Iowa
StateCities
Historical Moments
Comedy XPeriment Founded in Des Moines
Mr. V Van Haecke founded Comedy XPeriment in Des Moines, Iowa in 2003, establishing central Iowa's first dedicated long-running improv ensemble. The troupe grew to perform at Stoner Theater within Des Moines Performing Arts and for corporate clients throughout the region.
Improv Incubator Founded in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Anthony Jensen founded Improv Incubator in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 2018, establishing long-form improv performance and training in Eastern Iowa. The organization provides long-form improv performance and training to the Eastern Iowa community, operating as one of the few dedicated improv companies in the state.
Willow Creek Theatre Company Founded in Iowa City
Luke Brooks, Lindsay Brooks, and Kaya Schafer founded Willow Creek Theatre Company in January 2020 as Iowa City's first dedicated long-form improv nonprofit, though public performances were delayed until late 2021 by the COVID-19 pandemic. Incorporated just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic halted live performance, the company launched its first public shows in late 2021 and has since grown into the primary improv institution in Iowa City.
Includes moments from child regions. View full timeline →
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Iowa. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/locales/north-america/united-states/iowa
The Improv Archive. "Iowa." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/locales/north-america/united-states/iowa.
The Improv Archive. "Iowa." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/locales/north-america/united-states/iowa. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.