Mark (Foreva Eva) Everson started out as a player in the Ottawa region, and now, 16 years later, he is the Ottawa Regional Producer! Mark has reffed, judged, and sold What’s in the Box tickets all across Ontario and Quebec. Outside of the CIG, Mark works as a policy analyst with the Federal government, is a frequent trivia night silver medalist, and is constantly on the hunt for the world’s best apple butter recipe!

 

What initially inspired you to get involved with the Canadian Improv Games, and what keeps you coming back each season?

 

My first experience with the Canadian Improv Games was sitting in the very back of the National Arts Centre during a sold-out National Tournament Finals. This was right before I was about to start high school and I’d never seen anything like it. It was electric and overwhelming all at the same time. I really didn’t think it was something I could ever see myself doing.

 

But, the next year my best friend joined our school’s improv team, and I quickly followed suit soon after. I am so so glad that I took that leap.

 

Now as a volunteer the biggest thing that keeps me coming back is seeing the unbelievable amount of effort that coaches and volunteers are putting in every day to give the players a platform to express themselves. It’s a ton of work but it’s hard not to come back each year when you know how much time and passion everyone else around the organization is giving to make it all happen.

 

Can you share a memorable moment or experience that made you proud to be part of the CIG community?

 

Growing up in Ottawa, sometimes everything feels like it’s connected to Parliament Hill and politics. A few years ago, during the national tournament, I had the chance to connect one of the teams with a friend who worked in their Member of Parliament’s office. Their MP was nice enough to provide each team member with a note congratulating them on making it so far and wish them good luck in the tournament.

 

I think students often downplay what they are doing and creating. It is especially easy sometimes with improv because it doesn’t last. I know it meant a lot to the students to be recognized and they absolutely deserved to be recognized for their incredible work all year and for getting to represent their region on the national stage.  

 

How has your experience with the CIG helped you build relationships or connections?

 

CIG has absolutely helped me build some of my closest friendships! I think people come to the CIG for a lot of different backgrounds and for a lot of different reasons. But, everyone shares a similar curiosity and optimism that you can create something wonderful. 

 

Being a part of CIG has allowed me to connect with a lot of people across the country I would never otherwise have the chance to meet and have an incredible genuine connection over something we all love so deeply.

 

In your opinion, what makes improv such a valuable tool for youth development, and why is it important to sustain programs like the CIG?

 

If you’ve spent any time around improvisers, you’ve probably heard the phrases “yes, and…” and “no, but…”. I think these are both incredibly powerful tools for young people and they develop and find their voices. I think a lot of kids are nervous about making a mistake and practicing saying “yes, and” is a great tool to to try something out. Similarly, I think “no, but” is really important for trying to express healthy boundaries. Both keep the door open to ultimately creating something better!

 

 

 

 

This fall, we’re calling on our incredible community to help us reach our goal of gaining 100 monthly donors through the Show Up for Canadian Improv Games campaign. As a registered charity, the CIG relies on your support to keep enriching the lives of youth through improvisational theatre. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly contribute to sustaining this life-changing program. Are you ready to show up for the next generation of improvisers? Click here to become a CIG monthly donor today and help us keep The Games alive!