Improv Companies

Malaysia's longest-running improv troupe, founded in 2007. AIIA (Artificially Intelligent Improvaholics Anonymous) performs regularly at Crackhouse Comedy Club and arts festivals in Kuala Lumpur, with current members drawn from the Malaysian screen and stage industry.

Columbia's leading improv theater company and school, based in Medellín.

Franchise improv and acting school offering classes, shows, and corporate workshops in Dubai.

Greenville's home for weekly improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy since 2011, housed in the basement theater of Coffee Underground, with shows Thursday–Saturday and a full leveled improv class curriculum.

İzmit improv and comedy company founded 2010, known for their long-running 'Komedya' show series (340+ performances). Operates own venue at İnönü Cad. 84, İzmit.

Founded in 2020, American Improv is Austria's first English-language improv theatre and school, running a structured four-level Chicago-style curriculum and Vienna's only weekly improv comedy show every Monday at Café Aera.

Çanakkale improv company founded 2011, focusing on audience interaction, perception, and imagination. Active for several years with local press coverage; activity after 2015 is unconfirmed.

Antalya-based improv performing company and training centre, located in Kepez district. Offers improv shows and classes; active through 2026.

Mississippi's dedicated improv comedy school and performance company, founded in New Orleans in 2018 and operating in Oxford since 2022, offering multi-level long-form improv classes and showcase shows.

Formed in 2020 through the merger of Artju and Roma Improv, Artyou Roma is a Rome social promotion association offering theatrical improvisation courses, text theatre, and stand-up comedy, with international festival participation.

Founded in 2008, B-Teatro is a Turin-based improv and acting school offering theatrical improvisation courses, corporate training, and team-building programmes, as well as entertainment shows for events.

Bay Area Theatresports, founded in 1986 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. BATS is one of the longest-running Theatresports companies in the United States and a licensee of Keith Johnstone's format. The company produces Theatresports matches, long-form shows, and improv training.

Omaha's dedicated long-form improv training center and performance venue in the Old Market area, offering a 5-level class curriculum and weekly shows.

Originally founded as Theatresports Toronto in 1982, the company was rebranded as Bad Dog Theatre Company on May 1, 2003 by Kerry Griffin, Marcel St. Pierre, and Ralph MacLeod. Bad Dog operates as a registered charity and has performed at various Toronto venues including a dedicated space on Bloor Street West that won Best Small Theatre and Best Comedy Club awards. The company currently operates an education centre on Spadina Avenue.

Baltimore Improv Group (BIG) is Baltimore's largest nonprofit improv comedy venue, opened in 2017 at 1727 N. Charles Street in the Station North Arts District, offering regular shows and classes for all ages.

Ho Chi Minh City-based English-language improv troupe performing both long-form and short-form improv.

Bandit Improv Comedy Theater is a Seattle improv theater teaching game-based long-form formats including Armondo, La Ronde, and Deconstruction, with classes and regular performances.

Kütahya's first improv theatre group ("Kütahya'nın ilk doğaçlama tiyatro ekibi"), founded May 2014 with 8 performers. Contact: batuhantutuk43@hotmail.com.

The premier English-language improv company in Barcelona, offering shows and training since 2011.

BaseJump Improv is a Wellington improv and sketch comedy school and performance company teaching in the style of Chicago and US improv traditions, offering 8-session courses and live shows.

Kenya's premier improv comedy group, known for their large-scale interactive shows in Nairobi.

Beijing-based all-women improv ensemble performing a hybrid of short-form improv and playback theatre. Founded around 2015, the group donates all proceeds to Educating Girls in Rural China (EGRC) and has an international membership drawn from the US, Canada, Argentina, Estonia, the UK, Spain, and China.

Founded in 2007, Beijing Improv is mainland China's oldest improvisation theatre group. The all-volunteer, non-profit organization produces English-language and bilingual Chinese-English improv shows, workshops, and performances. Co-founded by Lottie Dowling and Jonathan Palley, the group has been central to building Beijing's improv community and donates all proceeds to community NGOs.

Belfast's dedicated improv training centre and performance group, founded and led by Creative Director Paul Mone. Offers weekly shows at Accidental Theatre and The Pavilion Bar, and classes for all experience levels including long-form improv.

Omaha's nonprofit family-friendly short-form improv group performing weekly at the Blackstone Theater, also offering classes and private events.

A 75-seat creative incubator and improv comedy theater in the Bywater neighborhood, founded in 2020, producing improv, stand-up, sketch, and comedy shows with weekly shows and improv classes.

Big Fork Theatre is Brisbane's dedicated home of improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy, hosting shows four nights a week and offering improv classes and community jams at their Fortitude Valley venue.

Birmingham's primary improv organisation, offering workshops, courses, drop-in sessions, and jams for all experience levels, and promoting performances by local and visiting improv companies.

Blah Blah Blah Improv is the Gold Coast's premier improv comedy company, teaching and performing theatresports and long-form improvised comedy at their Coolangatta venue.

A female-led long-form improv theatre and school in London, offering fundamentals courses, scene work training, house teams, and a weekly Thursday jam open to all levels.

A Las Vegas improv team offering 12+ years of shows and a class curriculum from Improv 101 through advanced levels plus sketch comedy writing, now based in the Arts District.

An established English-language theatre company in Prague known for original improv comedy shows and acting classes. BLR Theatre performs in central Prague venues and has become a key part of the city's English-speaking comedy scene.

Founded in 1993 by Andrew Moskos and Pep Rosenfeld, two Americans who brought Chicago-style improvisation to Amsterdam. Boom Chicago performs in English and has become one of Europe's premier comedy institutions. Notable alumni include Seth Meyers, Jason Sudeikis, Jordan Peele, Amber Ruffin, and Kay Cannon. The theatre combines improv, sketch, and interactive comedy in a dinner-theater format.

A dedicated comedy theater and school in Baton Rouge, founded in 2022, offering improv and stand-up shows, weekly open mics, and classes for all experience levels.

Founded by Dudley Riggs in 1958, the Brave New Workshop is the oldest continuously operating satirical comedy theatre in the United States. Riggs, a former circus performer, created what he called 'instant theater' — audience-interactive improvised comedy — predating even The Second City's founding by a year. The theatre continues to produce satirical revues combining improvisation and sketch comedy.

A charity-run improv theatre and school founded in 2012, based at 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton. Offers shows, courses, and drop-in sessions, and describes itself as the UK's first full-time dedicated improv theatre.

Brunei's improv comedy company, running weekly Sunday improv classes and shows at Terkidding's by BruHaHa (Madang Cove). Organised FestiLOL, Brunei's first comedy festival, in 2024.

Buffalo Comedy Collective is a performing and teaching improv company founded in 2022 that operates the ComedySportz Buffalo franchise alongside original long-form improv programming.

Buffalo Improv House is the premier long-form improv comedy and training company in Western New York, offering classes, shows, and corporate workshops.

CATCh (Comedy and Theater Company) is a full-service improv comedy theater in Charlotte with a multi-level curriculum spanning intro through advanced classes and frequent public improv shows.

CIC Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit improv and comedy theater in Chicago, founded in 2003, presenting improv, sketch, and theatrical shows at their venue on N Western Ave.

Cardiff's primary improv comedy school and performance group, offering weekend intensives and regular improv nights at Chapter Arts Centre. Focuses on scenic improv and comedy performance.

Myrtle Beach's premier improv comedy theater and school since 2008, offering unscripted shows and a full training program including the Improvised Intelligence business curriculum.

A Lexington-based improv troupe and nonprofit founded in 2016, performing monthly in the Bluegrass region and offering improv classes.

Chaos Bloom Theater is Denver's top-rated long-form improv comedy organization in the Baker neighborhood, offering improv and sketch classes, shows, and a welcoming performer community.

An improvisational comedy troupe founded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, producing ensemble improv shows at multiple Birmingham venues and offering leveled classes.

Charlotte Comedy Theater is Charlotte's original improv theater and training center offering live comedy shows and a multi-level curriculum rooted in Chicago's top improv tradition.

Founded in Chicago in 1977 by a group of performers who had studied under Del Close at The Second City. The company relocated to New York City in 1979 and became the city's longest-running comedy revue. The format combines short-form, long-form, and musical improv with sketch and song parody.

A Curitiba improv theatre company founded in 2015 by Laurihetty Junior, specialising in theatrical improvisation. The company creates its own shows and workshops for public and corporate audiences and has been recognised as Brazilian Improvisation Champions.

A pioneer theatrical improvisation comedy company in Bahia, founded around 2015 and performing across Salvador and Feira de Santana. Their signature show "Na Base do Improviso" features nine actor-improvisers working from audience suggestions using TheatreSports methodology derived from Keith Johnstone and Viola Spolin.

A Brasilia-based comedic improv company founded in 2005, specialising in the theatresports format under the banner of their signature show "Missao Improviso" — audiences supply impossible challenges for the actors to fulfil in real time without a script. One of the most recognised comedy companies in the Federal District, having performed in twelve state capitals across Brazil.

An improv comedy company based in Itajai, Santa Catarina, founded in 2014, specialising in theatrical improvisation shows and workshops for public and corporate audiences. The company also organises the Encontro de Improviso improv festival, now in its 5th edition.

A Rio de Janeiro theatre company and school based in Botafogo that has hosted the Festival Carioca de Improv since 2005, making it one of the longest-running improv festivals in Brazil. The company also offers dedicated improv courses and has performed at the Chicago Improv Festival.

The leading theatrical improvisation company and training school in northeast Brazil, based in Salvador, Bahia. In 2023 they opened Casa Improviso (Rua Agnelo de Brito 36, Federacao, Salvador), a dedicated venue offering regular courses in improvisation, clown, singing, scenography, and costume design, alongside national and international residencies.

A pioneering Sao Paulo improv and clown theatre company founded in 2002 by Cesar Gouvea, known for Jogando no Quintal, an improvised clown battle show that has been seen by over 300,000 people and is one of the longest-running improv shows in Brazil.

A Wilmington theater company with an embedded improv division (Fearless Improv) offering monthly shows at The Delaware Contemporary and improv classes for adults and students.

Founded in 2018 by Tara Brodin and Joanne Willmott, Close Encounters Theatre is an English-speaking performing arts school and theatre in Zurich offering improv, acting, and musical theatre, and hosting the annual Zurich Improv Comedy Festival.

Brazil's most famous improv trio, known for their massive YouTube following and live shows 'Improvável'.

Coalition Theater (RVA Comedy) is Richmond, Virginia's dedicated improv, stand-up, and sketch comedy theater offering regular live shows and multi-level training classes.

Coast Improv is a Sunshine Coast improvisational comedy company offering live shows at Heritage Playhouse and improv classes from introductory workshops to multi-week courses.

ColdTowne Theater is an Austin improv theater and training center that grew out of the city’s alternative comedy scene and established its own venue in 2006.

A Santiago-based improv theatre company and school founded in 2004 by Monica Moya and Sergio Dominguez, considered one of the pioneering groups of theatrical improvisation in Chile. The company uses Keith Johnstone methodology and has toured internationally in Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Germany and Canada.

Berlin's first international alternative comedy stage, school and bar, located at Roseggerstr. 17, 12059 Berlin. Runs a 70-seat soundproof theatre with shows in English and German, and a training school offering improv and sketch comedy courses at all levels.

Des Moines's longest-running improv comedy ensemble, in its 22nd year, performing Chicago-style long-form improv at Des Moines Performing Arts venues.

Phnom Penh-based comedy company founded 2011, known for their weekly 'Stand Up: Unscripted' format featuring audience suggestions and improvisation. Active through 2025.

Long-running competitive improv comedy theater in downtown Provo, formerly ComedySportz Utah, offering weekly shows in a family-friendly format since 1999.

A franchise network of competitive short-form improv theatres founded by Dick Chudnow in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The format is based on Keith Johnstone's Theatresports and features a referee, team competition, and a family-friendly environment. ComedySportz has expanded to dozens of cities across the United States and internationally.

The Chicago franchise of the ComedySportz network, a competitive short-form improv format based on Keith Johnstone's Theatresports. The national ComedySportz organization was founded by Dick Chudnow in Milwaukee in 1984. The Chicago franchise opened in 1987 and is one of the longest-running improv shows in the city.

ComedySportz Indianapolis is a dedicated improv comedy theater at 3808 Shelby Street presenting audience-driven competitive improv shows and offering five-session-per-year improv classes.

Las Vegas home of the ComedySportz competitive improv format, offering weekly family-friendly improv shows and multi-level improv classes for all ages.

The North West's longest-running competitive improv company, affiliated with CSz Worldwide. Runs Foundation Improv courses, summer intensives, and performs the ComedySportz format alongside original shows. Over 20 years of operation.

ComedySportz Milwaukee is the founding home of the ComedySportz format, established in Milwaukee in 1984 and celebrating 40 years at 420 S. 1st Street with ongoing shows, classes, and the annual ComedySportz World Championship.

ComedySportz Philadelphia (CSz Philadelphia) has been presenting improv comedy for over 25 years, offering shows for all ages and running the Philadelphia School of Improv with multi-level classes.

ComedySportz Richmond Theater has been bringing live improv comedy shows and arts education to Richmond, Virginia for over 25 years, offering family-friendly shows and structured improv classes.

ComedySportz San Jose is Silicon Valley's longest-running improv comedy show, presenting audience-interactive competitions since 1987 alongside classes and corporate programs.

St. Louis franchise of the ComedySportz competitive improv comedy format, offering shows and improv training.

A theatre school and production company in Porto Alegre offering courses in interpretation, improvisation, and actor performance, and producing original theatrical shows. Founded in partnership with Casa de Espetaculos in Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre.

St. Louis nonprofit improv company dedicated to fostering community through improvisational theater performance and education.

The St. Louis outpost of the original Compass Players, operating at the Crystal Palace nightclub in 1957–1958. Directed by Theodore J. Flicker, with Mike Nichols, Elaine May, and Del Close as company members. Del Close began developing his comedy philosophy here, and the friction between Flicker's character-sketch approach and David Shepherd's politically engaged vision contributed to the company's collapse — the same tension that had driven the original Chicago run. A historically distinct entity from the Chicago Compass Players.

One of Mexico's most influential improv companies and schools, specializing in long-form and dramatic improv.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit theater founded in 2005 that produces scripted and improvised work, including Improv 101 classes and the annual Ocean State Improv Festival.

An annual theatrical improvisation tournament held at Teatro Tajamar in Mendoza, featuring approximately ten teams and forty improvisers competing in unscripted scenes drawn from audience prompts. Self-described as "el torneo mas picante de la Argentina."

Founded in 2001, Covert Theatre is Auckland's dedicated improvisation company, producing shows and training in New Zealand's largest city.

Crossroads Comedy Theater Indianapolis is a dedicated comedy and improv theater and school at 525 S Meridian Street offering classes in improv, sketch writing, and stand-up for all levels.

Curious Comedy Theater is a Portland nonprofit comedy theater and training center founded by Stacey Hallal in 2008.

Founded in 2004 by Zach Ward in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. DSI (formerly the Duke Street Improv) produces improv comedy and hosts training programs. Ward is a performer and teacher who has been influential in building the improv scene in the Research Triangle area.

Founded in 1995, Dad's Garage is Atlanta's premier improvisational and experimental theatre company. The theatre produces long-form improvisation, sketch comedy, and original theatrical productions. It relocated to the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood in 2012 and has become a cornerstone of the Atlanta comedy scene.

Dallas Comedy Club is a multi-use improv, sketch, stand-up, and storytelling venue and training center in Deep Ellum, Dallas, offering regular shows and youth programming.

Norway's leading improv theater and school, hosting national and international performances.

Founded in 2022 by performers trained at The Second City Chicago and the International College of Musical Theatre London, Dice Theater is a Gothenburg improv and musical theatre company offering shows several times a week and structured classes.

Founded in 1997, Die Gorillas is one of Berlin's longest-running and most prominent improvisation ensembles. The group performs long-form improvised plays in German and has been influential in developing the German-language improv scene.

Hamburg professional improv network offering shows at die Motte and Goldbekhaus, an Improschule with structured courses, and corporate training. Active for over 25 years.

A live improvised soap opera running weekly in Edmonton since 1991. Patti Stiles was a founding member. The show features a serialized narrative performed entirely through improvisation, with performers maintaining characters across episodes. Notable alumni include Mark Meer and Nathan Fillion.

Founded in 2021 by Irish performer Melissa Dalton, Dig Deep Improv is Luxembourg City's English-language improv theatre company offering shows, courses, corporate workshops, and jam nights.

Ankara-based short-form improv company (theatresports) founded February 2015, formed from alumni of Tümden Uydurmalar. Performs regularly at Route Ankara Sahnesi (Selanik Street); confirmed ticketed show June 2025.

Opened in May 2015 as DC's first brick-and-mortar space dedicated to improv and sketch comedy, originally at 3503 Georgia Ave NW. Dojo Comedy offers a five-level improv curriculum alongside sketch comedy classes and regular weekend performances.

Shenzhen-based English-language long-form improv group founded in 2018, creating one-act-play-style shows from a single audience suggestion. The group incorporates live musical performances from local songwriters into its format.

Istanbul improv company founded 2005 with over 1,000 stage and screen shows. Performs original long-form formats and provides corporate improv training to 100+ companies.

Dubai's foundational multi-genre comedy school and performance company, founded 2008 by Mina Liccione and Ali Al Sayed. Offers ongoing improv courses (including Improv Jam) and weekly public comedy shows at Social Distrikt.

Dynamic El Dorado is Atlanta's comedy incubator for improv, clown, stand-up, and sketch comedy, offering classes every weekday and performances every weekend.