Celebrating improv in the hudson Valley
Submissions open now
October 16-17, 2026 
8 Old Post Rd. S
Croton-On-Hudson, NYImportant Dates
Early Bird Submissions: Now – July 7, 2026
Standard Submissions: July 8 – August 15, 2026
Late Submissions: August 16 – August 22, 2026
Submission Review: August 22 – August 29, 2026
Acceptance Notification: August 30 31, 2026
Final Lineup Announced/Tickets Go Live: September 10, 2026
Festival Dates: October 16-17, 2026
Our mission is to celebrate the art, the heart, and the humor of the Hudson Valley. The Rivertowns Improv Fall Festival brings our local community together to play, learn, and grow through the power of improv.
We’re now accepting submissions for this year’s festival! Whether you’re an established ensemble or a brand-new group, apply today as a team. And if you’re an individual performer or an instructor looking to lead a workshop, we want to hear from you—apply as a solo artist.
❋ Collaborative EnergyThe Rivertowns Improv Fall Festival gathers improvisers to perform, mingle, and cheer each other on. Both teams and individual performers are encouraged to submit. Join us for a weekend of performances, workshops, hangouts, and after-parties. You are invited!
❋ Serving the CommunityLaunched in 2019, Blind Tiger Improv provides accessible improv training and performance opportunities for the Hudson Valley. By fostering a vibrant hub for the craft, we continue to showcase our region’s incredible talent and give everyone the chance to shine.
❋ Expert FacilitationOur festival will feature a diverse lineup of expert instructors, each bringing unique perspectives and techniques to the stage. From foundational principles to advanced character work and specialized formats, participants will have the chance to master various disciplines, sharpen their skills, and explore the vast landscape of modern improv.
Submit now:
❋ A Supportive SpaceThe Rivertowns Improv Fall Festival is a supportive space where everyone belongs. We celebrate the unique perspectives of all participants, making diversity the heartbeat of our community. We are proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, dedicated to creating an inclusive, safe environment where every voice is heard, respected, and empowered to shine.
Meet Our Instructors
Josh Cohen & Tamra Malaga
Do you love puppets? Do you love long-form improv? This workshop teaches puppetry manipulation, character development and long-form puppet performance improvisation.
• Learn the basics of hand and rod “Muppet style” puppetry
• Vocal characterization
• Improvisational scene work with your new puppet character.
Students will have a better understanding of how to become the character they are playing and will be able to apply these teachings to their work in the world of acting, improv, puppetry and beyond. The experimentation of puppetry can be used as a means to free the artist or performer and help create interesting characters. You will have a blast and walk away with your very own practice puppet and a new found skill. Open to all.
Puppet Improvisation 101
Samantha Jones
In this class, Hudson Valley Improv founder and actor Samantha Jones (Rabbit Rabbit/Netflix, Murder at the End of the World/FX, etc.) introduces her in-depth acting technique designed specifically for improvisers. This class is a crash course of her signature moves — the same ones she uses on stage and in front of the camera — to bring a performance that's not only deeply funny, but unforgettable.
Samantha Jones is an actor and the founder of Hudson Valley Improv, a conservatory-style training center built on her original Improv Empowerment methodology. With over 30 years of experience as an improv direct/teacher, Sam has developed a distinct approach to training that bridges serious acting technique with the spontaneity of improv — equipping performers to bring depth, truth, and unforgettable presence to every scene.
ACTING for IMPROV
Introduction to Solo ImprovMichael Short
Discover the thrill of commanding the stage alone. Led by Michael Short—Blind Tiger’s Artistic Director and creator of his own solo show Legion—this workshop teaches you how to instantly spin up multi-character scenes using rapid physical and vocal shifts.
The best part? Solo improv is the ultimate training ground for ensemble play. By mastering self-reliance and sharpening your comedic radar, you’ll return to your team as a fearless, hyper-adaptable scene partner.
Populate the stage, trust your gut, and become your own favorite cast. All experience levels welcome!