Utrecht Improv Festival 2025

Three Days of Free Fun, Insight & Laughter. Join Utrecht’s Improv Festival for Shows, Workshops, and Creative Connections! On 26th, 27th and 28th September 2025 at the
De Berenkuil Theatre, Utrecht, NL

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About Us

The Utrecht Improv Festival 2025 is a three-day celebration of creativity, curiosity, and connection in the heart of Utrecht. This unique event is organized by Merrill Multimedia, the Improv Utrecht Theatre & Workshops Company and various top professional improvisors and trainers, proudly sponsored by the Utrecht Municipality.This year's edition explores how improvisational theatre can enrich scientific thinking, communication, and collaboration. Through hands-on workshops, engaging performances, and interactive sessions, we invite scientists, artists, educators, and curious minds to discover the playful power of improv.Whether you're a researcher, student, performer, or simply someone who loves to learn and laugh, this free and inclusive festival offers a space to grow, connect, and be inspired.Join us from 26–28 September 2025 and experience where science meets spontaneity.

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Line-up

Festival IntroductionThe Utrecht Improv Festival 2025 is a three-day celebration of creativity, spontaneity, and human connection through improvisational theatre. With workshops, performances, and interactive sessions led by international trainers and local talents, the festival brings together professionals, students, and curious newcomers to explore the power of improv in storytelling, science, communication, and everyday life.Trainer & Speaker Bios

Maartje Mikx - Welcome & Interaction
Maartje opens the festival with energy and humour, making sure everyone feels included and ready to dive into the programme.
About the trainer: Maartje Mikx is a professional event presenter, organiser, and comedian. With a wide background in business development, corporate learning, and knowledge management, she excels at audience interaction. Book Maartje as stage host (dagvoorzitter), MC, or moderator.

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Dr. Frank Kupper – Improv and the Dialogue Between Science and SocietyDr. Frank Kupper - Engaging the public in research through dialogue and play.How do you foster meaningful interaction between science and society? In this interactive keynote, Frank Kupper explores the art of public engagement, encouraging researchers to think from the outside in, listen actively, and discover the opportunities that arise from dialogue with the audience. Through playful exercises and discussion, participants reflect on new ways to involve the public in research and open up possibilities for collaborative learning.About the trainer: Frank Kupper combines expertise in biology, philosophy, and theater to facilitate conversations about science. As founder of Mens in de Maak, he develops theatrical interventions that spark reflection and dialogue on societal issues. He also serves as an associate professor at the Vrije Universiteit, focusing on engagement and dialogue in the context of open science.Watch Frank Kupper's TedX Talk below:

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Sjoerd Provoost - Improv Try-out Lesson
Are you curious about improv theatre? This workshop introduces the basic techniques and mindset of improvisation through fun and easy games. No experience needed, just come and play!
About the trainer: Sjoerd Provoost is an experienced improv coach and performer who specialises in guiding beginners through their first steps in improv with warmth and playfulness.

Marieke van Laar - PowerPoint Karaoke
What if you had to present without any preparation? In this hilarious workshop, you’ll give a spontaneous presentation using random slides. Learn how to engage your audience, boost your confidence, and discover your creative side. The best presentation you never prepared!
About the trainer: Marieke van Laar is the organiser of this festival, founder of Improv Utrecht, and manager of TheatersportWorkshops and Workshop PowerPoint Karaoke. With a background in HR Learning & Development and broad management experience, she combines improv with professional training. Book Marieke for team-building or Learning & Development advice via Improv Utrecht.

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Jenny Hasenack - Creative Thinking for Scientists
Science requires accuracy and facts, but too much focus on these can stifle creativity. In this workshop, reconnect with your creative side, improve problem-solving, and generate new ideas for your work.
Improv Your Dutch
In improv, mistakes are celebrated! This workshop uses the joy of failing, silliness, and play to help participants feel more comfortable speaking Dutch.
About the trainer: Jenny Hasenack is a trainer, actor in improvised theatre, and science communicator. She holds a Master’s in Chemistry from the University of Amsterdam and the Free University, specialising in homogeneous catalysis and science communication.

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Matthijs Meulblok - Coaching & Judging at Theatresports –(experienced improvisers only)
Are you joining the Theatresports Derby Match? This workshop teaches you the role and value of judges in a match. Preparation: read the Rechterhandleiding (Dutch or English).
About the trainer: Matthijs Meulblok is a veteran of the theatresports scene with years of experience as a coach and judge. He helps advanced improvisers sharpen their skills in competitive formats.

Kevin Miller - Friday Evening Double Show
As Seen on TV — An improvised longform where the cast performs a TV series or film in the genre chosen by the audience.
Coach Rookard Teaches Improv, — An interactive open jam where audience members are invited to join the fun on stage, or just sit back and enjoy.
About the trainer: Kevin Miller is a U.S.-based improviser and director known for audience-centred shows and dynamic teaching. He tours internationally, offering workshops and performances that mix fun and learning.

Iwan Dam - Spot On: Presenting with Confidence
Turn presenting from a source of nerves into an empowering experience. With short texts, you’ll explore posture, voice, and rhythm to transform your delivery. Expect feedback, inspiration, and laughter.
About the trainer: Iwan Dam is an actor and theatre maker who helps people discover their authentic stage presence. With deep expertise in body language, voice, and performance dynamics, he makes presenting playful, interactive, and confidence-building.

Dr. Aniek Ivens - Improv Your Science: Enjoy Audience Interaction
Learn to shift focus from yourself to your audience, involve them with your core message, and embrace failing as part of engaging science communication.
About the trainer: Dr Aniek Ivens is an evolutionary ecologist who unites her scientific expertise with improv through Academic Improv, her company that bridges research and performance. Book her workshop Improv(e) Your Science Communication for academics and research groups.

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Nina Saunders - At the festival, she leads:Healing Stages: Improvising Your Way to Insight, Resilience, and RenewalSomatic Spotlight: Turning Wounds Into WisdomThe ReScripting Method: Rewrite Your Story, Redesign Your Life.About the trainer: Nina Saunders is a lecturer at Breda University of Applied Sciences, certified yoga teacher, and therapeutic coach. With a background in theatre, film, and embodied wellness, she designs playful and creative workshops that support healing, resilience, and personal growth through improvisation and storytelling.

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Suzan Lemont - At the festival, she leads:Life Skills & Movement ImprovThe Stories Our Bodies Tell
About the trainer: Suzan Lemont is a dance-theatre maker, expressive arts therapist, and educator with over 40 years of experience in movement improvisation. She blends movement, theatre, and personal development to help participants explore body awareness, life skills, and storytelling through movement.

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Burgert Kirsten - He currently shares his expertise through:The Friday Drop-in Lesson of Improv UtrechtCreative SpontaneityStorytelling TechniquesAbout the trainer: Burgert Kirsten is an Organizational Psychologist and improv trainer dedicated to fostering creativity, adaptability, and collaboration in teams and organizations. His Master’s research on using improvisational theatre to enhance workgroup innovation was published in the South African Journal of Industrial Psychology. Burgert holds multiple International Coach Federation–accredited certifications in individual and team coaching and has led workshops on leadership, team innovation, and creative collaboration for top South African business schools, multinational companies, and international conferences.

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Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro) will lead:Crash Course in Dealing with Change
Veranderkunst voor Managers / The Art of Change ManagementChange is inevitable, but how you respond to it makes all the difference. In this workshop, Michel Verheijden demonstrates how improvisation can transform change from a threat into an opportunity. Through humor, interactive exercises, and practical insights, he makes complex processes tangible, engaging, and immediately applicable.About the trainer: Michel Verheijden is an improvisational comedian and change expert renowned for his ability to blend sharp insight with humour. As part of MiEr, one of the Netherlands’ leading improv ensembles, he has performed and trained at large events, helping teams and leaders approach change with creativity and confidence. Watch his video on Speedcursus omgaan met verandering.

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Joost Augusteijn - Innovaties in de Muziek en Jouw Organisatie | Learning Organizational Innovation from Pop PusicInnovation is all about new ideas, possibilities, and applications. Pop music is constantly evolving, driven by fresh ideas and bold experimentation. In this workshop, Joost Augusteijn explores the core of revolutionary ideas from pop music and shows how these insights can be applied to your organization. Together, participants discover how to spark creativity and drive transformative innovation.About the trainer: Joost Augusteijn, known as the Popprofessor, shares surprising stories from pop music, enriched with music and video. With a background as a strategic advisor for both commercial and societal organizations, he skillfully bridges the world of pop music with organizational challenges. Whether you want to inspire your team or enjoy an engaging evening of pop music history, Joost brings insight, entertainment, and practical lessons to the table.

Frank Paats - Actief Ontsaaien / Unwind and UnboreFrank Paats and De Ontsaaiers | Making teambuilding fun, creative, and memorable
A teambuilding event doesn’t have to be boring. In this workshop, Frank Paats and De Ontsaaiers show how laughter, play, and creativity can transform team experiences. Through interactive exercises rooted in improvisational theatre and insights from group dynamics, participants engage in activities that are as enjoyable as they are meaningful.About the trainer: Frank Paats leads De Ontsaaiers, a team of creative trainers delivering teambuildings, company shows, and innovative sessions. Their approach blends fun with practical learning, ensuring every event balances entertainment, engagement, and team development.

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Programme

We developed a vibrant three-day schedule of free improv theatre workshops, performances, and interactive sessions exploring the playful side of science and storytelling.

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