PureFest 2018 Extends Registration Deadline

Lockport, Ill.: Organizers for PureFest, Chicago’s faith-based improv and sketch festival, are excited to announce that registration has been extended through September 15. PureFest will be hosted in Lockport, Ill., at Cross Point Church on October 6, 2018. The first ever improv and sketch festival for faith-based teams will provide a showcase for the performing arts in the church.

Like similar improv and sketch festivals hosted in Chicago, PureFest will provide a stage, platform, and community for the talented groups with a root in faith. Teams scheduled to perform include hosts HaHaMen Improv, as well as Denver-based Ringo Starr of Bethlehem.

“We are garnering some really exciting attention,” said PureFest creator Dave Ebert. “I was personally shocked to see the team of Ringo Starr of Bethlehem confirm that they are coming from Denver to be a part of our event.”

“It’s going to be a great day for all performing teams, whether they’re improv, sketch, or drama ministry,” added Ebert.

Many local and regional schools have improv and drama teams that would be a great fit for PureFest. It is due to these teams’ potential interest in participating that organizers have extended the registration deadline to September 15.

Ebert, also the founder of HaHaMen Improv and Sketch Comedy Troupe, explained, “With schools just now getting back in session, these improv and drama programs will need a couple weeks to meet and then decide if PureFest is a good fit. We want to accommodate them so they have every opportunity to be a part of this inaugural event.”

All church-based drama ministries, as well as independent groups, are encouraged to apply. The improv and sketch performance does not have to contain a message or be Scriptural in nature. The performances are required to be clean and safe for all ages, and the teams performing must have a foundation in faith.

“We also want teams to know that we are not requiring everyone to perform comedy,” added Ebert. “There is so much more to improv and sketch than comedy, though that is the overwhelming majority. We want to encourage all teams to submit and be a part.”

For more information and to apply to be a part of this event, visit PureFest.org, or email info@PureFest.org.