Theatresports® is a form of improvised theatre or performance which was conceived and devised by the guru of improvisation, Keith Johnstone.
Theatresports® performances are powerfully entertaining shows made up of a series of ‘theatre games’ played by teams of improvisors (4 people per team usually, although teams of 3 or even 2 are not uncommon) – all competing against each other in a knockout-style competition for the ultimate prize – glory and admiration!
Each game has it’s own ‘rules’ and formats which challenge the performers to tell short and compelling stories to the audience using a range of different skills. For example, one popular game is ‘Puppets’; a game involving players who aren’t allowed to move independently (apart from speaking) and their team-mates (or even sometimes, audience members) have to physically move them to suit the story – usually with hilarious results!
Part of what helps make Theatresports® entertaining is that fact that all the the stories presented to the audience are absolutely unrehearsed. Everything is totally made-up – on the spot!
Australia’s improvisation ‘queen’ and author of the acclaimed book, ‘Improvisation: The Guide’, Lyn Pierse, pioneered Theatresports® in Australia over 25 years ago. Impro Australia (which holds the Australian Theatresports® licence) has over the years been presenting live, interactive shows throughout Sydney, including the annual Cranston Cup and Celebrity Theatresports®.
Theatresports® Blue Mountains is part of this wonderful impro family, and these local shows are presented for the pleasure of everyone living in and visiting the Blue Mountains, who wants to get their dose of improvised entertainment. The Theatresports® Blue Mountains shows and other events are produced by Bryan Cutts, of merelyplayers™.
