V4 Improv Connect 2.0: Stories Without Borders

About the Project

Improvisational theatre is still underrepresented across the V4 region. In most national cultural statistics, theatre is reported as one broad category, and improv is rarely tracked separately. As a result, improv often lacks institutional visibility, recognition, and consistent access to funding. Only a small number of theatres in V4 countries include improv in their regular repertoires, and structured training is unevenly available in acting schools and traditional theatres. Even when improv is present, it is often seen as “light comedy” rather than a full-fledged theatrical art form with cultural, social, and educational value.

Language is another barrier. Many festivals and workshops operate mainly in English, which can exclude local audiences and limit outreach—especially to young people and communities who already face obstacles to cultural participation.

Phase 1 of V4 Improv Connect (2023–2025), supported by the International Visegrad Fund, showed clear demand and strong potential. We connected improv communities in Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and North Macedonia; created two original long-form formats for theatre venues; delivered outreach through free workshops and performances; and supported skill development for partner trainers. To build on those gains, we now need sustained collaboration and a stronger structure—so the progress doesn’t fade. Learn more about Phase 1 here

V4 Improv Connect 2.0 continues this work by linking improv communities in Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary, and Poland through Improv Labs, touring shows, and built-in outreach (free tickets and introductory workshops for schools, universities, and marginalized groups).

A key outcome of the project is the creation of a new show format that doesn’t alienate non-English speakers: a multilingual, language-barrier-free, story-first format that combines music, movement, non-verbal elements, and theatrical storytelling. The format will be released under a Creative Commons (CC BY) license and shared publicly through this website, so other groups can adapt and use it—helping improv become more accessible, inclusive, and visible as part of the Visegrad region’s cultural identity.

(Photos from the V4 Improv Connect project Phase 1 )

Project Implementation Period

  • From: 2 March 2026  Until: 31 May 2027
    (15 months: Labs, touring, outreach, evaluation, dissemination)

What We Will Do

Improv Labs (4 total – one per V4 country)
Intensive 2–3 day creative labs where V4 trainers and performers co-create the new multilingual format, supported by external experts (e.g., physical theatre, musical improv, long-form, narrative).

Tours (5 total)
Touring shows presenting the new format in traditional theatre venues across the V4 region (in venues different from Phase 1), including one flagship performance linked to a larger platform (e.g., a major improv/ theatre festival).

Outreach Workshops (at least 4 total)
Free workshops and/or free tickets for high schools, universities, and marginalized groups (e.g., refugees, LGBTQ+ communities, minorities, Roma communities, senior citizens), delivered with local NGOs and institutions.

Creative Commons CC BY (Open Access)
This website will host videos, notes, blogs, and resources. Outputs will be published under Creative Commons CC BY to encourage reuse and adaptation by other groups and theatres.

A Note of Gratitude
Our journey has been made possible through the invaluable support of the Visegrad Fund. Our proposal is a crystallized vision of fostering a vibrant and interwoven tapestry of improv communities in the V4 region. It perfectly resonates with the Visegrad Grants’ ethos, championing sustainable regional cooperation and celebrating cultural identity. Here’s to making a significant imprint on the V4 region’s improv community and cultural canvas!

Tour Dates
Specific cities and venues will be confirmed soon.

Tour #1: Slovakia
Tour #2: Czechia
Tour #3: Poland
Tour #4: Hungary
Tour #5: International

Stay tuned for detailed announcements on the hosting cities and venues!

Expected Results

  • A new language-barriar-free show format released under CC BY
  • 4 Improv Labs (one in each V4 country)
  • 5 public performances / tours
  • 500+ audience members engaged
  • 100+ youth and marginalized community participants reached through outreach
  • A Digital Hub for long-term dissemination

Fund Acknowledgement

This project is supported by the International Visegrad Fund.

Project Partners: 

Itt és Most Társulat’s primary focus is improvisation, emphasizing its potential for personal and community growth. They provide training using techniques from applied improvisation, promoting conscious presence, curiosity, and open-mindedness in daily life. The group values their comprehensive programs tailored for both schools and adults, addressing sensitive topics with expert-led improvisational theater. Established in December 2018, the Itt és Most Theater and Community Square in the Ferencváros district serves as a vibrant cultural hub. Their team, comprising improv actors, trainers, drama teachers, writers, and more, spans multiple creative fields.

Joke Division is a new theatre project founded by actor and comedian Lada Karda, the founder of České národní improvizační divadlo, z.z. (Czech National Improvisation Theatre). It focuses on theatrical improvisation and stand-up, from comedic shows to more serious formats. Joke Division regularly collaborates with other improvisational groups and organizes stand-up evenings. The parent ensemble (four actors, two actresses, and a musician) performs a distinctive author-led style of improvisation across stages and site-specific venues, and regularly appears at major festivals in Czechia and internationally—while advocating for improv as a full-fledged theatrical art form.

Teatr Wschodni / The Eastern Theater is located in Lublin, Poland. It is envisioned as a space where local perspectives intersect with international activities. They aim for their venue to serve as a residence for artists and cultural animators from both Poland and abroad, whom they will be inviting. Although the Teatr Wschodni Foundation is relatively new, it has been established by individuals with extensive experience in the arts and animation.

Applicant partner / organizer:

The International Society for Arts and Culture (ISAC) is a non-profit organisation that supports performing arts and cultural exchange. As an umbrella organisation, ISAC runs initiatives such as Funnylicious Theater and Story Nights, and is also developing new work in film, performing arts projects, and community space development. Across everything we do, our goal is simple: to make the performing arts more accessible and welcoming to everyone.

ISAC’s flagship project is Funnylicious Theater, a multicultural improv theatre in Bratislava known for an eclectic mix of shows and formats. Funnylicious has represented Slovakia at international improv festivals and continues to advocate for improvisation as a serious, full-fledged theatre form—one with real cultural, social, and educational value. Despite the playful name, the mission is clear: to broaden what improv can be, and to engage both Slovak and international audiences through high-quality, diverse performance work.

Press Contact:
hello@isac-eu.org
www.isac-eu.org

The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.