Vancouver TheatreSports® League is a unique professional theatre organization dedicated to the growth and exploration of exceptional improv-based work for the purpose of challenging and inspiring the community.

Vancouver TheatreSports™ League (VTSL) began in 1980 and is now a local institution and a worldwide phenomenon - producing and staging some of the most daring and innovative improv in the world.

Boasting six International Improv Comedy Awards and starring in several television specials, Vancouver TheatreSports™ League first opened their doors at the Back Alley Theatre, where they consistently drew cult-like, capacity crowds. They continue to wow audiences at The Improv Centre on Granville Island performing to more than 50,000 enthusiasts yearly, 5 nights a week, 52 weeks per year.

Vancouver TheatreSports™ League’s brand of improvisation is a highly theatrical fusion of the dramatic elements of comedy and tragedy coupled with the enthusiasm and edge-of-your-seat excitement of professional sport.

VTSL’s improv tournament at Expo '86 provided an impetus for the present worldwide interest in TheatreSports™. The improv techniques pioneered by Vancouver TheatreSports™ League are now used for everything from corporate training to TV parodies.

The names of VTSL players and alumni are a veritable who's who of the North American entertainment and improv scenes. Award winning performers, TV celebrities, and international personalities have filled out the ranks of VTSL’s fast thinking players including: Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway), Ellie Harvie (The New Addams Family), Dean Haglund (The X-Files & The Lone Gunmen), and Nancy Robertson (Hiccups, Corner Gas).

In 1997, VTSL won the Jessie Award for Excellence in Interactive Theatre for High Schools with their production of Free Willie Shakespeare. VTSL has also produced and directed the Jessie Awards for past 9 years.

In addition to their award-winning mainstage shows, VTSL presents over 150 corporate events yearly, producing custom-tailored shows for corporations, associations and not-for-profit organizations. VTSL also offers a corporate training program which focuses on enhancing teamwork, communication, creativity and innovation in the workplace.