Vancouver
CityCompanies
Festivals
Notable Figures
Historical Moments
Vancouver TheatreSports League Founded
Keith Johnstone's 1980 Vancouver workshop catalyzed the formation of the Vancouver TheatreSports League, formally incorporated as a BC Society in 1981 and home to Colin Mochrie among its inaugural performers. One of the earliest companies to adopt Johnstone's Theatresports format, VTSL became one of Canada's most active improv organizations and opened its own dedicated 186-seat theatre on Granville Island in 2011.
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. 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.
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. 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.
The Improv Centre Opens on Granville Island
Vancouver TheatreSports League opened its purpose-built 186-seat theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island in 2011, naming it The Improv Centre and expanding to 12 shows per week. The company presents 12 shows per week, 52 weeks per year to more than 60,000 audience members, artists, and students annually.
Vancouver TheatreSports Opens Dedicated Granville Island Theatre
Vancouver TheatreSports League opened its purpose-built 186-seat theatre at 1502 Duranleau Street on Granville Island in 2011, naming it The Improv Centre and expanding to 12 shows per week. One of the earliest companies to adopt Johnstone's Theatresports format, VTSL became one of Canada's most active improv organizations and opened its own dedicated 186-seat theatre on Granville Island in 2011.
Sour Dog Theatre Founded in Calgary
Ali Froggatt, Sarah Ferguson, and Quinn Contini founded Sour Dog Theatre in Calgary, Alberta in 2014, the company that would later become Tightrope Theatre in Vancouver. Based in Mount Pleasant, Tightrope presents weekly improv shows, runs classes for all experience levels, and offers applied improv programs in partnership with the Parkinson Society of BC and the BC Brain Wellness Program.
Sour Dog Theatre Rebrands as Tightrope Theatre
In 2020 the company rebranded from Sour Dog Theatre to Tightrope Theatre, completing its transition to its Vancouver Mount Pleasant identity. Based in Mount Pleasant, Tightrope presents weekly improv shows, runs classes for all experience levels, and offers applied improv programs in partnership with the Parkinson Society of BC and the BC Brain Wellness Program.
Vancouver TheatreSports League Renamed The Improv Centre
In 2021 the organization formally adopted The Improv Centre as its official registered name, completing the transition from its founding identity as Vancouver TheatreSports League. The company presents 12 shows per week, 52 weeks per year to more than 60,000 audience members, artists, and students annually.
Vancouver TheatreSports League Rebrands as The Improv Centre
In 2021 the organization officially changed its name from Vancouver TheatreSports League to The Improv Centre, reflecting its evolution into a multi-format improv training and performance organization. One of the earliest companies to adopt Johnstone's Theatresports format, VTSL became one of Canada's most active improv organizations and opened its own dedicated 186-seat theatre on Granville Island in 2011.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Vancouver. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/locales/north-america/canada/british-columbia/vancouver
The Improv Archive. "Vancouver." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/locales/north-america/canada/british-columbia/vancouver.
The Improv Archive. "Vancouver." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/locales/north-america/canada/british-columbia/vancouver. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.