RUMFORD – As days get longer, but stay cold, windy and muddy, local improv comedy groups are gearing up for their 2nd Annual Western Maine Improv Comedy Festival.

The event kicks off  at 7 p.m. April 3 at Rumford’s Mt. Valley High School, where local groups, the Teacher’s Lounge Mafia, Mt. Blue Curtain Raisers and Rumford’s Room for Improvment showcase their unique improv stylings and stretch their comedy legs.

Night two is 7 p.m. April 4 at Mt. Blue Campus’s Bjorn Auditorium. That evening features the Improv Comedy Mud Bowl, an all-in-good-fun competition improv event.

Hosted and refereed by Laughletics’ Jimmy Sorrel, the festivities involve teams challenging one another to the sorts of improv games seen on television’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” The audience provides not only the suggestions for the actors, but also the final verdict. Who wins and loses depends upon the crowd’s applause.

Facing off that evening will be the Curtain Raisers, Teachers Lounge Mafia, and Room for Improvment, head to head with members of Rhode Island’s Boom Scones, seasoned improv veterans who perform across New England.

Admission for each night of the festival is a suggested donation of $5. This event serves as the major fundraiser for the Mt. Blue Curtain Raisers and Room for Improvment as they make plans for their annual sojourn to Boston. 

Questions may be sent to: [email protected].