Richmond Improv Theatre Society
Richmond Improv Theatre Society (RITS) is an improv comedy organization in Richmond, British Columbia, tracing its roots to 1999 when Jon Lee-Son founded Tickle Me Pickle (TMP), the predecessor troupe that became the cornerstone of improv comedy in Richmond. The society offers classes and workshops for all ages and experience levels and maintains a community focus on inclusion and accessible improv.
History
Tickle Me Pickle (1999)
Jon Lee-Son, a lifelong Richmond resident, founded the Tickle Me Pickle Theatre Sports Improv Society in 1999, establishing the first organized improv troupe in the city. TMP ran charity improv shows under the banner "Laughter is the Best Medicine" and operated youth and kids programming, building a community base in the Richmond arts scene over two decades.
Richmond Improv Theatre Society
The organization restructured as Richmond Improv Theatre Society, continuing the mission and community of TMP. Jon Lee-Son serves as President of RITS; Aidan Wright holds the role of Artistic Director. The society runs classes, workshops, and drop-in sessions for participants from beginners through experienced performers, with a stated focus on building an inclusive, joyful, and connected local community through improvisation.
Context
RICHMOND is distinct from Vancouver's improv scene despite its proximity; RITS serves the suburban Richmond community separately from Vancouver-based organizations such as The Improv Centre and Instant Theatre.
Artistic Identity
Richmond Improv Theatre Society continues the improv community built by Tickle Me Pickle since 1999, serving Richmond, BC through accessible classes and community-building performance.
Key Events
Tickle Me Pickle Founded in Richmond, BC
Jon Lee-Son founded Tickle Me Pickle Theatre Sports Improv Society in Richmond, British Columbia in 1999, creating the first organized improv troupe in the city and the predecessor organization to Richmond Improv Theatre Society.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Richmond Improv Theatre Society. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/richmond-improv-theatre-society
The Improv Archive. "Richmond Improv Theatre Society." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/richmond-improv-theatre-society.
The Improv Archive. "Richmond Improv Theatre Society." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/richmond-improv-theatre-society. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.