seaman, Board Member
Ashley Seaman is an Educator (B.Ed, OCT), TDSB Educational Partner, Improviser, and Expressive Arts Support Group Facilitator with experience in the mental health sector. She’s a faculty member at Bad Dog Theatre Company, and The Second City Training Centre where she has been teaching Improv to all ages for over 12 years. Ashley also operates Y.A.Y. Improv Comedy, a company that delivers health-oriented Improv workshops to support youth & teens in having more inclusive, happy experiences in schools & communities.
Bennett MacDonald, Board Member
Bennett MacDonald is a Project Coordinator at the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin, where he supports data-driven initiatives that address challenges facing job seekers, employers, and communities. He holds a BA (Hons) in Drama and Communications, Media & Film from the University of Windsor and a Master of Management from Trent University. This combination of education and experience allows Bennett to blend creative insight with strategic and organizational expertise in both his work and everyday life.
Though he never competed in the Canadian Improv Games growing up, Bennett is excited to bring his experience both onstage and behind the scenes to help the Games continue inspiring creativity, collaboration, and confidence in the next generation of performers.
Vanessa Thomas, Board Member
Born and raised in Ottawa, Vanessa participated with the initial competitive iteration of high school Improv competition with Theatresports,. Vanessa attended California State University, Long Beach for her Master’s degree in Acting after completing her undergrad at Concordia. In California, she became VP of Marketing and Sales for Premiere Radio Networks, and later headed up Sales and Marketing at Gavin Magazine. In between she spent five years on the air as “Jo Thomas” in morning and afternoon radio at KSAN/FM and KYCY/FM in San Francisco, and as “Tonya” on “Hot Talk with Tonya” on KHTK/AM in Sacramento. She performed with the original cast of the Acme Comedy players, a group which included Adam Carolla, Kathy Griffin, Ralph Garman and others. She also did voice over work, various commercials and theatre roles.
In Toronto, Vanessa was SVP, Sales for Nielsen Music, North America for twelve years. She opened the Canadian office for streaming service, Songza in 2014. She later spent time running competitor Rdio, then headed up Caras’ charity, MusiCounts. As Executive Director of the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of fame since 2016, she inducted and celebrated some of Canada’s finest Songwriters and Executive produced the induction Galas for Neil Young, Bruce Cockburn, Bryan Adams and others. She continued her on air work, doing swing shifts at CHFI and BOOM973 here in Toronto. Her Voice Over work continues with Canada’s Walk of Fame, the Canadian Screen Awards and other broadcasts
Margo Kehler, Board Member
Adam Andruko, Board Member
adam@improv.ca
Alice Howard, Board Member
Alice Howard (she/they) is an experienced project manager and thespian with over a decade of experience in improv and performance. She brings creativity, adaptability, and a deep commitment to community development into every role she takes on. She currently serves as a Project Manager in the Education and Social Development department at the Métis National Council, where she helps design and implement initiatives that support Métis learners and families across the Homeland.
Their journey began in the world of comedy at Carleton University, where she honed her skills as a performer and leader serving as President of the Carleton Improv Association. Alice continued with improv as a Facilitator with the Ottawa Improv Embassy and producer for the Ottawa Improv Festival 2025. She has also taken the stage as a stand-up comedian, blending sharp wit with storytelling to connect with audiences and spark laughter.
Whether she’s managing complex projects or leading a workshop, they thrive at the intersection of strategy and spontaneity, building spaces where people feel empowered, engaged, and inspired!
Gary Corneil, Board Member
Gary Larose has been involved with the Canadian Improv Games for more than 35
years. Over that time, he has taken on a wide range of roles including judge, trainer, regional coordinator, Nationals Tournament & Festival Production Coordinator, Stage Manager, and Archivist. His work has focused on supporting volunteers, preserving the Game’s history, and helping programs run smoothly at both the regional and national levels. He also works in support of the Parliament of Canada in public education and outreach, where he develops national programs that promote civic learning and public engagement. He brings a deep understanding of youth programming, community-building, and organizational continuity, shaped by decades of hands-on experience with the Games and in the broader public sector.
Sara Demizio, Board Member
Sara Demizio is a people and culture leader, advisor, and founder of humanhood, a human leadership and employee experience advisory. Through strategic advisory, workshops, and people experience design, humanhood supports leaders and organizations in navigating culture, communication, and the most critical moments of the employee journey – from onboarding to becoming a working parent.
Sara’s connection to the Canadian Improv Games began in the early 2000s. She played on her high school improv team in Ottawa and volunteered for years while attending Carleton University – experiences that shaped her early leadership and her belief in the power of community, the arts, and youth empowerment programs.
She is thrilled to rejoin this community in a new capacity and contribute to the organization’s 50th year and beyond.
Sara is based in Brooklyn, NY, where she lives with her family.