Improvisation in Australia
Regions
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.
Impro Melbourne Founded as Theatresports Melbourne
Russell Fletcher and Christine Keogh founded the company in 1996 as Theatresports Melbourne, establishing Melbourne's first Keith Johnstone-format improv company of the modern era.
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.
On the Fly Impro Founded in Adelaide
On the Fly Impro was founded in Adelaide, South Australia in 2003, establishing a dedicated home for Keith Johnstone-format improvisation and original improv training in the state.
ImproNOW! Established as South Australia's Theatresports Licensee
ImproNOW! became the International Theatresports Institute licensee for South Australia in 2003, positioning it as the state's sole authorised Theatresports company.
ImproMafia Founded in Brisbane
Wade Robinson and Luke Rimmelzwaan founded ImproMafia in Brisbane in 2004, establishing the city's first and longest-running dedicated improvisation company.
Impro ACT Founded in Canberra
Nick Byrne and PJ Williams founded Impro ACT in Canberra in 2005, launching both a multi-level training program and the inaugural Canberra Impro Theatre Challenge (later named Improvention).
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.
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 Improv Conspiracy Founded in Melbourne
Adam Kangas launched the first public Harold performance and monthly show series in February 2012 in Melbourne, formally founding The Improv Conspiracy after private training sessions began in September 2011.
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.
Big Fork Theatre Founded in Brisbane
Cameron Watson, Rosa Sottile, Taylor Edwards, and Chris Martin founded Big Fork Theatre in Brisbane in 2015, bringing Chicago-trained improv and sketch comedy to Queensland.
Improv Conspiracy Opens Dedicated Theatre at Meyers Place
In March 2015, The Improv Conspiracy opened its own training centre and theatre at 1/19 Meyers Place, Melbourne CBD, consolidating all shows at the new venue from January 2016.
The Improv Pit Begins Regular Collingwood Shows
The ensemble that became The Improv Pit began weekly shows in Collingwood in 2018, transitioning from festival touring to a regular local performance schedule.
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.
Protea Impro Founded in Hobart
Rowan Harris assembled the ensemble that became Protea Impro in November 2020 for The Burning Desire Festival in Hobart, originally under the name Practitioners of the Ephemeral Arts.
Big Fork Theatre Opens Dedicated Fortitude Valley Venue
Big Fork Theatre opened its own venue at Level 2, 252 St Paul's Terrace, Fortitude Valley in 2022, establishing Brisbane's only dedicated space for improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy.
Blah Blah Blah Improv Founded in Gold Coast
Mandy Plumb founded Blah Blah Blah Improv in January 2023 in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, bringing dedicated improv programming to the Queensland-New South Wales border region.
Coast Improv Founded on Sunshine Coast
Alistair Cook founded Coast Improv in March 2024 on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, introducing a free-of-charge community improv program to the region.
Includes moments from child regions. View full timeline →
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Australia. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia
The Improv Archive. "Australia." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia.
The Improv Archive. "Australia." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia. Accessed March 17, 2026.
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