About
What do we do
The Improv Company is a training centre, an improv school, and a production company all using the skills of improvisation. We've taught workshops to everyone from professional performers to professional accountants. From CEOs to kindergarteners. We can work with the absolute beginner and the seasoned veteran. And we want to work with you!
Our Story
We have been improvisers for decades and have performed and led workshops all around the world. This included headlining festivals, leading hundreds and hundreds of workshops as well as hosting live events and producing events.
We love what we do.
We started working with TEDx and other non-theatre events and soon realized that we needed to expand our scope. We saw the improv skillset being universal and we applied them to public speaking, communication and creative thinking. This is what Applied Improvisation is. We still love using improv for the stage, we just now know that those skills can benefit everyone.
We think that you'll like what we bring.
After the lockdowns, we launched improv classes for all experience levels. Our improv classes have been full of all sorts of people who have been drawn to improv for all sorts of reasons. From a desire to expand their creative brains to expanding their social world. We're very proud of what we have built.
Do you want to meet new creative people?
Do you have a fear of public speaking?
Do you wish that your team collaborated more?
Do you want to enhance your creative problem-solving skills?
Do you want to laugh?
We can help!
Our Team
TESTIMONIALS
“Caity and Stephen are the X-Factor, the unexplainable piece of the puzzle, in everything they work on. Their openness, quick wit, humanity, and willingness to accept the absurd not only has the two of them giggling but it has their audiences remembering them and their work months after an appearance.”
-Nicole Jensen TEDxWinnipeg Lead
“In addition to reviving classic bits by the likes of Abbot and Costello and Nichols and May, Curtis and Sim riff on the dynamics of those teams with improv that proves the crack timing and rapid-fire verbal one-up-man-ship isn't just an influence on them, it's also their own achievement.”
-CBC Manitoba
“The duo do break out an improv. They’re so sufficiently adept they’d make you think it was scripted....”
-Winnipeg Free Press
"Stephen not only acts as Emcee but also provides considerable efforts behind the scenes to assist in the organization of the complex event."
-Kerry Stevenson Vice-Chair Board Member of North Forge Technology Exchange
"Thursday night improv class quickly became a highlight for me this past winter. Laughing, feeling nervous and stretching my creative muscles with strangers felt almost like therapy in the best possible way."
- Chad, a local Farmer
"Classes with The Improv Company are pure magic - filled with joy and an incredibly supportive community. Stephen and Caity are masterful teachers who bring both extensive experience and genuine warmth to every session. They create this amazing space where creativity and courage naturally flourish. What makes them truly special is their ability to connect with each student at their own level, ensuring everyone has their moment to shine. And here's a delightful surprise - my abs get a serious workout from all the non-stop laughter! It's the kind of experience that leaves you feeling energized, empowered, and eager to come back for more."
- Carley
"As someone who has a fair bit of public speaking experience, Stephen's classes have elevated my abilities and creativity to the next level. I am now more willing to let go and trust myself in both professional and personal situations. It's been a meaningful experience to not only grow my individual skills, but to explore performing improv alongside my incredibly talented fellow students. Anyone thinking about taking Stephen's class - do it! You won't regret it"
- Scott Angus
"The improv class is excellent. Fun, laughter, new friends, and new skills, increased my situational awareness and self-confidence. Stephen is a skillful, empathic teacher and knows his improv."
-Katherine
"At 59 years this was my first improv class ever and it was a great experience! Stephen is a gifted teacher, strength-based and is very good at creating safety. As a mental health therapist, I recommend it to anyone who struggles with anxiety. Although not therapy it is a great exposure exercise to gently face your fears. Great people and lots of laughs too! Try it, you may be surprised at what you learn about yourself. This is only the beginning for me as I will be back!"
- Tamara, PhD candidate
"It's allowed me to get out of my comfort zone in a safe environment, and I've made some awesome friends with the people I met in these classes - they've all been super supportive and are a lot of fun to be around. Apart from the good times in class, improv has just made life more fun in general."
- Kevin
"Real life has been hard and serious but improv was light and silly! I really laughed a lot! And made friends."
- Ruben
"... creates a warm, open, and safe space to experiment and take performance risks."
- David
"Improv is for anyone and everyone.. Especially if you're screaming to get out of your comfort zone. The class is intended to heighten, as a group, the meaning of YES, as in YES I can do this. And you can."
- Laurie Gydé
"It isn't just that Stephen is a great improv performer, it is that he knows how to teach improv so that we, the beginners, learn the basics and build our new skills from there."
- Warren Ellis
"The great thing about improv is that no matter how long you have been doing it there is still something to learn and Steve has taught this old dog some new tricks in a fun and engaging way. Plus you get to laugh for two hours while doing it."
- Paul
"I really appreciate the way class was always enjoyable and educational for people of zero initial skill, and those of us who thought we knew more than we actually did!"
Greg, Landscaper