Blind Tiger Improv recently began its second full year of shows at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity in Ossining. At this show, they debuted new teams and players to the audience.
Blind Tiger Improv is devoted to the art of improvisation. They have performed across the Hudson Valley region at venues in Peekskill, Beacon, and Suffern, NY. Blind Tiger’s mission is to create a space where everyone, regardless of background or experience, can explore the art of improvisation. They aim to create and foster well-rounded improvisers, perform high-quality improv shows, provide an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, and support the improv and comedy community in the Hudson Valley.
Artistic Director Michael Short moved to the area in 2017 and connected with other improv hobbyists through Embark Peekskill. In 2019, after teaching workshops and producing shows with Embark and other improv groups, Michael incorporated the company as Blind Tiger Improv. They first performed regular shows at the (now-defunct) ForAll Theater in Peekskill. During the pandemic, the group weathered the storm by moving online, offering virtual workshops over Zoom and live-streaming performances.
In 2022 and 2023, Blind Tiger returned to live performances with shows at Westchester Collaborative Theater. In November 2023, they began playing at Hudson Valley Books for Humanity, making it the home for their monthly Mainstage shows in 2024. Blind Tiger continues to perform at other venues across the Hudson Valley, including Sidestage shows every other month at the Artist Spot in Peekskill.
Throughout all this, Blind Tiger has offered multi-week classes and drop-in workshops, training many people in the art of improv. “Every class is centered around exercises designed to isolate different skills and concepts, coupled with simple, direct scenework,” said Short, “Ultimately, I’m just sharing my experiences and knowledge to guide others through the craft. There’s no better feeling than helping someone unlock their creativity. That’s probably where my real passion lies.”
After every Mainstage show is The Mixer, where audience members can sign up to play in a scene with one of the ensemble members. The host—usually Michael—calls out two or three names to take the stage. A brief selection of music serves as the scene’s inspiration. “Anyone, and I mean anyone, can get on stage, said Short. “But we take care to pair a complete newbie with an experienced performer who knows what they’re doing. Audience and ensemble members alike tell me that The Mixer is the most fun part of the show. Sometimes the most surprising things come out of an audience member’s mouth, and everyone has to roll with it. That’s when it becomes a real test of our improv chops.”
Monthly shows
Second Saturday of every month
8 PM
Hudson Valley Books for Humanity
67 Central Avenue
Ossining
Monthly Drop-Ins
Last Sunday of every month
1:00-3:00 PM
Antonia Arts/The Artist Spot
925 South Street
Peekskill
Additional show/class dates on our website at https://blindtigerimprov.com/