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years of dedication

Thurber becomes national champs, winning Canadian Improv Games

Apr 21, 2026 | 10:32 AM

Lindsay Thurber is the winner of the 2026 Canadian Improv Games.

The annual event, which has been around nearly 50 years, recently took place in Ottawa, with students from Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School showing not only that they could hang with, but that they are the best of the best.

Prelims were hosted at the National Gallery of Canada from April 16-17, where Thurber’s team got the ball rolling with an outstanding performance, earning the highest score of the night. Maintaining their lead through Friday, Thurber advanced to the final round at the National Arts Centre.

In the final, all teams began with a clean slate in an Olympic-style format featuring five events, each focused on different aspects of improv.

“The team had so much fun throughout the games and to come home as national champions is incredible,” said Tara Koett, teacher at Lindsay Thurber.

“We’re very lucky at Lindsay Thurber to run a credited improv class. We’re so thankful and there was so much gratitude from each student throughout the festival. We had current administrators, past administrators, staff members, family members, community members and other improv students from across Alberta, who all supported and cheered us on when we were there. The students felt so supported by the whole community.”

Each of the 11 students have dedicated two to four years to developing their skills, as noted by Koett.

“This experience, being in Ottawa and connecting with teams from across the country who share the same passion, was incredibly meaningful for our students,” she added. “It’s a real reflection of the time, commitment and dedication they’ve put into developing their craft.”

In Ottawa, students also had the chance to tour Parliament Hill and explore the National Gallery, adding a cultural and educational dimension to their trip.

The eight winning team members who competed are: Mason Acton, Nathaniel Bahler, Eli Colton, Joseph Liptak, Eloheeka Lumeka, Noah Masters, Elliot Rentz, Sawyer Wilson. The three alternates who trained and travelled with the team are: Mason Danilak, Emily Ratkovic, and Sara Sargeant Stevens.

@rdnewsnow Congrats to Thurber Theatre on winning the #CanadianImprovGames! #RedDeer ♬ original sound – rdnewsNOW