Theatresports is a drama competition in which teams of performers create improvised scenes (often theatre games) which are scored by a panel of judges.
Theatresports, as performed in Australia and New Zealand, features 3 to 6 teams per show who take turns performing scenes or games across 4 rounds. These scenes or games are inspired by offers or suggestions from the MC or audience.

To be successful, teams must be able to work together playfully, be prepared to take risks, and bring characters and stories to life on stage.

All teams will be invited to take part in a heat held between 4th May and 12th June, 2026.

Successful teams will be invited to take part in a semi-final held between 13th July and 18th September, 2026.

Teams who are successful at the semi-final stage will be invited to take part in the Grand Finals on 17th October, 2026 at the La Boite Theatre.

Register your team by the 27 February, 2026 by clicking the “Register Now” link. Late registration available on March 20th.

Participation in the festival is open to Queensland schools in South East Queensland with heats, semi-finals and finals taking place within the greater Brisbane region (Redlands, Moreton Bay, Ipswish, Logan and Brisbane). Schools are able to submit teams into both the senior and the junior division.

Senior division is primarily for students from years 10 - 12 (but mixed aged teams are permitted). Junior division is up to year 9 only.

Teams can be up to a maximum of 6 performers.

There is a limit of TWO teams per division per school. However, if your school wants to submit an extra team in one or both divisions, please email us at youth@improvqld.com.au. Once all registrations close on 27 February 2026, we will invite schools to register extra teams if there is space in the competition.

Registration is $108 per team with a 50% discount available for teams able to assist with hosting.

New teams to the competition are required to book a training session for their students (which we offer at a discounted price).

We are happy to discuss registration if this might be a barrier to your school taking part.

Theatresports and improvisation are a great way for students to develop core theatre skills - stage craft, projection, physicality and creativity.

It is also teaches valuable life skills for more generally - helping students develop communication, confidence and teamwork.

We are able to provide Theatresports training by our experienced and talented team.

Our Theatresports classes provide students with a low stress introduction to the basic skills of improvisation. Students will learn how to listen to others, accept ideas and fail with confidence.

We can run one-hour introductory workshops for your students as well as extended programs focused on specialist skills.

To find out more, check out our schools training page or send us an email at youth@improvqld.com.au

This year we are excited to be running a Theatresports PD morning for teachers.

Join us for a detailed crash-course in Theatresports and improvised theatre from two of our experienced teachers.

The day will include a short look at the origins of Theatresports, some of the core concepts and ideas underlying the format, and will teach you some useful activities which you can take back to your classes and teams.

Wednesday, April 1st.

To find out more, head to our page for the event.

Improv Queensland is a not-for-profit arts organization founded in 2004 with the goal of creating and developing the art of improvised theatre (impro or improv). We have grown to become one of Brisbane’s best-know improvisation companies, performing locally and internationally, participating in major festivals and providing life changing improvisation training.

We specialise in Keith Johnstone’s class Theatresports format, as well as creating our own unique long-form improvised plays. As former participants in the Youth Theatresports Competition, we are excited to take the reins of the competition in 2026.