ImprovBoston presents the first annual "ImprovBoston Women in Comedy Festival" to be held May 13-16, 2009. The festival is a celebration of Boston-area women performing improvisational, sketch, film and stand-up comedy. Acclaimed artists include Comedy Central's Kelly MacFarland and Erin Judge, Second City's Leah Gotsik and Marty Johnson, film featuring Sarah Haskins of Current TV, and actors from ImprovBoston and Improv Asylum Mainstage. The festival's mission is to create a forum for people to experience the unique comedic expression of women, see strong female performers and, most importantly, to have a great time. The event is affordable and many shows are family-friendly. There will be workshops on sketch writing and improvisational comedy taught by award-winning, professional talent. The festival will also feature panel discussions with local talent and entertainment professionals to increase dialogue among Boston-area men and women performing comedy, as well as comedy workshops with area high school students and the Cambridge Women's Center. Co-produced by veteran performers Maria Ciampa and Michelle Barbera, the festival is a volunteer effort made possible by the hard work of its artistic staff, the not-for-profit ImprovBoston Theater, and a grant by the Cambridge Arts Council, nurturing the arts in Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. More information can be found at www.womenincomedyfestival.com and www.improvboston.com.