Bad Dog Theatre Company

Theatresports Toronto (1982 to 2002)

The company began in 1982 as Theatresports Toronto, presenting weekly improvisational comedy shows at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. After leaving Harbourfront in the early 1990s, the company performed at a series of spaces including St. Paul's Church basement, Big City Improv, Solar Stage, and the Tim Sims Playhouse, building the Toronto Theatresports community across the decade.

Renaming as Bad Dog Theatre Company (2003)

On May 1, 2003, under co-artistic directors Kerry Griffin, Marcel St. Pierre, and workshop director Ralph MacLeod, the company formally adopted the name Bad Dog Theatre Company and opened a dedicated performing space at 138 Danforth Avenue in the Danforth neighbourhood.

Bloor Street and Growth (2015 to 2025)

Bad Dog subsequently opened a second theatre at 875 Bloor Street West, which received Best Small Theatre honours from NOW Toronto in 2017 and Best Comedy Club in 2018. By 2025 the Bloor Street location had closed. The company's education centre operates at 392 Spadina Avenue, and its flagship Theatresports show continues weekly on Fridays at Comedy Bar at 945 Bloor Street West.

Bad Dog Theatre Company is Toronto's home for Theatresports and long-form improv, maintaining a continuous performance tradition in the city since 1982 through multiple venues and formats.

Bad Dog Theatre Company, through its predecessor Theatresports Toronto, has maintained improv performance in Toronto for over four decades. Alumni and long-term performers include Colin Mochrie, Mike Myers, Kids in the Hall members, Keanu Reeves, Lauren Ash, Pat McKenna, Tim Sims, and Sandra Shamas. Ralph MacLeod, one of its artistic directors, went on to co-found Social Capital Theatre.