goga – the movement

NorthWest goga Theatre is one of a group of improv troupes started by Karen Herr of New York.

Karen Herr started goga to support and promote the work of women in improvisational theater. Besides starting her own troupe and nurturing other troupes, Karen teaches improv workshops for women, and workshops to help both men and women play the opposite sex convincingly and genuinely without falling back on stereotypes.

The original goga is now Karen Herr and her performing partner Karen Wight. goga New York has been joined by Capitol goga (2001), Seattle goga (2002), and – of course – NorthWest goga Theatre (2003).

NorthWest goga Theatre

"The best first showing I have seen from an improv group in a long time. The NW goga performance shows solid talent, skill and training."  Andrew McMasters, founder and director, Jet City Improv

NorthWest goga Theatre held its first auditions in March 2003. The troupe started with the goal of creating character- and scene-based long-form improvisation. The first cast was lost to scripted theater. The second cast of four women, formed from auditions in October 2003, performed first at CageMatch on November 16. Only six weeks together, and the troupe took CageMatch by storm! NWgT performed "La Ronde," a long form created by instructors at Chicago's Second City.

"NWgT is a testament to great talent, great direction, and great fun."  Matt Grabowski, Seattle Neutrino Project and Seattle Festival of Improv Theater

Several performances at CageMatch were followed by an appearance at the Seattle Festival of Improvisational Theater in February, 2004. Wrapped around this appearance was a run of shows at the Northwest Actors Studio.

Having done "La Ronde" for three and a half months, NWgT started to create a new show. In the middle of this, in April 2004, the troupe held auditions again. Having lost two members, NWgT gained four more!

"NWgT is a dynamic, talented, women's improv ensemble that performs with skill. They always delight their audiences with their wit and intellect."  Ann Graham, Artistic Director, Northwest Actors Studio

After deciding to do a reality show, the troupe picked the subject of plastic surgery and the beauty industry. A short version of this show was unveiled at a benefit show for New Beginnings (a shelter for women and children) in June, and the troupe did a run of four shows at Northwest Actors Studio in June and July.

"Northwest goga Theatre delivers highly entertaining, sharp-witted improv humor from a unique, all-girl perspective. Our audiences love them!"  Michael Harris, Producing Artistic Director, ArtsWest Playhouse and Gallery

NWgT also performed several times at the cabaret space at Artswest Playhouse.

In August, four members of NWgT, plus the director, travelled to the Toronto International Improv Festival to perform. The performance created a lot of buzz – Karen missed the show but heard praise from everyone she talked to.

NorthWest goga Theatre is now on hiatus. Watch for us ...