Welcome EN – i Bugiardini

the festival

Thirteen years of history, hundreds of artists, and one shared mission: celebrating the art of the unexpected. The international impro theatre festival by i Bugiardini is back in Rome from May 13 to 16, 2027.

Welcome! festival is more than an event: it’s a landmark for everyone passionate about theatre and creativity.

For this edition, we’ve once again invited internationally renowned teachers to offer a rich programme of workshops, performances and opportunities to exchange ideas. A unique chance to discover different approaches, techniques and perspectives on contemporary impro theatre.

13 – 16 May 2027 – Rome, Pigneto district. Welcome! festival is ready to welcome you.

learn your way

Whether you’re looking for a quick burst of inspiration or a deeper learning experience, Welcome! festival offers a programme that suits you.

Join high-quality workshops led by internationally renowned teachers and become part of a global community eager to share ideas, tools and a passion for impro theatre.

The curtain is about to rise. Are you ready to join Welcome! festival 2027?

14 - 16 May 2027

3-day workshops

Three one-day workshops combined into one learning journey. Perfect if you're looking for fresh ideas, practical tools and plenty of creative energy in just a few days.

15 - 16 May 2027

2-day workshops

Two-day immersive workshops for anyone who wants to dive deeper into a specific topic.

the history

Over the years, Welcome! festival has welcomed performers from all over the world, sharing their expertise with the festival participants and taking the stage for unforgettable impro shows.

Past guests include Patti Stiles, Adam Meggido, Dave Pasquesi and Jill Bernard, among many others.

Our festival returns to Rome, in the Pigneto district, from 13 to 16 May 2027. Ready to discover what’s new this year?

voices from Welcome! festival

The Welcome festival is a place you truly feel welcome. Each year i Bugardini craft the festival with such care. They choose a selection of teachers whose work brings a variety of skills and perspectives to encourage ideas, discussion and to open possibilities in learning, playing and exploring improvisation. They care about the experience there guests will have. They care about the improvisational art form. A piece of my heart is always in Rome.

Patti Stiles

Being part of the cast of Welcome! was probably a highlight of my year! I loved the community around the festival, coming from all over Italy to spend this beautiful weekend focusing on our passion and artform. The festival felt like a warm embrace, a celebration of what impro is and can be, and a continuous dream of yummy food! I’ll come back any time, and then some more!

Gael Doorneweerd-Perry Flock Theatre | Anananas & Pampamplemousse

Welcome really is the best name for this festival. I have never felt so welcomed by a group of people - organisers, participants, teachers, performers - it was just a treat to be surrounded by such welcoming kind funny folk who are all there because they love sharing knowledge and laughter. The care and consideration taken for your guests is really quite incredible. I had so much fun and I’m already jealous of the people who get to do it next year!

Ruth Bratt Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and the Comedy Store Players

If you love impro theatre, Welcome! festival is first and foremost a chance to connect with improvisers from different communities - especially from around the world. Whether you're joining workshops, watching performances or simply sharing an aperitivo, every moment is an opportunity to learn, be inspired and meet amazing people. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, making Welcome! festival live up to its name

Francesco Parisi

After more than ten years of Welcome! festival, all I can say is a huge thank you to i Bugiardini for giving me the chance to learn from and work with incredible teachers from all over the world. Every edition has given me unforgettable performances, lasting friendships and the opportunity to be part of an amazing international community of improvisers. Long live Welcome! festival!

Annalisa Guarda

As someone with very little experience, I found Welcome! festival inspiring in every possible way. The workshops were outstanding thanks to the incredible teachers I had the privilege of learning from, but what stayed with me most was the human side of the experience. I felt an overwhelming sense of community and support. Whether it was luck or simply the Bugiardini spirit that fills Welcome! festival, I went home with a heart full of gratitude - and an even stronger desire to keep improvising.

Andrea De Santis