The Improv Centre at Granville Island

The Improv Centre is a theatre at Vancouver’s Granville Island. It’s where you’ll find live improv, theatresports-style shows and stand-up comedy.

For the most up-to-date information about what’s showing at the theatre, visit theimprovcentre.ca/shows.

What’s Showing at the Improv Centre at Granville Island?

The Improv Centre was closed for a while because of COVID-19, but has been operating since early 2022. As of March 2023 there are regular shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, plus most Sundays. Shows include Theatresports, Date Night, Friday Jr., Stand Up At The Improv, and House Teams.

The venue’s address is 1502 Duranleau Street. It’s near the entrance to Granville Island under the Granville Street Bridge.

Note: The Improv Centre used to be the name of the venue where Vancouver Theatresports and Vancouver Theatresports League shows used to take place. The shows still happen, and at the same place. The organization behind the shows, however, is no longer called Vancouver Theatresports. Now everything is under the Improv Centre brand.

Improv Centre Valentine's and Romance Shows

Special Shows at the Improv Centre

There are special shows at the Improv Centre from time to time. They include seasonal shows, like romance-themed ones around Valentine’s Day, or Christmas-themed productions in December.

In March of 2023 there are a few special shows to check out. The first is a celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th. There’s also a Ladies Against Humanity show on March 15th. A few days later, on March 18th, Oil in the Alley joins TheatreSports for a special two-part show. Date Night also runs on March 22nd and 29th.

See The Improv Centre‘s website for tickets and to learn more about the shows.

Improv Centre Shows

Regular Comedy Shows at the Improv Centre

As of February 2023, regular shows at Granville Island’s Improv Centre include Theatresports, Stand Up At The Improv, House Teams Showcase, Friday Jr., and Date Night.

Theatresports at the Improv Centre

Theatresports is the name of the venue’s traditional style of show. It’s what the Improv Centre has become famous for.

During this show two teams of actors do short, improvised skits and compete against one another for points. It’s kind of like the TV program Whose Line Is It Anyway. The “contestants” have to act out silly, quirky and unusual scenes. They have to think fast on their feet and make things up as they go.

With the Theatresports shows, sometimes the actors use props, sometimes they have to sing, and frequently there is audience participation. Even the sound and lighting person has to act and react quickly to what’s happening on stage.

The Theatresports shows happen on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm. Performances run for about an hour and a half including a 15-minute intermission. Tickets cost between around $25 and $32 depending on where you sit.

See The Improv Centre‘s website for tickets and full details about the shows.

Friday Jr.

Friday Jr. is a fun way to start your weekend early. It’s a fast-paced show with a host that directs the performers on stage. Friday Jr. offers accessible pricing and a Happy Hour drinks menu all night.

The shows start at 7:30 pm on Thursdays. Each show runs for about an hour and fifteen minutes plus a short intermission in the middle. Tickets are “Pay What You Can” with options ranging from $8.50 up to about $20.

Improv Centre Theatre

Stand Up At The Improv

Stand Up At The Improv is a newer series at the Improv Centre. It doesn’t involve theatresports or improvisational acting at all, or at least not so much. It’s a more traditional stand up comedy show where a comedian stands on the stage and tells a series of jokes to entertain the audience.

Stand Up At The Improv takes place on one Sunday evening every month. The shows begin at 7:30 pm and feature local stand up comics as well as ones from both elsewhere in Canada and abroad. Some of the comedians you’ll see are the same ones that perform at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival or at places like the House of Comedy in New Westminster.

These shows last for between around 75 minutes and an hour and a half. Prices can vary depending on who’s performing. Tickets though can cost as little as $20 or so.

See The Improv Centre‘s official website for tickets and to see what’s currently showing.

House Teams Showcase

House Teams Showcase is a 90-minute show that runs just a couple times per month. It includes improv by some of Vancouver’s best upcoming stars. One team performs in the first half of the show and then a different team hits the stage in the second half.

As of early 2023, the shows run on the last two Sundays of each month. They start at 7:30 pm and continue for an hour and half with a short intermission. Tickets cost as low as $8.50 per person.

Date Night

Date Night is a show that’s all about relationships. It’s a hilarious twist on date night, with jokes about the dating game, love and other spicy topics. Date Night is a 90-minute show with a 15-minute intermission.

In 2023 the shows run on Thursday nights at 7:30 pm. They cost as little as $8.50 and also include Happy Hour deals on drinks. It’s a reasonably-priced and fun show to attend with your special someone.