Instant Theatre Company is Vancouver's home for long-form improv, founded in 1993 or 1994 and based at 529 East Broadway. One of the longest-running dedicated improv organizations in Vancouver, Instant Theatre produces approximately 200 shows per year and runs two annual festivals: the Vancouver International Improv Festival (since 1999) and the Vancouver Sketch Festival.
History
Founding (1993 to 1994)
Instant Theatre Company was founded in Vancouver in 1993 or 1994, beginning on a small stage in Gastown on the city's East Side. The company was built around a commitment to long-form improvisation and global improv methodologies, distinguishing it from the Theatresports tradition that had anchored Vancouver improv through the Vancouver TheatreSports League.
Instant Studios and Training
In 2010 the company launched Instant Studios, a comedy training centre offering improv, sketch, and stand-up instruction. The studio expanded the organization's capacity to develop new performers in Vancouver's improv community.
Festivals
Instant Theatre has produced the Vancouver International Improv Festival since 1999, making it one of North America's longest-running improv festivals. The company also produces the Vancouver Sketch Festival. Both events bring national and international performers to Vancouver annually.
Current Operations
Instant Theatre operates from 529 East Broadway in Vancouver, producing around 200 shows per year and running its training program alongside international festival production. The company has toured festivals in Berlin, Bellingham, and other international markets.
Artistic Identity
Instant Theatre Company is Vancouver's long-form improv anchor, combining training, 200 annual shows, and production of the city's two major improv and sketch festivals from its East Broadway home.
Key Events
Instant Theatre Company Founded in Vancouver
Instant Theatre Company was founded in Vancouver in 1993 or 1994, beginning in Gastown and establishing long-form improv as a complement to the city's existing Theatresports tradition.
Vancouver International Improv Festival Launches
Instant Theatre Company launched the Vancouver International Improv Festival in 1999, establishing one of North America's longest-running dedicated improv festivals.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Instant Theatre Company. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/instant-theatre-company
The Improv Archive. "Instant Theatre Company." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/instant-theatre-company.
The Improv Archive. "Instant Theatre Company." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/instant-theatre-company. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.