Canadian Improv Showcase - Regional Treatment Centre (O)

Patients, doctors and healthcare professionals are all finding that laughter may, indeed, be the best medicine. Laughter Therapy has been recognized for the positive physical and emotional benefits it brings to people. In fact, laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, strengthen the immune system, and result in muscle relaxation. The biggest benefit, though, is that laughter has no known negative side effects.

At Regional Treatment Centre (Ontario), four individuals from the Canadian Improv Showcase recently came to the institution to utilize their short-form improvisation as a way of providing patients with an opportunity to experience the therapeutic benefits of laughter. Thanks to the efforts of Social Programs Officer, Vicki Rombough, and the support of management and all staff, Matt Lawrence, Dana Fradkin, Carmen Gillespie, and Tony Babcock presented an hour long interactive show that demonstrated their incredible skills, experience and wit.

The Canadian Improv Showcase's performance is made up of short scenes based upon a variety of formats that are guided by audience interaction and suggestions. The information provided by the audience makes every show completely different and there are even times when volunteers join the cast on stage and help in creating the hilarity. In addition, the group can customize its show to incorporate any desired theme, or suit any type of audience.

By the end of the hour long event, staff members noticed that the presence of these performers had raised the spirits of the patients and elicited positive responses in individuals who are typically withdrawn and unenthusiastic. The show was a tremendous success!