Science & Improv festival

photo: Saeedeh Ghoshouni

Improv & Science: A Festival of Play, Insight & Connection is set to burst into life from 26–28 September at TheaterhuisDe Berenkuil in Utrecht. This vibrant, free-to-attend event celebrates the intersection of improvisational theatre and scientific thinking, inviting researchers, educators, students, artists, and curious minds to explore creativity in unexpected ways.

The festival is produced by Marieke van Laar of Improv Utrecht, Utrecht’s international improv school, and by Merrill Multimedia. This year’s edition is sponsored by the Utrecht Municipality, reaffirming the city’s commitment to innovation-driven cultural engagement. Other sponsors include Improv Utrecht and ZIMIHC Connect.

Highlights & Programme
Across three days, the festival offers a dynamic schedule of hands-on workshops, live performances, interactive sessions, and engaging evening shows, highlighted by:

Keynote session: Improv and the Dialogue Between Science and Society by Dr. Frank Kupper.
Keynote session: Crash course in Dealing with change by Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro)
Workshops covering themes from scientific communication, creative thinking, presentation skills, storytelling, body language, teambuilding, change management.
Specials: De popprofessor, Powerpoint Karaoke, theatresports match
Network space, games and a Speakers’ corner

All the workshops and lectures combine insights with playfulness, learning-by-doing and humor. Everyone is welcome, no science or theatre experience needed.