Sofia International Improv Fest

Overview

The Sofia International Improv Fest is an annual improv festival held each September in Sofia, Bulgaria, organized by ShiZi Improv Theatre. Founded in 2016 by Zlatin Tsvetkov - a pioneer of Bulgaria's improv scene who co-founded the country's first improv company and took part in Sofia's first improv show in 2009 - the festival brings together international improv artists and teachers for workshops, nightly performances, and mixer shows.

The festival features 12-hour masterclass workshops for advanced performers, nightly mixer team performances on ShiZi's 130-seat stage, and themed after-parties at their adjacent comedy club. Recent editions have been organized around themes such as "Genres" (2023), "Deep Dive" (2024), and "Organic Improv Real People in Real Time" (2026). The 2026 edition features teachers from the US, Spain, Finland, and Bulgaria, including faculty from The Groundlings, ImprovBoston, Boom Chicago, and The Second City.

Workshops

Workshop and festival pass bookings are now open at soimprovfest.com/booking. A Festival Pass covering all five evenings of shows costs 80 EUR and includes a 15% discount on all workshops. Workshop prices: 3-hour sessions at 44 EUR, 6-hour sessions at 89 EUR, 12-hour masterclasses at 179 EUR. Stacey Smith's specialized sessions are priced separately (319 EUR for "Singing in Character and Style," 119 EUR for "Elevate Your Play," both limited to 12 participants).

The 2026 workshop catalog covers a wide range of styles and approaches: Tim Orr teaches listening, structure, and storytelling; Paula Galimberti covers magical realism and political improvisation; Will Luera explores free-form and narrative; Stacey Smith focuses on singing in character; Harmony McElligott teaches Groundlings-style character work; Jacintha Damstroen integrates circus arts and physicality; Ronald Harvey offers his "Psychology of Creativity" workshops; and Zlatin Tsvetkov leads a session on truth in performance.

Sources

• Sofia International Improv Fest - Official Site
• BTA - 7th Sofia International Improv Fest
• BTA - Sofia International Improv Festival to Feature Top Improv Artists from Three Continents
• Festival Finder - 7th Sofia International Improv Festival
• AllEvents: Sofia International Improv Fest 2026
• Sofia International Improv Fest on Facebook