Improv Companies

Cairo improv theatre group offering beginning courses in improvisation and performances in the Maadi and greater Cairo areas, with lessons at Cairo American College.

Founded in March 2005 by Armando Diaz, Ed Herbstman, and Shannon O'Neill. Diaz created the Armando format at iO Chicago in 1995, one of the most widely performed long-form structures in improv. The Magnet Theater became one of New York's premier improv training centers and performance venues.

Turkey's founding improv institution, active since 2001 and among the first to introduce theatresports to Turkey (January 2008). Performs regularly at Trump Sahne (Mecidiyeköy) and offers ongoing workshops.

A longform improv school in downtown Portland offering multi-level classes (Intro and Advanced) culminating in graduation shows at the Portland Media Center.

Theatrical improvisation league based in Fort-de-France offering weekly workshops and monthly public shows, with institutional support from the Prefecture and City of Fort-de-France cultural affairs.

Mockingbird Improv is San Diego's only nonprofit improv theater, founded in 2021 at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, offering weekly shows, improv classes, and youth programs.

Moment Improv Theatre is a narrative improv theater and training center in downtown San Francisco offering multi-level classes, live shows, and corporate workshops.

Founded in 2003 and credited with founding the improvisational theatre genre in Hungary, Momentán Társulat is Budapest's longest-running improv company with over 3,000 performances, offering shows in Hungarian and English and regular workshops at its own IMPRÓ theater.

Founded in 2015 by Dina Mild, Moscow Improv Club is Moscow's first international improv and stand-up community, offering English and Russian-language classes, shows, open mics, and masterclasses.

Alaska's most diverse improv troupe, founded in September 2017, performing unscripted comedy shows at various Anchorage venues.

Nashville Improv is Nashville's dedicated improv comedy headquarters, presenting regular live shows and offering multi-level improv classes and corporate training.

National Comedy Theatre is San Diego's longest-running improv comedy theater, presenting fully audience-suggested shows since 1999 with over 7,000 performances.

Gurugram (NCR)-based improv performing group and workshop provider with over 600 community members. The founder Ankur has trained over 2,000 students and performed more than 100 shows across the Delhi–NCR region.

Kathmandu-based improv company that trains and performs with local improv troupes in Nepal.

A foundational Rio de Janeiro theatre school founded in 1951 by Maria Clara Machado, whose free improvisation course has trained generations of Brazilian actors. Located in Lagoa at Av. Lineu de Paula Machado 795, O Tablado bills itself as a school of theatrical improvisation, offering in-person and online courses.

Oklahoma's premiere improv performance showcase and teaching institution located in the historic Plaza District, founded in 2009, offering ongoing shows and classes.

On the Fly Impro is South Australia's premier improvisational theatre training organisation, offering term-based classes for all skill levels and live performances on Kaurna Land in Adelaide.

Only the Human is a Perth-based social enterprise and cooperative that operates as both a performing venue and improv school, offering classes and shows to build a thriving improvisation community in Western Australia.

Cape Town improv theatre company offering corporate team building workshops, weekly improv jams, and live entertainment.

A Bogota-based improv company founded in 2011 by former members of La Gata Impro and La Gata Cirko, specialising in transdisciplinary improvised theatre projects and corporate workshops. The company produces the Monkey FEST, an international improv festival in Bogota.

Paper Street Theatre Co. is a Victoria, BC improvisation ensemble directed by Dave Morris that creates unscripted performances in the style of established theatrical forms. The company offers multi-level improv classes and has appeared at international festivals in Vancouver, London, Romania, and Amsterdam.

Shanghai-based improv comedy group founded around 2013, performing short- and long-form improv at venues including Kung Fu Komedy Club. The group also offered corporate training and toured to Chengdu and other Chinese cities.

Philly Improv Theater (PHIT) has been the heart of Philadelphia's nationally recognized comedy scene since 2005, training over 1,000 students annually in improv, sketch, stand-up, and acting.

Planet Ant Theatre is a Hamtramck, Michigan improv and comedy theater founded in 2000, home to the longest-running improv show in Detroit and a training center for improv, sketch, and acting.

Delhi-based improv comedy studio and performing group, described as Delhi's first dedicated comedy studio. Founded by Baneet Chhabra, Priya Sharma, and Shivam Srivastava, operating from the Saket neighbourhood of New Delhi.

Portland Comedy Theater is the home of ComedySportz Portland, presenting live improv comedy shows for all ages and offering improv training classes and corporate workshops.

Tasmanian improv group producing live shows from Theatresports-style formats to full dramatic long-form plays. Facebook-primary presence.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to improv comedy, founded in 2012 at the AS220 arts complex, hosting live shows every Friday and Saturday night and offering multi-level classes and workshops.

Nairobi artistic collective offering world-class stand-up and improv comedy, with weekly workshops, open mics, and shows at venues including Two Grapes Kilimani.

One of Utah's oldest and most influential improv troupes performing every Friday since 1994 at Midvale Performing Arts Center; nearly every Utah improv troupe traces roots to Quick Wits.

RISE Comedy (formerly Voodoo Comedy Playhouse) is a dedicated Denver improv comedy club and theater founded in 2011, presenting improv shows and offering training classes.

Edmonton's longest-running improv theatre, originating when Stephen Heatley brought Theatresports to the city in 1981 through Theatre Network. The company was formally incorporated in 1988 under Artistic Director Jack Smith. Rapid Fire has performed at the Varscona Theatre and The Citadel Theatre.

An award-winning improv comedy company in the Boise metro offering shows, classes in improv and storytelling, corporate training, and free monthly community improv jams.

Founded in 2013, Renegade Saints is the longest-running English-language improv comedy company in Geneva, offering regular shows, drop-in workshops, and classes for all levels.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit theater in Reno teaching and performing improv, public speaking, and sketch comedy for adults of all skill levels, offering multi-level courses and weekend workshops.

Richmond Improv Theatre Society (RITS) is a community arts organization based at 7700 Minoru Gate in Richmond, BC, offering improv classes, drop-in sessions, and performance opportunities for all ages and skill levels. The society runs programs in partnership with the City of Richmond and Richmond Cultural Centre.

New Jersey's only performing arts school fully dedicated to teaching and performing comedic improvisation, founded in 2018, offering classes for kids (grades 3-12) and adults, plus shows and corporate events.

Founded in 2013 (originally as Improkraatia), Ruutu10 is Tallinn's established improv comedy centre offering regular shows in Tallinn and Tartu alongside improv classes and workshops.

SAK Comedy Lab is a 250-seat dedicated improv comedy theater in downtown Orlando founded in 1991, presenting nightly shows and operating one of the largest improv training centers in the US.

Rotterdam's dedicated English-language improv school and community offering beginner through performance-level courses, regular shows, and monthly taster sessions across multiple Rotterdam venues.

Ho Chi Minh City's first improv school, founded in December 2020 by Van Tran after training in New York and Chicago. Saigon Improv House offers classes for adults, children, and corporate clients, and has trained nearly 200 students since launch.

A Montevideo theatre club offering workshops and courses in improvisation, clown, theatre and personal development, including intensive courses and summer workshops.

Nonprofit improv comedy theater and school founded 2010 by Jeff Kinsler, operating inside Shoppingtown Mall in DeWitt (suburban Syracuse). Produced shows, workshops, and classes in improv, sketch, and stand-up. Closed permanently in 2020 when Shoppingtown Mall shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company later resurfaced in Oneida, NY.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit improv school and performance company founded in 2009, offering 8-week adult classes, weekly drop-in sessions, and Saturday evening shows.

Berlin-based improvisational theatre ensemble and school at 18 Boxhagener Straße, with over 25 years of experience. Offers ensemble shows and the Scratch Impro School, providing beginner courses and advanced workshops.

Connecticut's leading professional improv comedy company, founded in 2009, offering live shows at Sea Tea Comedy Theater and multi-level classes at Sea Tea Improv Studios.

Phoenix improv theater offering shows and classes at 1130 E Missouri Ave, providing improv training and live comedy performances.

The Second City's Los Angeles training center satellite, operating from 2005 to 2022 at 6560 Hollywood Boulevard. Offered multi-level improv and sketch curriculum under Artistic Director Joshua Funk. Closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not reopen, ending Second City's 17-year Los Angeles presence.

A nonprofit comedy, improv, and live arts theatre in Huntsville, founded in 2019, offering stand-up, improv, and sketch shows every Friday and Saturday plus classes in improv, sketch, and art.

Skits and Giggles is an English-language improv performance group in Taichung, Taiwan, originally founded in 2007 as Taichung Improv. They offer open improv classes and performances at local venues.

An improv theatre and training center on the Danforth in Toronto, founded by Ralph MacLeod, who previously co-founded Bad Dog Theatre Company. Social Capital Theatre operates above the Black Swan pub and offers classes and performances.

Staircase Improv is a Hamilton improvisation theatre and training centre with roots going back to 1996.

Station Theater is Houston's premier independent comedy performance space for long-form improv, sketch, and stand-up, operating a comedy conservatory offering training and performance opportunities.

Steel City Improv Theater is Pittsburgh's dedicated improv theater for everyday people looking to build confidence, meet new people, and laugh more through structured improv classes and shows.

One of Germany's pioneering improv theatres, founded by Thorsten Brand in 1992 at the Kellertheater Hamburg. A 20-actor ensemble performing at the Imperial Theatre and other Hamburg venues, and operating as an improv school and business theatre institute.

Founded in 1996, Stjärnfall is Finland's only Swedish-language professional improvisation theatre, performing across Finland's Swedish-speaking coastal communities and offering corporate and educational workshops.

Founded in 1989 by Martin Geijer, Stockholms Improvisationsteater (SIT) is the oldest and largest improv theatre in the Nordic region, operating a permanent dedicated stage at Sigtunagatan 12 and running approximately 55 courses per year for around 900 students.

Stomping Ground Comedy is a nonprofit comedy theater and training center in Dallas founded in 2017, offering improv shows, classes, youth programs, and the Dallas Youth Improv Festival.

An English-language improvisational theatre company and school based in Zurich offering classes at all levels, corporate workshops, and regular improv shows.

New Hampshire's longest-running improv troupe, in operation since 2004, offering weekly shows, multi-level classes, musical improv workshops, and corporate training throughout New England.

Strike Theater is a Minneapolis venue hosting the long-running Improv A Go Go showcase (founded 2002) and multiple improv, sketch, and storytelling shows including ComedySportz matches.

Poland's first and longest-running theatrical improvisation school, founded in Warsaw in 2012, offering a full curriculum from beginner to advanced and hosting shows at dedicated venue Resort Komedii; co-organiser of the Warsaw Improv Festival.

Edinburgh's improv comedy theatre company, founded in 2009. Offers structured courses and training, inclusive events, and regular shows. Established The TBC Improv Theatre as a pop-up venue from 2015 to 2019 and has since expanded to the UK, Hong Kong, and Spain.

TBC Improv HK is the Hong Kong branch of international improv company TBC Improv, founded in 2014. They teach classes, perform shows, and run corporate training programs.

A multi-location improv training school offering weekly classes across several Buenos Aires neighbourhoods including Villa Crespo, Belgrano, Palermo, and Almagro.

Founded in 1999 by Mari Rinaldi and Andy Ferrari, Teatribù is Milan's most internationally recognised improv association, offering a three-year structured improvisation curriculum, completely improvised shows, and corporate training; recipient of the City of Milan's Ambrogini d'oro award in 2017.

Active since 2007, Teatro a Molla is Bologna's leading theatrical improvisation company, performing comic and dramatic improv shows while running an improv theatre school and corporate experiential workshops.

Israel's central hub for improv training and performance, founded by pioneers of the Israeli scene.

Founded by Mick Napier and fellow Indiana University alumni originally under the name Metraform. The company renamed itself the Annoyance after finding a permanent theatre on Broadway and Belmont. The Annoyance produced Co-Ed Prison Sluts, which became the longest-running original musical in Chicago history. The theatre's philosophy emphasizes individual performer power as a counterpoint to orthodox yes-and doctrine.

Johannesburg-based long-form improv, clown, and sketch comedy school, part of a global network with hubs in Toronto, Mexico, Amsterdam, and South Africa. Offers five-level curriculum and open shows.

A Mexico City-based English and Spanish language improv company that brings Chicago-style long-form improvisation to Mexico. The Assembly MX produces shows and offers training programs.

A Toronto performance venue opened in September 2017 by the merger of Unit 102 Actors Company and Leroy Street Theatre. The Assembly hosts improv, sketch, and theatrical performances on Queen Street West.

The Basement is an Atlanta improv and comedy venue.

Kansas City improv comedy theater in the Crossroads Arts District offering improv shows and classes.

The Bit Theater is an improv comedy venue and training center in Aurora, Illinois, offering long-form and short-form improv shows, classes for all ages, and community events.

The only dedicated improv theater in New Mexico, founded in 2007 as part of Cardboard Playhouse Theatre Company (501c3), hosting weekly shows by multiple improv troupes and offering training programs.

Bangkok's original English-language comedy club, presenting live stand-up and improv from international and local comedians. The club runs improv workshops and a popular Monday night improv comedy meet-up.

The first and only dedicated improv comedy theatre in Dubai. Home to Theatresports Middle East, affiliated with the International Theatresports Institute, the Playhouse performs Keith Johnstone's Maestro format weekly alongside other improv shows. Founded through Dubomedy Arts, the UAE's first comedy school.

New Mexico's longest-running professional long-form improv team offering elite acting and improv classes, workshops, and shows through multiple performance groups in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Bangalore-based performing arts school offering a 50-hour Improv Foundation course. Founded in 2019 and based in Indiranagar, The Flux Project teaches improv as a performance art and applied skill.

The Focus Theater is Rochester's dedicated comedy venue offering improv shows, stand-up, and sketch performances alongside improv classes and workshops.

Founded in 2014, The Free Association is a London-based improv theatre and school that focuses on long-form Chicago-style improvisation. The company has helped bring Harold-based and other long-form structures to the UK improv scene.

The Good Friend Theater (formerly CSz Houston) is Houston's longest-running improv comedy company, founded in 1990, presenting the ComedySportz format and offering improv training classes and corporate workshops.

Founded by Gary Austin in 1974 on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. The Groundlings is an improvisational and sketch comedy theatre and school that has produced an extraordinary number of Saturday Night Live cast members and Hollywood comedians including Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz, Lisa Kudrow, Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, and Kristen Wiig. The company uses a short-form and sketch-based approach distinct from the Chicago long-form tradition.

Lawrence's dedicated improv home since 2015, hosting weekly improv shows and free Tuesday night improv workshops open to all.

Founded in 1999, The Hideout Theatre is Austin's longest-running improv comedy theatre. Located for 26 years on Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, the theatre produced long-form improvisation and hosted the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival, one of the largest improv festivals in the United States. In 2025, the Congress Avenue building was sold by its owner; the new owners plan to convert the space to a bar. The Hideout held farewell performances at the Congress Avenue location November 13-16, 2025, then relocated to Art Hub ATX in South Austin — a 4,000 sq ft facility with a 100-seat theater, two classrooms, and a coffeehouse — continuing full operations under the same ownership and artistic leadership.

The Home Comedy Theater is an 80-seat improv comedy venue and training center in Chicago's East Lakeview neighborhood, specializing in long-form improvisation performances and classes.

A Mumbai-based improv comedy company that performs shows and offers training. The Improv has been part of the growing stand-up and improv comedy scene in India's entertainment capital.

A Prague improv school and performance group offering weekly beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses alongside regular Monday night shows and corporate workshop packages.

Cape Town improv company founded in 2020 by Justine Beukes, Thomas Dods, and Tamith Hattingh, offering classes, workshops, and live shows.

The Improv Centre is a live comedy venue on Granville Island in Vancouver, BC, operating as a registered charity and presenting unscripted performances including TheatreSports shows multiple times weekly. The society has offered improv classes and workshops for all skill levels for over 40 years.

Founded in 2013, The Improv Company is Singapore's dedicated improvisation theatre. The company runs training programs and produces shows, serving as the primary hub for improv in Southeast Asia.

Singapore's dedicated improv school and performance group, fostering a vibrant local community.

Founded in 2012, The Improv Conspiracy is a Melbourne-based improv theatre and school that focuses on Chicago-style long-form improvisation. The company helped bring Harold-based improv to Australia and operates a comprehensive training program modeled on American improv school curricula.

Melbourne's home for long-form improv, offering weekly shows and a comprehensive training program based on the Chicago style.

The Improv Embassy is Ottawa's school for improv comedy classes, workshops, and shows, and produces the annual Ottawa Improv Festival.

Hanoi-based community space and training centre described as Vietnam's first dedicated improv hub. Founded and directed by Le Kim Thanh, The Improv Hub offers foundational courses, bilingual shows, and community events from its location at 14 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem.

The Improv Pit is a Chicago-style improv comedy venue and training center in Collingwood, Melbourne, hosting weekly Thursday night shows and offering 8-week workshop courses across multiple levels.

Founded in 2022 by Neil Curran and Quinton O'Reilly, The Improv Playground is a Dublin improv community space running weekly drop-in workshops on Monday evenings and shows on Saturday nights at The Teachers Club.

St. Louis improv comedy theater and training center with over 15 years of shows and classes serving the St. Louis improv community.