Founded in 1997,Die Gorillas have been one of Germany's leading improvisational theater groups for many years and can be seen regularly on various stages: three times a week at the Ratibor Theater in Kreuzberg, as well as regular performances in Potsdam (Waschhaus), Frankfurt/O. (Kleist-Forum), and Hamburg (Centralkomitee, together with hidden shakespeare).
In addition to stage performances, the independent theater ensemble runs an improv theater school for amateurs and professionals, organizes improv summer academies in cooperation with the Schloss Trebnitz educational center, and conducts business training and coaching for companies. In addition, two trained therapists (both members of the ensemble) offer seminars on applied improvisation in therapy.
Since 2001, Die Gorillas have been organizing IMPRO, one of Europe's leading improvisational theater festivals, on various stages in Berlin. Since 2015, three international projects with Die Gorillas as the lead organization have also been funded by the European Union.
With their philosophy of improvisation—acceptance, trust, saying yes, flexibility, listening, and continuing the ideas of others—Die Gorillas create entertaining theatrical experiences with the aim of enlivening and improving coexistence in our society. They develop methods to sustainably anchor improvisation in social, intercultural, therapeutic, educational, and public welfare contexts. The result is numerous and ever-changing projects dedicated to the further development and dissemination of this working method.