(This article is sponsored by The Improv Centre.)

Temperatures outside may be low, but Vancouver’s improv comedy scene is about to sizzle.

The Improv Centre is heating up Granville Island with The Heat: An International Improv Comedy Showcase! They’re flying in four international teams of improvisers to give Vancouverites a chance to experience improv from around the world right in their own backyard.

From January 28 through February 1, The Heat welcomes improv troupes from Aotearoa New Zealand (Second Breakfast), Philippines (SPIT Manila), Estonia (RUUTU10), and Zimbabwe (The Impro Show) to showcase their unique styles of improv comedy by performing together and along with members of The Improv Centre’s ensemble cast.

Here’s who’s particpating this year.

SPIT Manila from Metro Manila, the Philippines

Formed in 2002, SPIT Manila from the Philippines is self-described as Asia’s premier improvisational theatre group. Their bilingual improv scenes went viral on TikTok during lockdown in 2020, with signature games like “Madame Oracle” regularly receiving more than a million views. SPIT Manila is coming back to The Heat for a second year, and return audience members might remember the thunderous applause they received in 2024!

Second Breakfast from Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand

Second Breakfast is a troupe made of “three great mates” who met through Aotearoa New Zealand’s improv scene. Though they live in different countries now, they are joyfully reuniting for The Heat. “Improv is best when performed with joy and connection,” says founding member Bridie Connell, “and for the three of us that underpins everything we do.”

RUUTU10 from Tartu, Estonia

RUUTU10—named after the 10 founding group members—has been performing, teaching, and building community for improvisers in Estonia since 2013. Though they’ll be performing in English for The Heat, they also regularly perform—and even rap—in Estonian!

The Impro Show from Harare, Zimbabwe

Hailing from Zimbabwe, The Impro Show will be rounding out the showcase. Performing and teaching across the country with the motto of “saving the world from pregnant pauses,” the founding members refer to themselves as “imps” and bring a truly unique interpretation of the artform.

The Improv Centre from Vancouver, Canada

And of course, it wouldn’t be a proper show at The Improv Centre without the local troupe getting in on the fun. The Improv Centre’s ensemble cast will take part in supporting these international teams and performing alongside them in the games and scenes that local audiences keep coming back for.

The Heat runs from January 28 to February 1 at The Improv Centre.