☀️ Sophie Groves ☀️

Pronouns: She/her

 

Sophie is an improviser, a trained theatre artist, and a teacher. She has been involved with the Canadian Improv Games for 10 years as a competitor, instructor, head referee, national festival volunteer, and Improvcamp trainer. Some of Sophie’s recent theatre credits include writing and directing her one-act play A Day In Kindergarten, working as a character performer, directing new works with UVic’s Student Alternative Theatre company, and assistant stage managing Victoria’s Music By The Sea festival. She has earned a BFA in Theatre, and a BEd in Elementary Education. Sophie can’t wait to see you around the CIG! 

 

You were a first year Trainer at ImprovCamp this year! Do you have a favourite memory or moment from camp?

 

I could never choose, but here are two that come to mind. On the last night of camp, there’s always a pretty rad dance party. At the end of it, they play a really emotional song, and everyone cries and hugs each other. As it was my first year as a staff member, I got to sit back and watch this outpouring of love—people crying because they were so sad to leave such a magical place. It was really special to see how much warmth and magic is created each year in just a week. Knowing that this place brings out such strong emotions every time was meaningful, especially now, as a trainer, realizing that you can come back next year, volunteer, and become one with CIG—you never have to leave! That community is pretty special. 

And then another moment was dressing up as two deer in a trench coat at 7:30am to lead morning warmup. We have a lot of fun together. 

 

Do you have a favourite CIG memory from your days as a player?

 

When I was a player, I remember being on stage during a fundraiser where people who donated enough got to pie a ref in the face with a whipped cream pie. One of the amazing volunteers was backstage in the wings, and I think I was the only one who could see her. She had this mischievous look, then licked the whipped cream on the pie, winked at me, and went on stage. One of the refs ended up getting pied in the face with that pie.

 

Another great memory is more so an amalgamation of all the moments I spent with my team backstage, warming up for shows. The mix of energy and nerves as we did our pre-show rituals surrounded by such great people was really special. 

 

What is your favorite improv exercise or game?

 

As a player, I really loved Woosh, which is a warm-up game where you pass energy around in a circle. There are lots of random bits and phrases players can call out, and everyone has to respond with a programmed reaction. My favorite part of the game was playing it with people from different regions or schools, because each one has its own calls and responses. It’s this fun mismatch where you get to learn all the different calls and responses and little funny traditions that other schools have. That was always a favourite for me. 

 

What are you most proud of in your CIG years? 

 

It’s such an incredible community, and I’m so proud to be a part of it. There’s so much warmth, support, and unconditional acceptance. I was recognized by my community on the Island when I was nominated for the Spirit of the Games award in high school, and that was really special. Now, I’m most proud to continue creating that environment for the youth entering the Games as a ref, volunteer, and trainer. It’s such a privilege to help keep that opportunity alive for more people coming into the Games. 

 

What makes the National Festival so special?

 

I’ve never experienced so much energy in one room before. The heightened emotions, and the responsiveness and supportiveness of the crowd, were incredible to see. Everything about the love, acceptance, and people just getting to be weird, embracing each other, and having fun was really heightened at Nationals. It was very cool.

 

What would you say to someone who’s first getting started with improv or the Canadian Improv Games?

 

It’s such a welcoming and supportive community. Don’t be afraid to mess up—honestly, try to mess up just to see what happens! Above all, embrace the community, the people you’re with, and the self-love and support that come with it. Looking back on my time as a player, the improv was important, but the people were more important. So live in the moment with them. As for improv, any idea is a great idea, and your team is always there to support you. Together, you create something amazing. An improviser I know and respect shared with me a quote: ‘Bring a brick, and we’ll build the cathedral together.’ I think it rings very true. Don’t be daunted – just get out there and put anything on stage! You are good enough exactly as you are!

 

 

 

 

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!