ImproMafia, now operating as Improv QLD (Improv Queensland), is Brisbane's longest-established improvisation company, founded in 2004 by Wade Robinson and Luke Rimmelzwaan. The company specialises in Keith Johnstone's Theatresports format and original long-form genre plays, and has expanded from pub stages to a full roster of workshops, festivals, schools programs, and corporate training.
History
Founding (2004)
Wade Robinson and Luke Rimmelzwaan founded ImproMafia in Brisbane in 2004 with the stated goal of spreading and celebrating the joy of improvised performance. The company began on pub stages and over two decades grew into Brisbane's most established improvisation company. Robinson, the company's Training Director and President, was a member of the first Queensland team to win the National Theatresports Championships.
Programming and Formats
ImproMafia has always specialised in Keith Johnstone's Theatresports format alongside its own style of long-form genre plays featuring extravagant costumes, larger-than-life characters, and inventive stagecraft. The company runs workshops, festivals, touring productions, schools training programs, and corporate engagement work.
Rebrand to Improv QLD
The company later rebranded from ImproMafia to Improv Queensland (Improv QLD), though its website continues to acknowledge its 2004 founding and identity. The rebrand reflects the company's growth beyond its original name while the core team and founding mission remain continuous.
Artistic Identity
Improv QLD (formerly ImproMafia) is Brisbane's founding improv company, built since 2004 on Theatresports and original long-form work that has made it the city's most established venue for competitive and narrative improvisation.
Key Events
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.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). ImproMafia. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/impromafia
The Improv Archive. "ImproMafia." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/impromafia.
The Improv Archive. "ImproMafia." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/impromafia. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.