Improv & Science Festival
Improv & Science festival 26-28 Sept 2025
Improv & Science: A Festival of Play, Insight & Connection
We’re delighted to invite students, researchers, professors, professionals, team leaders, HR organisers of learning events, and anyone who is interested to the Improv Festival. This is organised and presented by Improv Utrecht in collaboration with Merrill Multimedia, supporting the Utrecht Science Week. Held from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September 2025 (09:30–21:30), this vibrant event is free and open to all— supporting the Science Week’s broader mission of inspiring minds through innovative exploration.
Why improv for a science audience?
- Creative agility & storytelling: Improv nurtures quick, adaptive thinking—valuable for scientific problem solving, research communication, and public engagement.
- Collaborative mindset: Just like in labs and interdisciplinary teams, improv thrives on listening, building on ideas, and co‑creation.
- Empathy & outreach: Through playful storytelling, participants practice conveying complex ideas with warmth and clarity—ideal for science communication.
How to sign up?
All activities are FREE, but you need to register to book your spot. You will find the ticket register at the event site and app: http://utrechtimprovfest.com
Programme
Location
Friday & Saturday 9:30-21:30 : Theaterhuis De Berenkuil, Utrecht.
Sunday 9:30-16:30 Snijzaal, behind De Berenkuil
Theatre – seating ~80 (lectures, workshops, evening shows)
Studio Oost – workshop space for ~40–50
Foyer – space to have drinks, information market, book sales, connect with other visitors
Snijzaal – workshop space for ~40 p.
Friday 26 Sep De Berenkuil
In the foyer and kleine studio whole day:
- books & flyer market. Find out more about all the events, trainers, improv schools, books etc.
- bar, drinks and maybe snacks/lunch/breakfast for sale
- networking space
time | theatre (75 seats) | time | Studio Oost (50 people) |
9:30-10:00 | Welcome & interaction by host and day presenter Maartje Mikx |
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10:00-11:00 | Improv and the dialogue between science and society by dr Frank Kupper | 10:15-11:15 | Improv theatre try out lesson – Sjoerd Provoost |
11.30-12:30 | Powerpoint Karaoke by Marieke van Laar | 11:30 -12:45 | Improv Your Dutch – Jenny Hasenack |
13:00 -14:30 | Healing stages by Nina Saunders | 13:00 –14:15 | Life skills & movement improv – Suzan Lemont (USA) |
15:00-16:30 | Creative thinking by Jenny Hasenack | 15:00-17:00 | Coaching and judging at theatresports (experienced improvisers only) – Matthijs Meulblok |
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| 17:00 -18:00 | Free play space |
17:30-19:00 | crew & performers preparation |
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19:00 -19:50 | As seen on tv. An improvised tv show by Kevin Miller’s troupe |
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20:15-21:15 | Coach Rookard Teaches Improv – Kevin Miller (USA). An interactive show with the audience | 20:00- 22:00 | Want to do more? Come to the drop in lesson in buurtcentrum De Leeuw! see here |
21:15-23:00 | Bar in the foyer |
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Saturday 27 Sep De Berenkuil
In the foyer whole day: books & flyer market. Find out more about all the events, trainers, improv schools, books etc. Bar.
theatre (75 seats) | time | Studio Oost (50 people) | |
10:00-11:00 | Crash course in Dealing with change by Michel Verheijden (MiEr) |
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11:30-13:00 | Spot on: presenting with confidence by Iwan Dam | 10:15-11:30 | Creative spontaneity by Burgert Kirsten |
13.30-15.00 | Improv(e) your science communication by Aniek Ivens | 12:00 -13:30 | Storytelling techniques by Burgert Kirsten |
15:30-16:30 | Innovaties in de muziek en jouw organisatie by popprofessor Joost Augusteijn | 14:00-15:15 | Tuning in through improv by Suzan Lemont (USA) |
16:30-19:00 | bar open | 15:45-17:00 | Somatic Improv by Nina Saunders |
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| 17:15 -18:00 | Free play space |
17:30-19:00 | crew & performers preparation |
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19:00 -19:50 | Theatresports derby match part 1 |
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20:15-21:30 | Theatresports derby match part 2 |
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21:3023:00 | Bar in the foyer |
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Sunday 28 Sep De Berenkuil /snijzaal
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time |
Snijzaal (50 seats) |
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| 10:00-11:00 | Empowered ensemble by Nina Saunders | |
| 11:15-12:30 | Actief ontsaaien / Unwind and Unbore Frank Paats De Ontsaaiers |
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| 13:00-14:30 |
Improv(e) your science communication by Aniek Ivens |
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| 14:40-15:40 | Veranderkunst voor Managers / The art of change management by Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro) | |
| 15:50-17:00 | The ReScripting Method by Nina Saunders | |
Workshop descriptions
Welcome & energizer by Maartje Mikx
Maartje Mikx kicks off the festival with energy and humour, ensuring everyone feels included and ready to dive into the programme.
About the trainer:
Maartje Mikx is a professional event host, organiser, and comedian. She holds a Master of Science degree from Utrecht University. With a strong background in business development, corporate learning, and knowledge management, she is highly skilled at engaging audiences. You can book Maartje as a stage host, MC, or moderator.
https://maartjemikx.nl/dagvoorzitter
stage host Vannessa van Hoof
Vanessa van Hoof is a strategist, photographer, chief operating officer and stage host. She presented the Dutch Theatersporttoernooi.
Contact Vanessa to host your show and interact with your audience
Improv theatre try out lesson by Sjoerd Provoost
Do you want to try out what improv theatre is all about? This is your chance! In this short workshop you learn the basic techniques and mindset of improvisation, through fun and easy games.
Friday 10:15-11:15
Sjoerd Provoost is an improv coach and performer with a talent for guiding beginners through their first steps on stage. His playful approach makes improv accessible to all. He is playing shows as part of the cast of The Big Mo. He is teaching a Beginners course improv theatre from Monday 13th of October. You can hire Sjoerd for improv lessons.
Back to the Friday schedule
Life skills & movement improv by Suzan Lemont
Moving in an Everything, Everywhere, All at Once universe. Movement, Voice, Music, and Theater. How do they all fit together and how the spirit of playing underscores every improv genre. We will do exercises from physical theatre, moving in the space, non verbal contact. Everyone can partcipate, you don’t need any experience in theatre nor fluency in English.
Fri 26 Sep 13:00-14:15
Suzan Lemont is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, dance-theater maker, expressive arts therapist, and educator who has worked with interdisciplinary & movement-based improvisation for over 40 years. She brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and playfulness to her teaching. Suzan is teaching a 7 week course from 2nd of Oct.
Back to the Friday schedule
Powerpoint Karaoke by Marieke van Laar
Powerpoint Karaoke! For some people it’s a recurring nightmare: you suddenly have to give a presentation without preparation. This can become your dream to come true with Powerpoint Karaoke. It is a game in which you learn how to give a convincing and interactive spontaneous presentation, using random slides. You learn to captivate and engage your audience and you will experience your own creativity and confidence. The best presentation you never prepared!
About the trainer: Marieke is the organiser of this festival, founder of the improv school Improv Utrecht, manager of training organization TheatersportWorkshops and of Workshop PowerpointKaraoke. Marieke has a background as HR Learning & Development Manager. She has broad management experience: at a corporate learning academy, integration schools and an exam office, and she has worked as a trainer at all levels.
Book Marieke for Learning & Development advice if you are looking for a training or teambuilding activity. And for www.workshoppowerpointkaraoke.nl
Back to the Friday schedule
Coaching and judging at theatresports by Matthijs Meulblok
For whom: experienced improvisers only, maximum 20 participants.
Are you participating in the theatresports derby match on Saturday? Join this workshop to learn the role and value of judges at a theatresports match. Preparation: read the Rechterhandleiding in Dutch or English.
Matthijs Meulblok studied Media Studies. He has his own studio in wolvenplein to record podcasts, voice overs, coaching people on voice acting, podcasts, media. He plays in Pure Chocolade, and trains different groups, special workshops. He enjoys teaching special themes and formats.
Back to the Friday schedule
Friday evening double show
As seen on TV
What if the cast of Grey’s Anatomy had a real medical disaster? What if the cast of Succession had to conduct a real corporate takeover? Would they collectively triumph or crumble under the pressure? “As Seen on TV” follows the misadventures of a group of professional actors who suddenly find themselves forced to do the very thing they’ve only pretended to do. Inspired by GalaxyQuest, Tropic Thunder, and The Three Amigos, this completely improvised play blurs the line between parody and homage to the TV and movies of our time.
Sat 27 Sep 19:00
Coach Rookard teaches improv
It’s graduation night for the Grapevine High School improv comedy class! There’s just one small problem: the drama teacher fell sick at the last minute. Luckily the high school football coach, Ted Rookard, has volunteered to direct the show. He’s got a sports-minded attitude and a brand-new copy of “Improv for Dummies.” What could go wrong?
Sat 27 Sep 20:15
Both formats by Kevin Miller (USA) Hire him as an improv coach!
Back to the Friday schedule
Creative thinking for scientists by Jenny Hasenack
As a scientist, it is important to work accurately and factually. It’s a pitfall, though, to focus on that so much that you lose the balance with your creative side. In this workshop, you’ll be reconnected with your own creativity. That way, you can link those qualities to your job. You are able come up with new ideas,
and you improve your problem-solving skills.
Jenny Hasenack is trainer, actor for improvised theater and science communicator. Jenny got her Master’s degree in Chemistry at the University of Amsterdam and the Free University. In her studies, she specialized in homogeneous catalysis and science communication. Read more here
Back to the Friday schedule
Improv Your Dutch by Jenny Hasenack
In improvisation, we love making mistakes. Improv is all about having fun in failing, having permission to be silly, to laugh at yourself. It is the perfect tool to get more comfortable with the Dutch language.
Jenny Hasenack, improv teacher, scientist and language enthusiast.
Look at videos of her Improv your Dutch courses here.
Back to the Friday schedule
Spot On – Presenting with confidence by Iwam Dam
For many, presenting feels like a challenge—nerves, self-doubt, and pressure. Spot On turns that into a playful and empowering experience. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to present with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. You’ll step onto the spot with a short piece of text and discover how posture, voice, and rhythm can transform your delivery. In a supportive setting, you’ll receive feedback and inspiration. Expect surprising insights, gentle challenges, and lots of laughter.
About the trainer:
Iwan is an actor and theatre maker who specializes in helping people bring out their unique personality and presence. He invites you to try new approaches, experiment with delivery, and discover what makes your presentation truly powerful.With deep knowledge of body language, vocal technique, rhythm and stage dynamics, Iwan brings energy, humor, and insight to every session. Expect an active, interactive experience full of laughter, learning, and transformation.
Back to the Saturday schedule
Impro(ve) your science communication by Aniek Ivens
Aniek Ivens is an evolutionary biologist with a passion for how cooperation and communication shape both nature and daily life. She earned her PhD in Groningen, continued research at The Rockefeller University in New York, and VU Amsterdam, and now works as an independent scientist. Beyond science, Aniek is an experienced improviser and founder of Academic Improv. For over twenty years, she has performed and coached improv across the Netherlands and the US, from schools and theaters to corporate teams. She trained at the Alan Alda Center and New York improv theaters, and performs internationally, including her solo show Dr Aniek Discovers. www.academicimprov.com
Back to the Saturday schedule
Healing Stages: Improvising Your Way to Insight, Resilience, and Renewal by Nina Saunders
This immersive experience invites you to uncover insights, express emotions, and experience the healing power of turning life’s challenges into artful expression.
Nina Saunders is a performer and therapeutic improv specialist. Her workshops focus on healing, resilience, and personal growth through creative expression.
Back to the Friday schedule
Somatic Spotlight: Turning Wounds Into Wisdom by Nina Saunders
This movement-based offering invites you to explore the hidden stories your body carries. Through mindful movement, somatic techniques, and archetypal exploration, you’ll release tension, and gain insight into its deeper meaning. This workshop offers a brave and compassionate space to connect with your body’s wisdom and transform discomfort into healing and wholeness.
Nina Saunders is a performer and therapeutic improv specialist. Her workshops focus on healing, resilience, and personal growth through creative expression.
Back to the Saturday schedule
Empowered Ensemble: A Playful Path for Collective Growth
The Empowered Ensemble is an interactive workshop that uses theatre games to spark connection, laughter, and healing. Through playful ensemble activities, you’ll experience the power of community to strengthen resilience, foster belonging, and support personal growth.
Nina Saunders is a performer and therapeutic improv specialist. Her workshops focus on healing, resilience, and personal growth through creative expression.
The ReScripting Method by Nina Saunders
Rewrite Your Story, Redesign Your Life
Description: Through a blend of guided self-story analysis and creative script-writing exercises, you’ll learn to identify patterns that no longer serve you and replace them with empowering new scripts. This workshop is intended for those ready to take charge of their story and create a more purposeful present.
Nina Saunders is a performer and therapeutic improv specialist. Her workshops focus on healing, resilience, and personal growth through creative expression.
Improv and the dialogue between science and society by dr Frank Kupper (keynote)
Interaction and dialogue between science and the public: how do you do that?Public engagement is becoming increasingly important for researchers. This requires a change in mindset: thinking from outside (society) inwards, listening instead of talking, seeing possibilities in the interaction between the audience and the researcher. Frank Kupper takes you on an interactive lecture about involving the public in research, where he encourages you to think about the possibilities of public engagement and prompts you to engage in open and playful discussions with each other.
Fri 26 Sep 10:00-11:00
Frank Kupper has a background in biology, philosophy, and theater to facilitate conversations about science. With his own company Mens in de Maak, he develops theatrical interventions for reflection and dialogue on societal issues. At the Vrije Universiteit, he works as an associate professor of engagement & dialogue, focusing on the dialogue between research and society in the context of open science. His TedX
Back to the Friday schedule
Creative spontaneity by Burgert Kirsten
What if real life could feel more like improv—full of joy, connection, creativity, and flow?
Improv for Life is a one-of-a-kind course that blends the magic of improvisation with personal development. It’s not about being funny —it’s about learning to navigate life with more presence, courage, and flexibility. You will reconnect with your playful side and create a safe space for exploration and connection.
Burgert Kirsten is an Organizational Psychologist with a passion for unlocking adaptive, innovative, and integrated ways of working in teams and organizations. His Master’s research—focused on using improvisational theatre practices to spark workgroup innovation—was published in the South African Journal of Industrial Psychology. He holds multiple certifications in individual and team coaching, accredited by the International Coach Federation, and has facilitated leadership, team innovation, and creative collaboration workshops for top South African business schools, leading companies, and international conferences.
Burgert is a teaching course (1st of Oct) and workshop weekends (november) on Improv your Life
Back to the Saturday schedule
Storytelling techniques by Burgert Kirsten (SA)
Let’s explore the world of storytelling by playing story telling exercises and games. You will learn about the story spine, the way stories evolve with a yes and structure and how to close the story.
Improv Utrecht offers a Storytelling Masterclass from 14 Ooctober by Emma Holmes
Burgert Kirsten is an Organizational Psychologist with a passion for unlocking adaptive, innovative, and integrated ways of working in teams and organizations. His Master’s research—focused on using improvisational theatre practices to spark workgroup innovation—was published in the South African Journal of Industrial Psychology. He holds multiple certifications in individual and team coaching, accredited by the International Coach Federation, and has facilitated leadership, team innovation, and creative collaboration workshops for top South African business schools, leading companies, and international conferences.
Burgert is a teaching course (1st of Oct) and workshop weekends (november) on Improv your Life
Back to the Saturday schedule
Tuning in through Improv : Attraction/repulsion, impulses/intuition, reactions/responses by Suzan Lemont (NL/USA)
How can we achieve more satisfying and authentic communication through movement improvisation? Utilizing some of the principles present in science such as gravitational pull, entrainment, inertia, momentum, free radicals, actions of molecules and atoms, and combining this with more awareness and “tuning in” we can greatly increase the quality of our interactions in the everyday world. All done playfully, which increases uptake of the information.
Suzan Lemont is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, dance-theater maker, expressive arts therapist, and educator who has worked with interdisciplinary & movement-based improvisation for over 40 years. She brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and playfulness to her teaching. Suzan is teaching a 7 week course from 2nd of Oct.
Back to the Saturday schedule
Innovaties in de muziek en jouw organisatie by popprofessor Joost Augusteijn (DUTCH)
Innovatie draait om nieuwe ideeën, nieuwe mogelijkheden en nieuwe toepassingen. Popmuziek vernieuwt zich continu en wordt gedreven door nieuwe ideeën. Wat kunnen we leren van de uitvinders van de popmuziek? In deze workshop gaan we op zoek naar de kern van revolutionaire ideeën uit de popmuziek, en hoe we dit idee als organisatie kunnen toepassen. Samen op zoek naar revolutionaire innovatie.
Za 27 Sept 15:30-16:30
Joost Augusteijn is popprofessor. Hij vertelt verrassende verhalen over popmuziek, met veel muziek en video. Wil je als organisatie leren van de wereld van de popmuziek? Of wil je een leuke avond vol verhalen over de ontwikkeling van de popmuziek? De popprofessor komt graag langs. Joost Augusteijn heeft een achtergrond als strategisch adviseur voor organisaties, van commerciële tot maatschappelijke organisaties. Hij weet dan ook gemakkelijk de link te leggen tussen de popmuziek en jullie vraagstuk.
Kom ook op 15 november naar zijn voorstelling in Villa Concordia: www.methaarzonder.hem
Back to the Saturday schedule
Theatresports derby match: improv show by Comedy on Tap vs Communist Fancy Pesto
A Theatersports match is a fast-paced, interactive improv comedy show where two teams of improvisers compete in a series of spontaneous scenes, games, and challenges. The audience plays a vital role by giving suggestions, reacting to the performances, and even helping decide the winners. There are also judges who give points, there are voting cards, roses, spunges.. Guaranteed laughter and awe!
Saturday 19:00-21:15
Comedy on Tap organises monthly comedy- and improv evenings in The Florin in Utrecht
Communist Fancy Pesto organises shows in de Kargadoor.
Actief ontsaaien / Unwind and unbore by Frank Paats and the Ontsaaiers
A teambuilding event should not be a boring affair. De Ontsaaiers, lead by Frank Paats, are a group of creative trainers who believe in the power of laughter and learning through play. A good balance between fun, experience, and content ensures that it is never dull. We provide teambuildings, company shows, and creative sessions. In doing so, we use methods from the field of improvisational theater and theoretical knowledge of group bonding and team dynamics.
A crash course in Dealing with change by Michel Verheijden (MiEr Impro)
Change is inevitable, but how you handle it makes the difference. In his keynote, Michel Verheijden shows how improvisation helps to see change not as a threat, but as an opportunity. With humor, interactive exercises, and sharp insights, he makes complex processes understandable and practically applicable.
Michel Verheijden is an improvisational comedian and change expert known for his unique ability to combine humor and insight. You may know him from MiEr, one of the most well known improvisers at large events. Watch his video on Spoedcursus omgaan met verandering.
Back to the Saturday schedule
Veranderkunst voor Managers / The art of change management by Michel Verheijden
How do you get your team on board with a change without any hassle? According to comedian Michel Verheijden, there is much to learn from improvisation techniques. Our brain causes unnecessary resistance during change, which can be alleviated with improvisation techniques. Often, it is not the change itself that causes resistance, but the way it is managed. Employees are willing to change, but no one wants to be changed. The secret of improvisation is the solution to resistance to change in your team.
Sun 14:45
Michel Verheijden is author of the book Improviseren, voor de verandering.Veranderkunst voor managers.
Hire our trainers!
This festival is a showcase of what our network of professional trainers can do. What we all have in common are: learning by doing, humor and new insights. Entertainment & training! You can book them for
- small or big events: interactive theatre shows, interactiev lectures, big group workshops, onboarding events, hosting/MC
- team training: teambuilding, presentation training, communication, personal development, professional development.
- personal learning and entertainment: join an improv course, go see our shows
How to contact us?
I would like it if you contact me, Marieke van Laar first. I have worked as HR Learning & Development Manager and organised learning events for a corporate company. So if you are an organiser/HR/teamleader at your company, I probably “speak your language”. I now have this huge network of great people and I can advise you who and what would suit your event, your learning objectives or your budget best. On the other hand: I don’t mind if you google all the names and companies of the trainers. See what else they have to offer on their websites! There is a world for you to give your team, audience, stakeholders a (learning) experience that they won’t forget soon.
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