Canadian Improv Games
The Canadian Improv Games (CIG) is a national charity dedicated to providing Canadian youth with improvisational theatre education and programming. It operates 14 regional programs across Canada and hosts an annual National Festival and Tournament at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. In addition to competitive events, CIG offers workshops, training, and week-long summer camps throughout the year.
History
The Canadian Improv Games was founded in Ottawa in 1977 by Jamie "Willie" Wyllie and Howard Jerome, based on a concept originally conceived by David Shepherd and Howard Jerome. By the 1990s the games had grown to over 100,000 alumni participants and received hour-long live coverage on YTV.
Organization
Need current dates or submissions? This is a historical archive. Visit improvfestivals.org for live festival listings.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Canadian Improv Games. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/festivals/canadian-improv-games-festival
The Improv Archive. "Canadian Improv Games." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/festivals/canadian-improv-games-festival.
The Improv Archive. "Canadian Improv Games." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/festivals/canadian-improv-games-festival. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.