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Varya Mathreja

CBC Proposal Pitch – Canadian Improv Games

November, 2023

Dear CBC,

I hope this message finds you well. Our team here at Canadian Improv Games wishes to extend our gratitude for your support in the 2019 CIG Nationals. We are writing to you with the proposition of building upon the success of our first collaboration in 2019 and would love to once again partner up with CBC for a second season of “Canadian Improv Games: Nationals 2024.” 

We owe a big chunk of our success to the efforts of the very talented Andrew Phung, and we are delighted to announce that Mr. Phung would love to join us again as host for a second season. During the first season, Mr. Phung himself reminisced about a moment of recognition during his time at the improv program in Calgary, that helped propel him into the limelight, eventually leading to his role in “Kim’s Convenience” and launching his career as an actor. It was a beautiful reminder of how initiatives like CIG can be a springboard for careers in the arts and beyond, and can provide young leaders with the recognition and visibility they deserve. Nothing brought us more pleasure than seeing Mr. Phung receive the award for the best host in a web program or series at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards. With your support and collaborative effort, we hope to stand in the running for many more awards to come. 

We would like to propose a collaborative effort to foster the growth and recognition of Canadian Performing Arts reminding our audiences that careers in entertainment and beyond are not mythically for a few chosen ones, but for everybody alike. As we continue to prosper, we would like to inform you of our growth since our initial collaboration. Last year’s CIG tournament involved 146 teams, approximately 1150 students, 6300 supporters and attendees, and 150 coaches and faculty participants. The livestream of Nationals 2022 reached over 1200 households. Our social media presence, touching a total reach of 13,723 users, serves as a powerful promotional tool for our partners.

Since the pandemic, we have also incorporated remote opportunities for players into our game plan. We are pleased to highlight our partnerships outside of the National Capital Region. CIG has been actively involved in the Distance Tournament, which is an online tournament promoting events in Yellowknife, Whitehorse, and Iqaluit in collaboration with the Arctic Comedy Festival. This project not only broadens our reach, but also allows teams to qualify for Nationals, promoting inclusion and representation from coast to coast.

At CIG, we intend to provide rightful mentorship to improv enthusiasts and actors in hopes of providing them with the chance they deserve to be recognised. Thank you once again for standing alongside us on this incredible journey, as it’s with your support that we have had the chance to reach audiences worldwide with our message. The first edition of the series that aired in 2019 reinforced both CIG and CBC’s paralleled support to the flourishing tapestry of Canadian arts and culture. Picture this: thousands of new audience members discovering the thrill of improv, all while reconnecting our vibrant alumni community with the unforgettable magic of Canadian Improv Games (CIG). The series didn’t just entertain; it ignited a nationwide celebration of creativity, and at the heart of it all, it spotlighted the incredible talent of our young improvisers at the National Festival.

The 2019 series was a beautiful dance between CIG and CBC, echoing our shared love for Canadian arts and culture. As we gear up for CIG Nationals in March 2024, we’re feeling the buzz of possibility. We want the second season to once again be more than just a show; we envision it as a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the performing arts. We’re ready to capture the thrills, shine the spotlight on our incredible young improvisers, and spread the joy of improv above and beyond. 

We look forward to bringing this vision to life with you. Let’s make it happen! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards
CIG