Vancouver is exploding with great improv and comedy. Here are some of our friends and favourites. The names are links!

A comedy collective comprised of 12-ish ultra-funny-minds, including many UBC Improv alumni and current players, Pump Trolley is a comedy tsunami, drenching you with some of the best improv, sketch, video, and stand-up around. Every week is a new surprise and the show regularly features top guests from Vancouver and beyond. Check out the website for sidesplitting videos, upcoming show dates,  and other goodies. 

The final word on improv in Vancouver, The Sunday Service is made up of three of the best improvisors in town: Taz Vanrassel, Ryan Beil, and UBCimprov alum Kevin Lee. They perform their trademark combination of short form games and open long forms every Sunday. The show is always a blast and special guests from all around North America pop up on a regular basis. Check them out every Sunday, 9 pm, Hennessey Dining Lounge, $5 entry.

Composed of UBCimprov alum Conor Holler and Craig Anderson. Bronx Cheer are one of the hottest sketch groups in Vancouver. Together with Cam Macleod of Manhussy, they put on The Hero Show on the first Tuesday of every month, showcasing a rotating collection of brave souls performing solo comedy. On the third Tuesday of every month, it's Power Centre (formerly The Sketch Show) featuring some of the funniest and most innovative acts in Vancouver. They also have some great videos on their website, take a peek. It all goes down of the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 8 pm, China Cloud Theatre, $5 entry.

Rosa Parks perform a unique style of hard hitting but heart warming long form improv that will make you laugh, hard. The all-female cast is comprised of Briana Rayner,  and UBCimprov alums, Kaitlin Fontana and Nicole Passmore. They are currently or have just (depending on when you read this) travelling to the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival in Austin, Texas. Check out thier website for info on upcoming shows.

"Amazing aural awesomeness"  doesn't quite do this weekly comedy podcast justice. Hosted by one Devin (Mackenzie) and one Devon (Lougheed), both former UBCimprov players, the show features guests comedians and improvisors, both big-named and less-big-named, who stop by to partake in the non-stop comedy gold. You should listen. You'll love it. Subscribe on iTunes. Not later. Now.

Every year, the best improvisers in the world decend on Vancouver to make magic happen. In 2010, the festival runs from October 5th - 10th. Without hyperbole, this will be the best improv you will see all year, so make sure you see it.

VTSL has been at the center of improv in Vancouver for decades. Check out their many high caliber shows featuring current and former members of UBCimprov and other top Vancouver performers.