Ocean State Black & Funny Improv Festival 2025

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Overview

The Ocean State Black & Funny Improv Festival is an annual celebration of Black improvisers held each fall at The Contemporary Theater Company in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Co-founded in 2021 by John Gebretatose and directed by Stephanie Rae, the festival brings together troupes and performers from across the country for nightly headliner shows, mixer performances, and workshops in improv, stand-up comedy, and freestyle rap.

The festival's mission is "to create an improv world where all are welcome to celebrate ourselves, learn from our differences, and build each other up while sharing in a space that is respectful and generous to all." Recurring performers have included Brothered Toast, Black Magnets, Branded Silk, and 3Peat, whose members created "The Blackening" skit that became a 2022 Lionsgate film. The festival is a sibling event to the Ocean State Improv Festival held in June at the same venue.

Workshops

The festival offers workshops in improv, stand-up comedy, and freestyle rap for all experience levels. In 2025, the festival introduced "Big Fun," a free improv workshop for kids ages 12 and under, followed by a student showcase. Registering for two or more workshops earns a free All-Access Festival Pass.

Sources

• Ocean State Black & Funny Improv Festival - Contemporary Theater Company
• BroadwayWorld - Ocean State Black & Funny Improv Festival Set For This Month
• Hey Rhody - 5th Annual Ocean State Black and Funny Improv Festival
• Independent RI - Ocean State Black and Funny Improv Festival returning to CTC
• BroadwayWorld - Review: Ocean State Black & Funny Improv Festival (2023)