Manila Improv Festival, Asia’s biggest festival for improvisational theater and comedy, returns for its 7th year, happening from March 25 to 29, 2026, at The Proscenium Theater, Rockwell.
Photo: Manila Improv Festival
Started in 2015 by SPIT Manila and its school, Third World Improv, the Manila Improv Festival has earned a growing following among local and international improvisers, enthusiasts, and fans. Recently, improv comedy has broken through mainstream media with the success of SPIT Manila and other improv groups on social media. The festival aims to make improvisation more accessible to a wider, more diverse audience than ever before.
“We are very excited to be part of this year’s Manila Improv Festival. Sanghimig is a firm believer in creating experiences that build and strengthen creative communities across borders,” said Irvinne Redor, MIF 2026 festival director and producer. “It’s a privilege for us in shaping this global meeting point for improvisers that also provides a platform to showcase Filipino talent in the performing arts.”
With the theme of “Rise to the Moment,” Filipino audiences can expect over 70 improv groups from the Philippines and over 20 countries.
SPIT Manila, together with dance group Galaw.Co Dance Theater and Drum Circle PH will open the festival at The Proscenium Main Stage. The festival will feature more Filipino improv groups such as Housekeeping Improv, Noted with Thanks, Isprikitik Improv, and Buwan ng Wika Improv, performing at The Proscenium Black Box Theater and other pocket locations in the complex.
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Notable international improv groups performing at the MIF 2026 include Oshow (Japan), Landry and Summers (US), Formosa Improv Group (Taiwan), Beijing Improv (China), Improv Lore (India), The Joy Riders (Australia), Imfrog (South Korea), and Les Musicables (Singapore).
The Festival will also feature over 30 improv workshops held in several locations in Makati, facilitated by local and international improvisers spanning a wide range of improvisational theater and applied improv topics.
“For most improvisers, the art form is so close to their heart—almost like home,” said Karl Echaluse, MIF 2026’s artistic director. “That’s why we’re so excited to host again this year’s Manila Improv Festival as we get to experience our ‘home’ as well as bring together our improviser friends from all over the world and share our art here to Filipino audiences.”
This year’s Manila Improv Festival is produced by Sanghimig Performing Arts and Travel Consultancy in association with SPIT Manila and in partnership with Rockwell Center’s The Proscenium Theater.
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Show tickets and limited workshop passes are currently available for purchase at manilaimprovfestival.com/tickets. To be updated on the groups and schedules during MIF 2026, follow Manila Improv Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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