Scratch, a Rapid Fire Theatre production, is a fully improvised two man show that features tons of characters and multiple storylines all twisting together into one thrilling conclusion. Honed through years of touring and hours in workshop development, Scratch is a long form that is accessible for those who have never seen improv before, while also being interesting for even the most experienced improv veteran.

Scratch is a unique phenomenon in the improv world. They focus heavily on physical performance, an uncommon trend amongst improvisers to be sure. They play huge, exaggerated characters but balance this with thoughtful storytelling and emotional honesty. They tour with an amazing cellist named Nikko whose haunting melodies they use to create montages, heightened moments within the show where everything created so far seems to come crashing together. They do all this while spinning in and out of each other’s characters, and forwards/backwards in time. Make no mistake; Scratch is an improv experience unlike any other.

Scratch has been described as the ultimate hybrid show, combining the fast-paced, laugh-filled energy common to short form with the strong emotional content and fully expressed stories of long form. The result is a truly theatrical improv experience that also manages to leave the audience breathless from laughter.

Scratch was born at the Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival in 2005 where it was an immediate success with fans and critics alike. In 2006 Scratch was seen several times at Rapid Fire Theatre’s long form show CHiMPROV, and went on to be featured at: the Toronto Fringe, The Vancouver International Improv Festival, The Winnipeg Fringe, The Catch 23 Tournament of Wonders (in Toronto) and of course another stellar run at the Edmonton Fringe. 2007/2008 is gearing up to be a big season for Scratch with expanded Canadian touring, as well as dates planned across Europe and Australia.

Kevin Gillese is an improviser and comedy artist from Edmonton, Alberta where he is the acting artistic director of Rapid Fire Theatre, home of the longest running Theatre Sports show in the world. Kevin has toured all kinds of shows across Canada, the United States, Australia and of course his beloved Europe. Last spring he was thrilled to premiere Scratch at one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world: The Melbourne International Comedy Festival. After having been with RFT for twelve years, it’s safe to say that he has spent most of his adult life working as an improviser. Kevin has also appeared in several Canadian films and television shows, one American film and a few Australian television shows. He likes to get around, so what!?!

Kurt Smeaton is a comedian and writer from Toronto, Canada. He has been improvising for 17 years working with excellent companies such as Instant Theatre (Vancouver), RapidFire (Edmonton), BadDog, Second City (Toronto), Dad’s Garage (Atlanta), The Sticking Place, The Institute (London) and The Canadian Improv Games (Ottawa). Kurt has performed for 53 consecutive hours in DieNasty’s Soapathon and 50 consecutive hours in London’s Improvathon. He produces and performs in the popular weekly show Catch23 and the annual Tournament of Wonders. Kurt has been featured in several television shows and commercials including a main role in the nationally broadcast sketch comedy hit The Holmes Show.