Twenty Years of Great Toronto Comedy

How often is it that you can support a charity that brings instant laughter and joy into people’s lives?

Bad Dog Theatre Company is an award-winning, artist-run charity that has produced Toronto’s best improvised comedy. Our mission is to create top quality performances and training for our audience, performers and students, to reflect the artistic value of improvised theatre and its ability to provide live shared experiences. Our ultimate vision goes further, we want to transform the culture and perception of improvised theatre, elevating the artform to unprecedented standards of success and professionalism.

This year, we are celebrating two amazing annivesaries. First, we have been performing Theatresports across Toronto since the early 1980s - forty years ago! Second, it's been twenty years since we have been performing Theatresports as Bad Dog Theatre.

Theatresports at the Centre

To quote our web site, our flagship show, THEATRESPORTS, has been making Toronto audiences laugh for over 40 years.

Conceived by British emigre in Calgary, Alberta, in 1977, the concept of Theatresports was inspired by Johnstone's adoption of techniques used in professional wrestling to generate heat, or audience reaction. Instead of applying them to the squared circle, he created a format that made theatre more particpatory for performer and audience members alike.

THEATRESPORTS mixes the thrill of improv with the energy of a sporting event, putting you in the middle of the side-splitting scenes. You can pick sides and cheer on your favourite team as they try to charm and cajole both the audience and impartial judges on their path to victory.

Personally, I always cheer for the judge.

It’s Bad Dog Theatre’s 20th anniversary! Let’s celebrate!

This year, we are also celebrating Bad Dog’s 20th year as a non-profit and registered charity serving the Toronto Improv community. It's unusual for a comedy theatre to operate a charity and even more unusual for one to last twenty years. It's our unique mix of performing and training opportunities that keeps new generations interested and engaged.

A lot of famous names have been made on our stages. While our most famous alumni is the outstanding Keanu Reaves (The Matrix; John Wick), we have also seen the likes of the Kids in the Hall, Lauren Ash (Superstore), Andrew Phung (Kim's Convenience) and make us laugh, cry, swoon and more over the years. Soon, Canadian King of Comedy Colin Mochrie is going to host our final Theatresports show of the season, wrapping a big bow arounbd our anniversary celebrations.

My Personal Account

I started as a student at the theatre, looking for stage time and a chance to spread my wings as a performer. Even after I left the stage, I applied the lessons I learned in my improv classes in my work as a writer and consultant. For example, it’s hard to experience writer’s block when you just say “yes” to moving a story along.

I came back to the organization a few years ago, serving as Chair of the Board of Directors during the worst of the COVID-19. We stayed “open” by both performing and teaching improv online, thanks to the wonders of YouTube and Zoom. It was tough but we made it through with the help of students, donors and the Canadian government.

Moving Forward to a New Normal

Now, we are preparing to rebuild through live shows and classes in more public venues. As a Board Member of the company, I’ve pledged to raise $1000 to support Bad Dog Theatre’s 20th anniversary fundraiser. Visit my our campaign page to donate today.

Like many in the arts, we are recovering from the affects of the COVID-19 lockdown and closures. We are seeking financial support to help revitalize the company, so we may continue to share the joy of comedy and improv with our artists and audiences. Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated!