The Canadian Improv Games are Getting Ready to Celebrate Another Fantastic Year of Improvised Theatre

Canadian Improv Games Origins

Every year high school improv teams across Canada take part in a nationwide improv tournament called the Canadian Improv Games (CIGs). Their goal is to enrich the lives of young people through the art of improvisational theatre. The CIGs are a National Charity Organization, and were founded in 1977 in Ottawa by Howard Jerome, and Jamie “Willy” Wyllie. The format for the tournament was inspired by original ideas from Jerome, as well as David Shepherd.

Notable alumni of the games: Seth Rogan, Sandra Oh, Tatiana Maslany and Nathan Fielder

How the Games Work

Teams are made up of approximately eight players (though some have more for substitutions) and represent various high schools in a particular region. While each region may have small differences between them, most have one or more exhibition rounds before teams perform in their regional tournaments, aiming for a spot at the National Tournament in Ottawa each year in the spring.

On a night of play, anywhere from 3 – 6 teams play on a show night. These shows are organized by the Regional Director, are run by a crew of volunteers and hosted by a team of referees.

Teams will compete in a series of events that each focus on different areas of improvised theatre. These events are Theme, Story, Character, Style, and Life. As teams play these events they are judged by a panel of judges who give each scene a score based on a variety of skills, such as characters, staging, use of suggestion, and risk. The 19 highest scoring teams in Canada earn a spot at the the National Tournament, with a special spot saved for their online wildcard tournament.

In Ottawa, 20 teams compete over several nights of competition, with the top five of the week competing at National Finals on the last night of the tournament. The winners are crowned National Champions!

The Spirit of the Canadian Improv Games

While the tournament has judges and referees, and other teams competing for the same thing you are, what separates the Canadian Improv Games from other high school team efforts is the spirit of loving competition. The most important elements of the CIGs are the connections students make, the skills and life lessons learned, and the number of risks taken. The trophies and medals are shiny, but it’s the joyous and playful people that players and volunteers are surrounded by that last the most.

Your Support Keeps the Games Alive

The Canadian Improv Games have been changing the lives of students all across Canada for over four decades. They need your support to continue bringing exceptional programming, training and opportunities. You can donate to their organization by clicking here!