About CiS

In 1997 Matthew R. Lawrence created the Canadian Improv Showcase with the intention of offering a creative outlet for Canadian talent. Canadians have been a major force in the world of comedy for many years and he wanted to offer a place to nurture up and coming talent. Without the confines of a script he hoped he could provide a place where actors could play and experiment as they trudged through life as an aspiring actor.

The result was a fantastic forum full of amazing talent.

Since those early days the group 'went pro' auditioning the best and brightest talent Canada has to offer. They have expanded into areas of entertainment Matt had never dreamed off offering workshops at schools, corporate packages, golf programmes and even an amazing programme geared towards helping inmates rehabilitate through the healing power of laughter.

The Canadian Improv Showcase have collected quite an array of accomplishments over the years, including being voted 'best of the fest' at both the London and Toronto Fringe Festivals two years in a row. They hold the mantle of being the only improv company to perform at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts in downtown Toronto. They have won numerous improv competitions including the Wide Mouth Studios Improv Competition in 2002. In 2004 the troupe was selected at THE improv company to represent Canada in a cultural exchange with Singapore, performing at the prestigious 'Bar None' club as well as two other venues. In 2008 the group celebrated their 500th performance which is a particular milestone for the group as they do not have a home theatre; their bookings are based solely on the merit of their last performance and the power of word-of-mouth advertising. And most recently, the group was contracted to perform at the infamous Kingston Penitentiary. There they conducted their healing power of laughter programme with a group of 120 inmates. They are the only group to ever visit this maximum security prison and expect to return again soon as the event was a huge success.

So what makes the Canadian Improv Showcase's such a successful touring company? Well, it's a bunch of things really. First off, they are the only improv company able to perform for ANY audience. Something they feel so strongly about that they offer a Content Guarantee to put any concerns at ease. Secondly they offer a Price Guarantee so you know that you will always get the best value no matter what the economic times. But beyond that, they have an amazing nucleus of talent. The group chemistry is second to none and the entire company is dedicated to not only their craft, but to the company as a whole.