Here is a list of some frequently asked questions. Or if you wish you can just Contact Us for assistance.
What are the different Membership Applications?
We offer 5 different types of Memberships;
• Production Rights Member
A Production Rights member is a group who has the rights to perform TheatresportsTM, Maestro ImproTM or Gorilla TheatreTM. In obtaining the rights they automatically also have Festival Production Rights.
• Festival Production Rights Member
A Festival Rights member is a group who has the rights to perform TheatresportsTM, Maestro ImproTM or Gorilla TheatreTM for a Festival. In obtaining the rights they automatically become an iTi member.
• Associate Member
An Associate Member is a group who wishes to be involved in the ITI community, but is not interested in performing one of the formats.
• Individual Member
An Individual Membership is for any individual who wishes to belong to the ITI Community.
• Educational Rights Member
An Educational Rights is for a Primary. Secondary, College or University group using one of the formats TheatresportsTM, Maestro ImproTM or Gorilla TheatreTM. In obtaining Educational Rights they automatically become an iTi member. Think you might be a good fit for this membership? Send an email for more information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Why do I need production rights for an impro show format?
TheatresportsTM, Maestro ImproTM or Gorilla TheatreTM all have internationally registered trademarks and copyrights. Similar to main-stage productions such as "Les Miserables", you need to have permission to perform any of these Formats TheatresportsTM, Maestro ImproTM or Gorilla TheatreTM. Why do I go through the iTi instead of Keith Johnstone? Keith Johnstone, creator of the Formats, founded The International TheatresportsTM Institute (ITI) in 1998 to manage the production rights of his formats.
How much do Production Rights cost?
Production Rights for all of the formats is set at 3% of your gross revenue of your performances and workshops, with a small advanced payment.
I represent a K-12 or post-secondary school/college/university.
Do I still need Production Rights to the Formats?
Due to the legalities of trademark you still require permission from the iTi. However, we have a special Educational Agreement. To see if you are eligible please contact our office Email
I am not located in North America. Do I still need Production Rights?
You sure do. The iTi manages the Production Rights for the TheatresportsTM, Maestro ImproTM or Gorilla TheatreTM worldwide. Whether you are in Germany, Australia, Norway, South Africa, Brazil or even Latvia, you need permission to use any of the formats.
I am planning an improvisation performance that includes many of the improvisation games that are found in TheatresportsTM. Do I need Production Rights?
That depends. There is a difference between improvisational games and an improvisation format or show structure. If you are performing games like 'Word at a Time', in an open structure then you can play without a production rights as you are not playing the format.
It might be helpful if you ask yourself these questions:
Are you playing a improvisation show which features teams of improvisers competiting against each other using improvisation games?
If the answer is yes, you are playing TheatresportsTM and should contact us to discuss Production Rights.
Are you playing a improvisation show which features directors in competition with the other directors to receive either a reward or punishment from the audience?
If the answer is yes, you are playing Gorilla TheatreTM and should contact us to discuss Production Rights.
Are you playing a improvisation show which has a number of players on stage who are scored by the audience, face possible elimination through the show and receive direction from directors?
If the answer is yes, you are playing Maestro theatreTM and should contact us to discuss Production Rights. If you are unsure, just send us an email and ask.
There is already a TheatresportsTM group in my city. Can I also get Production Rights?
It's entirely possible to have more than one Theatresports group in a city! The ITI Selections Committee looks at a number of different factors to make sure multiple groups that are nearby or in the same city can still both succeed and work together before they grant Production Rights. If you're not sure, please feel free to contact us for more details.
Can I apply for both TheatresportsTM and another format at the same time?
TheatresportsTM, Maestro ImproTM and Gorilla TheatreTM are formats that are carefully engineered to help both your impro company and individual improvisers become better artists over time. As a guideline, we usually ask that your company works with one format for a while to learn about what it has to teach before applying to add another one.
Many of our long standing members do perform multiple formats over the course of a theatre season, so it's possible to eventually work with more than one format as your company grows and changes!
I live in a country with a GDP of less than $20,000 USD and I want to be a member of the ITI? Can you help me to find an affordable way to be a part of the organization?
Yes we can! If you want to join as an individual member, or have your group join as associate members or even as a full production rights members, the ITI is commited to improvisors who want to learn and be a part of our organization. Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details