With a special improv match from the Ligue d’improvisation étudiante universitaire (LIEU) happening March 19 in celebration of the Mois de la Francophonie, students explain why they love the spontaneity and quick thinking associated with improvisation, and why their activity is a cultural force.
The audience plays a key role in the experience.
“We’re the home for improv in French.”
Camille Landry
— LIEU president
“During my time with LIEU, accents from every region of Quebec, from Acadia, France and, of course, French Ontario, have filled Café Omni with laughter and joy,” says Camille.
The LIEU, proud of its history and Franco-Ontarian roots, has many former members who’ve become known in the arts, including comedian and actor Katherine Levac. The group Improtéine is also made up of former LIEU members like Martin Laporte, Vincent Poirier, Nadia Campbell, Stéphane Guertin and Olivier Nadon. Jonathan Dion, a comedian currently on a cross-Canada tour, as well as Amélie Trottier, a theatre and television actor, were also LIEU members.
For many participants, the LIEU is much more than just a student club.
“The LIEU has been not only a place to develop as a Francophone artist for me, but also a community.”
Zack Tibbles
— LIEU member since 2019
Kiera Morneault, a member since 2023, describes the unique mood of the improv evenings: “In a basement in downtown Ottawa, there’s loud music and people chatting... There’s some sort of buzz in the room. At 8 o’clock sharp, the event starts.”
“We’re the court jesters. We laugh and fool around. It’s a little escape from everyday life.”
Kiera Morneault
— LIEU member since 2023
The troupe continues to make a name for itself in the university world. Recently, it won a prize for nicest team at the Coupe Universitaire d’Improvisation, while Tibbles was named a favourite of the Paradoxe tournament in Lévis.
On March 19, the LIEU will be presenting their special match in the Terminus (UCU, Level 2) to mark the Mois de la Francophonie.
Inspired by Ligue nationale d’improvisation rules and practices, the match will follow the traditional formula: moments of seriousness and decorum... but mostly laughs. The league teams — the Bleus, Rouges, Verts and Jaunes — will face off on stage in a fully improvised show, where each twist, each comeback you see will be totally new.
The regular season continues each week, with teams racking up wins, losses and penalties, as they prepare for the playoffs.
Do you like comedy, are you passionate about theatre or do you just want to discover French improv in an electric setting? The LIEU promises you an unforgettable evening.
Three dates not to be missed:
- March 19: Special Mois de la Francophonie match
- April 2: Semifinals
- April 9: Grande finale
Prepare your cheers and spur on your favourite team!