By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News

It’s been eleven years since a group of local comedians, actors and improvisers banded together to come up with something known as “PIF.”

The Providence Improv Fest has been going strong since 2004, when Trinity Repertory company member and improviser Mauro Hantman brought together a small but mighty group of local improv troupes.

What’s improv, you ask? It’s short for improvisational comedy, and it means the actors get on stage with no scripts and no rehearsals. The result is typically a dazzling display of off-the-cuff comedy.

This year, PIF is taking on the theme of “Ocean State 11” and transforming the performance spaces at 95 Empire Street into a Vegas-style club, with shows on two floors and a lounge on the other.

Since its infancy, PIF has grown to include both local and national acts. More than 35 groups from across the country will be performing over the course of the three-day festival.

“The level of high-quality improv comedy in this year’s FEST is off the charts,” PIF Coordinator Tim Thibodeau said in a statement.  “We have an incredible variety of performers, and are very excited to have so many accomplished artists visiting Rhode Island.  With groups from Hollywood, Austin, Baltimore, Portland—we are reaching out coast to coast.  This is going to be a blast for everyone.”

Some of the groups include North Coast and Magnet Theater Tourco from New York City, Bill and Ace of Available Cupholders from Austin, TX and The Improvised Puppet Project, from Portland, ME.

Of course local Favorites Improv Jones, the Bit Players, Providence Improv Guild (PIG), Speed of Thought Players (featuring Lite Rock 105’s very own Amy Pontes!) and more will be joining the fun. Plus, PIF is adding a new Saturday afternoon free family-friendly improv show with Providence’s Bring Your Own Improv.

For show times and tickets, visit  www.providenceimprovfest.com.