History
The No-No’s are the spawn of most surviving cast members of the now defunct Flying Fish Fun Factory improv troupe. Although we hold fond memories of all times “fishy”, we have set out to expand the borders of traditional, handle based, live improvisational comedy.
The Flying Fish Fun Factory was started in 1995 by Ari Avivi. The troupe enjoyed great local success as a live weekly television show on Shaw Cable, and various private shows around Saskatoon. Once the run had ended on Shaw, the troupe basically disbanded, only to reform in 2001, with a new cast, and a new commitment from Shaw to produce episodes.
That is when current member Max Bembridge joined the troupe, answering an ad in the Star Phoenix. After a brief 10 episode run, the show again went on hiatus, with no further filming scheduled. However, the new group had formed a strong bond, and continued to do outside shows here and there whenever possible.
Max left the group for personal reasons in 2004. Later that same year, a brand new cast would form once again. New life was injected into the Flying Fish as Cody, Brice, Phil and Ben began as the opening act for what was left of the troupe, who had now secured stage time at a downtown theatre on 2nd Ave. Quickly outshining current cast members, the newcomers took on roles as permanent members. The run at 2nd Ave only lasted a short while, and once again the Fish were without a home.
Ben left, and Max Bembridge came back to the Fish mid-season 2005, and met the current cast members, who now included Willem and his brother Klaas. Instantly, he wanted to rejoin because of how much more energy and excitement there was in the bond among the group. Steadily the shows got better and better as everyone spent more time on stage together.
Also, a big part of the overall show experience was the addition of Kevin, doing lights and sounds. His magic behind the scenes enhances and defines moments, and allows the actors to push the envelope of previous improv limitations. Our shows would be much less impressive without his deft touch.
Jenny joined in 2006, as a strong female presence, who easily holds her own with the boys. The added element of her performances created an even more dynamic experience for audience members. The ball was rolling, and the Fish were hitting their stride.
At the end of 2006-2007 Ari decided to take a break from the Flying Fish Fun Factory. To honour the past, and mark the beginning of a new improvisational era, the remaining cast met and reinvented themselves into The No-No's.
The No-No's was chosen as the new group name, for numerous reasons, The main one being an improv double entendre built into the moniker. A new focus was placed on keeping the shows fresh, and innovative, taking chances on new games, never tried, and auditioning for an even bigger cast to keep trying to grow artistically.
For the 2007 fall season we welcomed Marty who coninues to learn and develop. Spring 2008 saw the addition of Jordan. Ben also returned from his hiatus, and stepped right back in where he left off.
In September 2008 we held auditions for a new female cast member, and had an amazing turn-out. So much talent appeared that we actually found 4 new people that we just couldn't say "no" to. Justice, Marley, Derek & Rae have entered the fold, and caused us to change up our format. Every week now begins with a 20 minute 'warm-up' show. This show gives our less experienced cast members valuable stage time in order to prepare them for their shot at the main stage.
Now that we have achieved a good local following, with a fairly consistent amount of seats being filled, we have had the luxury of introducing even more to the stage. Our first WAR! Show was a huge hit and we have followed it up with different incarnations of the format.
There are more plans to expand what we do off stage, out of the “live” context, and your continued support of our troupe, by coming out and paying the paltry $5 at the door, allows us to reach those goals.
Thanks everyone for the growing support. Please keep getting the word out as to how much fun you have at our shows, and we look forward to performing for you for years to come.
Love – Us.