ComedySportz

ComedySportz
Years Active	1986-2012
Directed by	Les McGehee
Cast	Various

This page refers to the sports-themed short-form improv show that ran in a number of theaters from 1986 to 2012. For the competitive short-form improv show that's had several runs as a Hideout mainstage show, see Theatresports.

ComedySportz refers to the Austin franchise of ComedySportz.

Summary

ComedySportz is a format in which teams of improvisors compete to do the best short-form improv. A referee oversees the competition, and a scorekeeper assigns points to each team's efforts. The show emphasizes quick-witted, short-form, family-friendly comedy. True to its name, the show includes many sports conventions -- the referee dresses in a vertically-striped jersey, the tech booth provides sports-arena-style music, and the players can get penalized for "fouls", including the "brown bag foul" (lewd or offensive humor), and the "groaner foul" (awful puns).

History

The franchise had its first show on 1/22/86 (Superbowl Sunday). Over their 28-year run, they put on over five thousand shows -- both in Austin and on tour around the country.

ComedySportz participated in both The 40-Hour Improv Marathon and The 41-Hour Improv Marathon.

The Austin franchise closed up shop in 2012, but the San Antonio franchise continues to put on shows.

Theaters

ComedySportz ran in five different dedicated theaters over the course of its existence, including:

• The ComedySportz Playhouse (Northcross Mall) (2000-2005)
• Café Caffeine (2010-2012)

Cast

ComedySportz included some 350 members over the course of its existence, including:

• Dav Wallace
• Eric Heiberg
• Les McGehee
• Madi Goff
• Megan Flynn
• Meghan Wolff
• Michael Brockman
• Sara Farr
• Tyler Bryce

More Information

• The homepage for ComedySportz Austin.