Our History

In 1997 Matthew R. Lawrence created the Canadian Improv Showcase as a place for actors to hone their skills. Following years of working in community theatre and studying at Second City, Matthew wanted to offer aspiring actors an outlet where they could focus on their skills without the confines of a script or a specific director's vision. 

Going Pro...

It wasn't long before it became obvious that there was an audience for this kind of comedy showcase. People were hungry for laughter, loved the high level of interactivity and the focus on Canadian talent. So the Canadian Improv Showcase "went pro" offering their skills to a wide variety of audiences including corporations, community groups, seniors facilities... anyone interested in an interactive comedy experience! They toured festivals, visited far off places and made a name for themselves through their tremendous group chemistry, their ability to perform for any audience and that no two shows are ever alike. 

Back to School

In 2001, Matthew married a school teacher. She saw the potential in the group for educational workshops. Through her guidance, the troupe started offering customized, grade specific, curriculum enhancement workshops and performances that quickly became a huge success! To date, the Canadian Improv Showcase has visited over 500 schools across Ontario. Some of which they have visited numerous times.

Charitable Status

In 2016, Matthew and his wife, now a retired teacher, started the not-for-profit company O.E.I. Onsite Education Inc. They amalgamated both the Canadian Improv Showcase and their other project, the Knights in the Classroom, under one parent company and achieved charitable status in 2018. The goal with charitable status is to bring programming to venues that could otherwise not afford the cost. Charitable status allows the company to receive donations, provide charitable tax receipts, receive sponsorship and apply for grants. The result has been an expansion of their reach and even more rewarding opportunities.

What Our Clients Say

Here are just two quotes from past clients. You will see more throughout the website.

I have had the great pleasure of working with the Canadian Improv Showcase in a number of different capacities: both corporate and public. My family & I have attended several performances and loved every minute of it! Corporately they provide workshops and performances that are entertaining, full of merit and safe for the office. I can't recommend them enough!
- Sheila Ruuskanen, T.D. Bank
The members of the Canadian Improv Showcase provided our students with a very exciting and worthwhile program. Matt and his team were very flexible and cooperative especially when dealing with the winter conditions. I would recommend their program to any school looking to incorporate drama into the school’s programming.
- Cathy Lethbridge, Byng Public School