The Making-Box is expanding its improv classes to Kitchener

As The Making-Box improv theatre prepares for a new season of classes, the Guelph-based company is in the process of expanding to neighbouring Kitchener.

The Making-Box first opened its improv classroom in 2016 in a temporary space, then moved into its permanent Cork Street location in Guelph in 2017. Co-founder Jay Reid calls it ‘an experiment that went horribly right’.

Earlier this year, the company tested the waters by offering improv classes in a Kitchener space and will begin a new series of classes at a building on 44 Gaukel St. starting Sept. 11, said Hayley Kellett, improv incubator director for The Making Box.

The Making-Box sold out its first round of Kitchener classes earlier this year.

“Our first round of classes went really well and their first student showcase back in July at the Kitchener Little Theatre It was an absolutely incredible event,” said Kellett.

The existing improv community in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge has been really welcoming, said Kellett. “Theatre on the Edge out of Cambridge are so lovely and they are actually going to be coming to perform with us at The Making Box in November.”

Theatre on the Edge teaches a slightly different style of improv than The Making-Box, said Kellett. She expects the two companies will complement each other, not compete.

“I’m not worried about any turf wars,” said Kellett. “We really take care of each other in the improv world.”

The Making-Box has brought on Katy Warren to teach improv classes in Kitchener. In 2015, Warren won Season 2 of Canada’s Smartest Person.

“She’s a phenomenal talent and we are incredibly lucky to have her teaching with us in Kitchener,” said Kellett.

Adult Improv Incubator classes begin again in September on Monday and Wednesday nights in both Guelph and Kitchener, said Kellett. Registration is now open here.

Weekend youth and teen classes also launch in September in the Guelph location. Kellett said The Making-Box has classes for everyone from ages six to 76.

“Anyone who wants to come and learn with us can definitely do that,” she said.

The Making-Box is currently making preparations for this October’s Guelph Comedy Festival, with a preview gala scheduled for Sept. 22. Kellett said the festival’s final line up will be announced around the same time as the gala.