Photo by Alex Lee c/o Countdown Improv Festival
Lauren Ross, a 2022 Countdown alum, will perform throughout the festival.
Started in 2017 by Kelly Buttermore and Justin Peters, a comedy duo from Brooklyn with a penchant for DIY entertainment, Countdown began as a quirky experiment. Basically, the comedic duo drove across the country, booked shows on the fly, and played to crowds big and small. Justin and Kelly, however, kept returning to a certain place.
Tampa was a consistent hit on their comedy circuit, a city where their brand of absurdity was met with roaring applause. They quickly started contemplating their own festival, and Tampa was a no-brainer. “New York would have cost us $25,000,” Justin recalls. “Tampa was way more affordable, and, frankly, we just love Ybor City.”
The historic neighborhood, known for its vibrant culture and constant reinvention, seemed like the perfect backdrop for a festival that thrives on unpredictability. Initially, the duo envisioned a roving festival that would pop up in different cities each year. They quickly ditched that idea.
“Turns out, starting from scratch every year is a nightmare,” Kelly admits, laughing. “We decided to stick with Ybor and make it our home base.”
Fast forward to today, and Countdown has grown from a modest three-night affair with 25 acts and a $4,000 budget to a five-night extravaganza featuring over 100 acts, three stages, and a roughly $75,000 budget. The festival’s growth is nothing short of meteoric, with its reputation attracting performers from across the country and making it the largest improv festival in the nation. This year, 75 of the 102 acts are from outside Florida. Yes, people are flying cross-country in the dead of summer to perform in Tampa. Now that’s dedication.
That dedication extends to guiding Countdown through hardship, too.
Despite its success, Countdown—which takes place at Hillsborough Community College’s Performing Arts Building—has faced its share of trials. In 2020, when the world went virtual, so did the festival.
“We moved everything online and did a five-day virtual fest,” Kelly recalls. “It was tough, but it was also a chance to innovate.”
Their resilience paid off. When in-person events resumed, Countdown came back stronger, not just as a festival, but as a pillar of the local improv community. Their efforts to foster a supportive environment for performers have created a loyal following.
“We treat our artists like the stars they are,” says Justin. “We pick them up at the airport, greet them by name, and make sure they’re well taken care of.”
The personal touch, combined with their commitment to creating a unique festival experience, has made Countdown a standout event.
One of the festival’s most charming aspects is its focus on inclusivity and community engagement. This year’s festival features workshops tailored for a diverse audience. There’s a matinee performance for kids and families, where young participants learn improv basics and perform alongside seasoned pros.
“It’s adorable and heartwarming,” Kelly says. “Last year, seeing kids perform with our comedians was the highlight of the festival.”
Another exciting addition is a workshop for veterans and active military, aimed at providing a creative outlet and fostering camaraderie. “Improv can be incredibly therapeutic,” Justin explains. “We’re excited to offer this opportunity to those who serve.”
The festival’s commitment to the local community extends beyond the performers. With the recent opening of the Commodore Theater, Countdown has become more than just an annual event; it’s a part of Tampa’s cultural fabric. The theater has allowed Kelly and Justin to deepen their roots in the city and further their mission of promoting improv and providing a safe space for performers to create.
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without bumps. When a crucial $25,000 grant was cut after Gov. Ron DeSantis’ infamous budget decision, the festival faced a devastating financial crunch. “But we rallied, found individual donors, and pushed through,” Kelly adds.
Despite the challenges, the festival remains a testament to their unwavering dedication. “Every year presents a new challenge,” Justin says. “But we keep going because we believe in what we’re building here.”
The festival’s name, Countdown, is a nod to its Brooklyn roots. It originated from a pop-up theater Justin and Kelly ran in non-traditional spaces, always counting down to their next location.
“We thought it would be a fitting name,” Justin explains. “It’s a bit of a throwback to our past, but it also reflects the festival’s spirit– always on the move, always evolving.”
As the Countdown Festival gears up for another incredible year, it’s clear that its magic lies in its blend of creativity, community, and a touch of chaos. Countdown undoubtedly stands out as a beacon of improvisational brilliance. For seasoned improv aficionados or curious newcomers, this festival promises a whirlwind of laughter, surprises, and an unforgettable experience.
Tickets to Countdown Improv Festival happening Aug. 7-11 at Hillsborough Community College's Performing Arts Building in Ybor City are still available and start at $15.
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