There’s a unique improv troupe hitting the stage at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival. The Improvaneers call themselves the world’s first Down syndrome improv collective. Their motto is one they yell together with glee: “No fear, Improvaneers!” Improv is fast-paced, think-on-your-feet comedic acting with plot points yelled out by audience members. It’s a challenge for anyone. The Improvaneers are all young adults with Down syndrome, like Henry Snow, who says this about performing: “I feel motivated, I feel loved, I feel amped up!” His dad, Rob Snow, is the founder of an organization based in Cleveland called Stand-Up for Downs. He says this kind of theatrical project helps his son and others. “Anybody who takes an improv class is going to learn something, whether it’s a better way to communicate with others, eye contact, voice projection. It gives you a big dose of self-confidence, but also problem solving, quick thinking, creative thinking. So when I started the program, I thought, well, all of this plays with people with developmental disabilities and people with all abilities, right?” The performers are building their social and workplace skills while trusting each other in front of live audiences. Audrey Costilow says: “Since everyone has my back, I have their own back as well.” Just for Laughs headline comedian Ron Funches visited their rehearsal at Theatre Ste-Catherine to talk about challenging people’s perceptions and breaking barriers. That’s all part of a 2027 film about the Improvaneers. Performer Nick Doyle is playing it cool when asked about being followed through Montreal by a documentary film crew: “Oh well, speaking of challenging, they are challenging. But if I’m being honest, we got the best crew.” The cast and crew will all be at Theatre Ste-Catherine (264 Ste-Catherine Street East) on July 25 at 5 p.m. for live performances by The Improvaneers. Tickets are $25 for a one-of-a-kind show.
