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Theatresports is a form ofimprovisational theatre, which uses the format of a competition for dramatic effect. Opposing teams can perform scenes based on audience suggestions, with ratings by the audience or by a panel of judges. Developed by directorKeith Johnstone inCalgary,Alberta, in 1977, the concept of Theatresports originated in Johnstone's observations of techniques used inprofessional wrestling to generateheat, or audience reaction.[1]
ComedySportz, started in 1984 in Milwaukee, WI,[2] tends to emphasise the sports competition format more than Theatresports, for example by having a referee who awards points and administers fouls. The Australian showsThank God You're Here andTheatreGames LIVE follow a similar format to these shows. New York City'sFace Off Unlimited has also adapted the concept to numerous productions. Two similar formats,Ligue nationale d'improvisation andCanadian Improv Games both also officially debuted in 1977 in Quebec and Ontario, respectively. The Canadian Improv Games had been doing competitive improv at various events as early as 1974.
