Improvisation in Sydney
Companies
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). Sydney. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia/new-south-wales/sydney
The Improv Archive. "Sydney." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia/new-south-wales/sydney.
The Improv Archive. "Sydney." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/locales/oceania/australia/new-south-wales/sydney. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.