A few years ago, a group of locals began meeting for weekly improv workouts with newly arrived improviser Alistair Cook. After decades of producing, teaching, and directing, Alistair was excited by the prospect of creating something fun with a truly talented new group. Made up of lawyers, fitness experts, teachers, marketers, dancers, and a few professionals from the stage, that group became Coast Improv. Now, with two ensembles working regularly toward performances, monthly classes for anyone interested in learning improv, and regular shows for anyone looking for a laugh, that small idea forged on the RCCS playground has come a long way.
In May 2025, Coast Improv began performing regularly with the launch of Coast Improv Comedy Showdown. With multiple sold-out performances at the Heritage Playhouse, the show has been a great success. Coast Improv Comedy Showdown is a competitive improv format perfect for the whole family, featuring classic high-energy games, big characters, and plenty of laughs.
In January 2026, Coast Improv launched a new monthly show called The Improv Comedy Social. Hosted at the Roberts Creek Legion, this show gives improvisers the chance to explore a looser style of improv and perform exclusively for an adult audience. The evening showcases classic short-form games in the first half and challenges the cast with eye-opening, non-stop formats in the second half.
Coast Improv is always looking for new members and primarily welcomes them through its Intro and Essentials classes. Get involved and spend your evenings laughing with us.
I’m Aaron Malkin, currently on career number three, and happily convinced this one’s the best. I create and perform theatrical comedies internationally and love inviting people into play and shared delight.
I’ve been training with Coast Improv for two years, alongside various workshops over the years. I love improv because at every moment, anything is possible: high-stakes, simple, silly, and joyful all at once
The Sunshine Coast has been part of my life since childhood in the ’80s. I made it official ten years ago, moving here permanently to be closer to nature and family—the best decision I ever made.
For years, a voice in my head wouldn’t quit: You need to perform. Be more creative. Do something. By fall 2023, I finally listened. That’s when I found Coast Improv, and I’ve been improvising and performing ever since.
Improv gives me a creative outlet to be silly, weird, and laugh regularly. The best part? We’re all weird, creative, and silly together— inspiring each other.
Alistair has spent a few decades working as a producer, performer, director, and improv instructor across North America, Europe, and Australia. He’s led major projects including Canada’s largest improv tournament (Canadian Improv Games), Vancouver’s Improv Festival, an improv school and summer camp, and work with professional companies Instant Theatre Company and Vancouver TheatreSports.
A fan of classic short-form, improvised musicals, classic longform, fully improvised plays, and experimental formats, Alistair performs with and directs Coast Improv. He can’t wait to see at the Improv Comedy Social!
Chael loves his days at Langdale Elementary and his adventures with his favourite people, Sadie and Robyn. He’s often found wandering the woods, building questionable contraptions, examining small rocks, or valiantly attempting to win family board-game night. Teaching has trained him to think on his feet and keep saying “yes”—a skill he’s been practicing for over fifteen years.
Improv comedy is where he gets to fully play. He loves brain-twisting games, strong justifications, and long-form scenes where story, rhythm, and surprise come together. Hooked after a beginner class just over a year ago, he dove in thanks to the sharp instruction and supportive community, and with Alistair’s coaching now finds himself happily performing at the Legion.
Ean Henninger (he/him) is a bipedal, carbon-based lifeform (definitely not an alien) who joined Coast Improv soon after moving to the Coast in 2024. He had never done improv beforehand but credits theatre, D&D, and traveling with providing transferable skills, and it continues to stretch his brain in all kinds of new and exciting ways.
Hi, my name is Gabriel. I’m one-quarter Italian and can toss a mean pizza. I grew up on the Sunshine Coast and love cooking, eating, tap dancing, studying with friends, beach fires, stargazing, Star Wars, late-night reading and writing, and playing Dungeons & Dragons with my pals.
I’ve been involved in community theatre since I was nine and have improv experience with Driftwood Theatre School and various workshops in the city. What I love most about improv is how it keeps me present, connected to my scene partners, and open to whatever hilarity or drama unfolds. I teach acting and dance on the Sunshine Coast, and do seasonal work at Gibsons Farm—where some folks know me as Farmer Bear. 🐻🎭
Selene Winter Rose is an actor and improviser from Roberts Creek. She holds a BFA in Acting from UBC and has performed with various improv companies in Vancouver, such as UBC Improv, Instant Theatre, Sin Peaks and The Improv Centre on Granville island. For many summers you could find her performing on the Black Spirit, Vancouver’s real life pirate ship. Selene is thrilled to be performing in her hometown as part of Coast Improv.
Spencer had been improvising on and off since he was 10 years old. During undergrad he was part of the first generation of UBC Improv and then took a 20 year break before discovering Coast Improv. In the cold light of day he is a corporate, estate, and real estate lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada with a practice here on the Sunshine Coast. At night he is bullied by his children.
He loves improv because it is two hours a week where he gets to be fully present, laugh, and not hear the Paw Patrol theme song coming through the walls.
More Performer Bios soon from Grace and Mark!
“Alistair is a top notch teacher. If you’re on the fence, just give it a try!”
– Aaron, Langdale
“What I love about it is that it’s not just about learning the games one has seen on TV, but learning to turn off the fear of “being wrong” in our brain.”
-Asha, Roberts Creek
“Alistair has been a huge influence in my life for over 25 years. His desire to share the art that is in improv can be seen in shows today all over the country. The greatest compliment I can give this man is that I still look at lesson plans he gave me 15 years ago before I teach any class. Because I know enough to steal from the best”
-Brad MacNeil, Vancouver.
His passion for teaching, inspiring and supporting students is very difficult to match. Just the sheer amount of people he has given a space to play, a stage to perform, and a kind ear to help, is mind boggling. It doesn’t matter if you are brand new to improv or a seasoned veteran in the biz, Alistair has the knowledge and experience to help you grow.
-Lee White, Berlin.
“Alistair taught me, not only skills of the stage and keys to finding success connecting with other performers, but how what happens on stage can work together with all the production elements of a show to create something special for the audience.”
– Al Connors ,Ottawa