Bad Dog Theatre Company
Bad Dog Theatre Company is a Toronto improvisational theatre company with roots in 1982 as Theatresports Toronto, formally renamed Bad Dog Theatre Company on May 1, 2003. Over four decades the company has been a primary home for Toronto's Theatresports tradition, long-form improv, and sketch comedy, training and performing alongside many of Canada's most recognized comedy performers.
History
Theatresports Toronto (1982 to 2002)
The company began in 1982 as Theatresports Toronto, presenting weekly improvisational comedy shows at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. After leaving Harbourfront in the early 1990s, the company performed at a series of spaces including St. Paul's Church basement, Big City Improv, Solar Stage, and the Tim Sims Playhouse, building the Toronto Theatresports community across the decade.
Renaming as Bad Dog Theatre Company (2003)
On May 1, 2003, under co-artistic directors Kerry Griffin, Marcel St. Pierre, and workshop director Ralph MacLeod, the company formally adopted the name Bad Dog Theatre Company and opened a dedicated performing space at 138 Danforth Avenue in the Danforth neighbourhood.
Bloor Street and Growth (2015 to 2025)
Bad Dog subsequently opened a second theatre at 875 Bloor Street West, which received Best Small Theatre honours from NOW Toronto in 2017 and Best Comedy Club in 2018. By 2025 the Bloor Street location had closed. The company's education centre operates at 392 Spadina Avenue, and its flagship Theatresports show continues weekly on Fridays at Comedy Bar at 945 Bloor Street West.
Artistic Identity
Bad Dog Theatre Company is Toronto's home for Theatresports and long-form improv, maintaining a continuous performance tradition in the city since 1982 through multiple venues and formats.
People
Legacy
Bad Dog Theatre Company, through its predecessor Theatresports Toronto, has maintained improv performance in Toronto for over four decades. Alumni and long-term performers include Colin Mochrie, Mike Myers, Kids in the Hall members, Keanu Reeves, Lauren Ash, Pat McKenna, Tim Sims, and Sandra Shamas. Ralph MacLeod, one of its artistic directors, went on to co-found Social Capital Theatre.
Key Events
Theatresports Toronto Founded at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto
Theatresports Toronto was founded in 1982, presenting weekly improvisational comedy at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. The company established a regular short-form performance presence in the city and grew over two decades into what would eventually become Bad Dog Theatre Company.
Theatresports Toronto Rebrands as Bad Dog Theatre Company in Toronto
On May 1, 2003, Theatresports Toronto was renamed Bad Dog Theatre Company under co-artistic directors Kerry Griffin and Marcel St. Pierre, with Ralph MacLeod as workshop director. The rebrand coincided with the opening of Bad Dog Theatre Company's first dedicated space at 138 Danforth Avenue in Toronto.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Bad Dog Theatre Company. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/bad-dog-theatre
The Improv Archive. "Bad Dog Theatre Company." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/bad-dog-theatre.
The Improv Archive. "Bad Dog Theatre Company." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/bad-dog-theatre. Accessed November 5, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.