About Us

About The Improv Centre

The Improv Centre is Vancouver’s leading and best known improv theatre company. It was originally formed in 1981 under the name The Vancouver TheatreSports League.

Charity registration number: 126177112RR0001

It was founded to promote, develop, maintain and present improvisational theatre productions and presentations to local and visiting audiences in Vancouver. The Improv Centre office and 186 seat theatre are located on Vancouver’s Granville Island. Each year, over 60,000 audience members, artists and students enjoy our theatre’s productions.

Waterfront Patio & Bar

The Improv Centre’s Bar & Lounge is our very own licensed facility where we offer a selection of beverages – both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. The bar opens one hour prior to show time. As The Improv Centre is a fully-licensed facility, minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Our lounge and boardwalk patio overlooks the picturesque Granville Island Marina and False Creek, which are particularly spectacular on warmer days. You can order drinks and snacks up to one hour before our performances and during intermission, and you’re welcome to bring them into the theatre to enjoy during the show!

Box Office

Hours and contact information

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Improv Centre wheelchair accessible?

There is a limited amount of wheelchair accessible seating available. Please contact us to reserve these seats at boxoffice@theimprovcentre.com.

Where and when do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online or in person at our box office. Tickets bought online are sent to the email address associated with the purchaser's account. We recommend you buy your tickets in advance of arriving to the theatre as our shows tend to sell out!

How early should I arrive for the show?

Our bar and lounge is open 1 hour prior to the start of our first performance that day. Theatre doors will open 30 minutes prior to your show.

What is your latecomer policy?

Performances start promptly at the time indicated on your ticket. As to not disturb the performers and other audience members, latecomers may be seated at the intermission or at the discretion of the Front of House staff.

What if I can't make it to the show?

All ticket sales are final and unfortunately, we are not able to offer refunds.

Do you serve food?

The bar offers a limited number of snacks available for purchase. There are several restaurants on Granville Island – we recommend making a reservation with one of our restaurant partners here.

Can I bring food into the theatre?

Beverages and snacks purchased from the Bar are welcome to be brought into the theatre. Outside food and beverage is not permitted in the theatre.

Can I bring children to your shows?

We strive to offer programming which is accessible to people of all ages; however, young children can be disruptive. Use your best judgement, but as a rule of thumb we ask children be at least 8 years and older and only attend G or PG rated shows.

Please Note: as The Improv Centre is a licensed facility, all minors (persons under the age of 19) must be accompanied by an adult.

Will I get chosen by the performers if I sit up close?

We encourage audience participation for all of our shows, but we would never ask an audience member to come up on stage or participate if they did not want to, regardless of where they are seated.

Can I 'heckle' the performers or interact with the cast on stage?

Participation is encouraged and a key factor in improv. Please call out your ideas or volunteer to participate when the cast requests audience participation. Untimely or ‘unasked for’ participation can be very disruptive to the cast and unpleasant for your fellow audience members. In such cases, individuals not respecting this regulation will be asked to leave the theatre.

Can I take photos during the show?

Using your camera during the performance is disruptive to fellow audience members as well as to the cast and is not allowed under any circumstances. Individuals not respecting this regulation will be asked to leave the theatre.

Can I use my phone during the show?

Talking on the phone during the performance is disruptive to fellow audience members as well as the cast and is not allowed under any circumstances. Individuals not respecting this regulation will be asked to leave the theatre.

Can caregivers accompany a guest at no cost?

Yes – if you have an Access2Entertainment card, your accompanying caregiver will receive free entry. Contact the box office for the promo code to apply at check out. If the accessible table is needed, contact box office to book. Your Access2Entertainment card will need to be provided for verification upon entry.