All photos courtesy of Main Branch
Have you heard of Main Branch? This troupe of young actors are taking on Ottawa’s improv scene by storm! With monthly shows at the Royal Oak on Laurier, this tight-knit team aspires to spread the joys of improv theatre and show how it can have an everlasting, positive impact on young people. We recently chatted with all six members – here’s what they had to share about their love for the art of improv, their aspirations, teamwork and more.
Sawyer Ferreira
Age: 19
How long have you been doing improv?
This is only my second year doing improv.
What attracted you to improv?
The possibility to be whoever I wanted. I have always loved theatre, but found myself stuck in the same role time and time again. What’s unique to improv is every time you step on the stage you get to be someone different. Race, social status, stereotypes–they don’t have to exist within the world you create on stage.
Favourite thing about performing improv?
My favourite thing about performing is the rush of creating a scene and seeing the audience’s response. Whether they laugh or cry, it’s an honour to know that what we do can make people feel something.
What do you bring to the team?
I think I bring a sense of youthful energy. What I do well is find links between characters and relationships that can be explored further.
Ross Zimmermann
Age: 23
How long have you been doing improv?
9 years!
What attracted you to improv?
I did lots of drama in high school and improv was a new art that touched on my love of performing and making people laugh.
Favourite thing about performing improv?
Getting to enjoy a moment with my scene partners on stage and getting an audience to laugh and be engaged with what we are doing.
What do you bring to the team?
I bring experience. I've been doing improv regularly for the last 9 years and have had the chance to perform in many different contexts and with tons of other players and coaches.
Benjamin Russell
Age: 24
How long have you been doing improv?
6 years
What attracted you to improv?
I wanted to make new friends in my first year of university and it sounded fun! I was also able to overcome my anxiety and not let it stop me.
Favourite thing about performing improv?
When a show is going well, it's like a concentrated version of that feeling of inspiration you might get while making something. It's exciting to build a world, build a joke, build a character. Even when When it doesn’t go well, it makes you even closer than you already are with your teammates.
What do you bring to the team?
I make a funny joke sometimes. I love twists, and dry characters… and over the top characters. I brought everyone saltines one time. I think I nailed this question.
Leigha Purdy
Age: 19
How long have you been doing improv?
Technically 2 years. In high school, Fridays were always special because it meant drama class was reserved for games and improvising.
What attracted you to improv?
I think improvisors are the coolest people. They always run with the punches. Everyone I’ve met with that skill have showed me a slightly different way of looking at life. I was attracted to the joy that people seemed to have when they were performing on and off stage, and I stayed because I learned to love making a fool of myself and consistently work on different skills.
Favourite thing about performing improv?
My favourite thing about improv is that every scene is special. Nothing is ever the same and it’s a moment you share with whoever is in the room. There’s this endless world of possibility and as cheesy as it sounds, the only limit is your imagination. You get to create a world with characters and stories. While you’re improvising it's all play, serious or not. You can play versions of yourself or go completely out of your comfort zone.
What do you bring to the team?
Everyone on the team works and builds off one another. I personally bring high energy and physicality to the team.
Moira Bird
Age: 22
How long have you been doing improv?
8 years! Four years with the Canadian Improv Games in Toronto, and four here in Ottawa.
What attracted you to improv?
I love how everyone is so outgoing and friendly. It gave me a platform to be goofy and explore a new type of theatre!
Favourite thing about performing improv?
My favourite thing is that I can completely get out of my head and be in the moment. Plus, I get to perform with some amazing friends, so that’s always a blast.
What do you bring to the team?
I think I bring a focused energy to the team. I try to help everyone stay positive while we grow and try new things!
Julie Dunleavy
Age: 21
How long have you been doing improv?
7 years!
What attracted you to improv?
Other than it being fun and humorous, I really enjoyed the support system you gain with players. It teaches you to collaborate and listen to others, and everyone you share the stage with has your back.
Favourite thing about performing improv?
Performing improv keeps me in the moment! With all the stresses in life, it’s incredible to be taken to another reality and focus on the beauty of now, and how we are all naturally hilarious human beings!
What do you bring to the team?
I can bring support and listening. I love to listen to small hints and details and either heighten them or bring them back into another scene. I don’t always like the spotlight, so it’s an amazing feeling when I can support another’s idea!
For more info about the team, and to keep up with all their upcoming shows, check them out over on Facebook!
