Tightrope Theatre

Located on Main Street, Tightrope Impro Theatre offers improv shows, events and classes about the art of improvisation in Vancouver.

Tightrope Impro Theatre is one of a couple of different improv-style theatre companies in Vancouver. The other main one is The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Both companies offer terrific and affordable comedy entertainment.

Improv Theatre with Tightrope Impro Theatre

Tightrope Theatre is located at 2343 Main Street in Vancouver. The company puts together a variety of classes and professional shows throughout the year.

Like improv, the term impro is short for improvisation. However, both abbreviations have grown to mean slightly different things. Most improv theatres in North America focus on getting quick laughs with witty jokes made up on the fly. As an impro company, on the other hand, Tightrope Theatre evokes a wide range of human emotions and experiences with on-the-fly performances. The venue is home for all sorts of theatre techniques, including puppetry, dance, clown and performance art.

Tightrope Shows and Events

Tightrope Impro Theatre hosts lots of events. As of the fall of 2023, weekly live shows take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The first show each week is elimination improv on Thursdays with local talent competing for the Maestro title. Gorilla Theatre takes place on Fridays and features a directing competition based on audience votes. Smash Hit runs on Saturdays, with directors pitching their next theatrical hits. Another show also takes place on Saturdays and is about friends trying to relive their old days.

Tightrope Theatre also puts on monthly co-productions and seasonal specials, including shows with Halloween and Christmas themes.

Blind Date at Tightrope Theatre

Classes at Tightrope Theatre

Tightrope Theatre offers improvisation training for kids, youth and adults.

For folks wanting to give improv a try, the company’s Beginner Classes are a good first step. More experienced improvisers can attend drop-in Impro classes and set programs for specific types of performing art.

Tightrope Theatre also offers a few courses for children and youth between the ages of 8 and 15. Students learn fundamentals of the art before building on them and progressing through each class.

People can also sign up for improv workshops. They are fun, great for team building and, apparently, they can even contribute to better health and wellness.