Ana Bernot-Reilly (L) and Hannah Aslesen of the improv duo Mom and Dad from Atlanta, Georgia. Credit: Photo by Alex Lee

Last week on WMNF-Tampa 88.5-FM’s “Art In Your Ear” public affairs program, Countdown Improv Festival co-founders Kelly Buttermore and Matt Walker said that improv comedy lets an artist be free and funny-on-the-spot.

“You’re essentially building something with your partner,” Buttermore added, about the “yes, and…” building block of a performance. “I love the idea of doing something that has never been seen before and something that never will be seen again,” Buttermore said.

Across four days next week, the festival presents improv in solo, duo and trio formats, plus workshops with close to 100 acts coming from about 18 different states, including Florida.

Tickets to Countdown Improv Festival happening Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 9-12 at the Hillsborough Community College Performing Arts Building in Ybor City are still available and start at $20. Subscribe to Creative Loafing newsletters.