Chris Bates

Chris is a born-and-bred Melburnian, improviser, teacher, musician and illustrator whose performances combine theatrical energy, musicality and a deep love of collaborative storytelling.

Over the past six years, Chris has trained and performed extensively with Impro Melbourne and Les Improvisé, appearing across open stages, student showcases, improvised podcasts and fully improvised musicals. Known for his playful stage presence and strong ensemble instincts, Chris thrives in musical and narrative-driven improv where spontaneity and storytelling collide.

Outside the comedy world, Chris works as a high school drama and history teacher, spending his days guiding students through both theatrical performance and the equally chaotic drama of human civilisation. His background in education brings warmth, clarity and a strong sense of connection to his work on stage and in rehearsal rooms alike.

Alongside improvisation, Chris is also an accomplished musician and musical director, and dabbles enthusiastically in illustration and sport — proving that apparently there are still people capable of maintaining multiple hobbies in adulthood.

Now performing with The Big HOO-HAA!, Chris brings intelligence, musical flair and joyful commitment to Melbourne’s longest-running weekly improv comedy show.

See Chris live in the Big HOO-HAA! Fridays in Carlton.