ComedySportz Indianapolis

Founding (1993)

Ed Trout, Mia Lee Roberts, Lynn Burger, and Dave Ruark, who had been performing together as the Below the Belt sketch and improv ensemble, discovered the ComedySportz format during a visit to Chicago and secured a franchise license from CSz Worldwide. ComedySportz Indianapolis launched in February 1993 at Theatre on the Square in Fountain Square, establishing competitive short-form improv as a regular entertainment option in the Indianapolis market.

Mass Avenue Era and Relocation

The company operated for 21 years on Mass Avenue before eventually relocating to The Wit Theater on Shelby Street, an 85-seat venue that became its current home. ComedySportz Indianapolis operates as Indianapolis's Eastern Conference entry in the CSz Worldwide network of more than 25 US cities plus Manchester, UK.

Ongoing Operations

ComedySportz Indianapolis continues to present competitive short-form improv at The Wit Theater, alongside adult-only shows, classes, corporate training, and summer camp programs. The company describes itself as Indianapolis's longest-running comedy show.

ComedySportz Indianapolis presents competitive short-form improv in the CSz Worldwide format: two teams (including Circle City Slammerz) compete in improv games before a referee with audience scoring. Family-appropriate programming is supplemented by adult-only shows and a substantial corporate training and team-building practice. Classes offer short-form improv instruction at beginner through advanced levels.