Sydney
CityCompanies
Notable Figures
Historical Moments
Theatresports Begins in Sydney at Belvoir Street Theatre
Sydney Theatresports Inc. launched Theatresports performances at Belvoir Street Theatre in Surry Hills in 1985, establishing the first dedicated improvisational theatre company in Australia. The company holds the Australian registered trademark for the word Theatresports in performance contexts and operates as the licensed Theatresports provider for New South Wales.
Impro Australia Formed After Sydney Theatresports Inc. Liquidation
Following the liquidation of Sydney Theatresports Inc. in the late 1990s, a group of key players formed Impro Australia as a not-for-profit company, continuing the tradition of Theatresports in Sydney. The company holds the Australian registered trademark for the word Theatresports in performance contexts and operates as the licensed Theatresports provider for New South Wales.
Academy of Improvisation Founded in Sydney
Richard Bennett founded the school in Chatswood, Sydney in 2010 as Improv Theatre Company, introducing Chicago long-form improvisation teaching to Australia. Bennett claims the school was the first in Australia to teach Chicago long-form improvisation, and its 11-level curriculum is the most comprehensive offered by any Australian improv school.
Laugh Masters Academy Founded in Sydney
Eran Thomson founded Laugh Masters Academy in Surry Hills, Sydney in 2012, establishing what the school describes as Australia's first dedicated Chicago-style long-form improv and sketch comedy school. The school positions itself as Australia's first dedicated provider of Chicago-style long-form improv and sketch comedy classes, and has produced the Australian Improv Festival.
Improv Theatre Sydney Founded by Carlo Ritchie and Steen Raskopoulos
Carlo Ritchie and Steen Raskopoulos founded Improv Theatre Sydney in 2014, growing from 16 students in their first class to over 200 enrolments and establishing Sydney's primary improv training institution. Starting with classes at various inner-west venues, ITS opened its purpose-built dedicated space at 44-54 Botany Road in Redfern in 2019 with two classrooms, a bar, and a 50-seat theatre.
Improv Theatre Sydney Opens Dedicated Redfern Venue
ITS opened its purpose-built venue at 44-54 Botany Road, Redfern in 2019, featuring two classrooms, a bar, and a 50-seat theatre, marking the first purpose-built improv theatre in Sydney. Starting with classes at various inner-west venues, ITS opened its purpose-built dedicated space at 44-54 Botany Road in Redfern in 2019 with two classrooms, a bar, and a 50-seat theatre.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Sydney. Retrieved September 28, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia/new-south-wales/sydney
The Improv Archive. "Sydney." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia/new-south-wales/sydney.
The Improv Archive. "Sydney." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia/new-south-wales/sydney. Accessed September 28, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.