Shawn Conner presents five reasons to laugh like it’s 1600.

1. The Wadsworth Constant

Urbandictionary.com defines the Wadsworth Constant as “the idea that the true meaning of a video, conversation, or comment approaches importance after approximately 30 per cent of it has been skipped over.” It is also the title that Philadelphia-based improvisers Kristen Schier and Nick Gillette give their form of improv, in which they create a brand new absurdist one-act play in the style of Samuel Beckett.

2. Fistful of Kicks

Vancouver-based AsianCanadian improvisers mash up classic and notso-classic kung fu flicks. According to vancouverimprovfest.com, “the show infuses long-form storytelling with exhilarating stage combat.” We’re pretty sure that most of the flying kicks, twirling nunchuks, and lethal karate chops don’t actually connect.

3. Off Key!

Vancouver’s “premier” (and presumably only) musical improv group make up their own original musical on the spot. In this case, the troupe promises its “most in-demand format”: an improvised Disney musical. Perfect for those who can’t wait for the Arts Club’s December remount of Beauty and the Beast.

4. One Night Only: An Evening of Spontaneous Improv Duos

Names of random festival performers are drawn two at a time and sent out to combine their improv skills.

5. Shakespeare After Dark

Real Shakespeare meets real improv, and the suggestions of one really drunk performer in this crowd-pleasing show from Vancouver’s Instant Theatre Co. Audience lead to “straight-up improvised Shakespearean tragedy.” Somewhere, Francis Bacon is rolling over in his grave.