Best Improv Comedy Nights In Pittsburgh
Improv comedy nights are an unconventional date night, a blast with friends and can even provide an inspirational jump-start for budding comedians. Pittsburgh has no shortage of great comedy clubs, many of which cater to improv performers and even more which attract the funniest comedians from all over the county. From workshops that will let you try your hand at improv to nationally celebrated comedian shows, you'll find it impossible not to have a good time. If you're ready to laugh until it hurts, make plans to check out one or all of these upcoming shows and events at these five clubs and festivals considered the best of the 'Burgh.
Pittsburgh Improv
166 E. Bridge St.
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 462-5233
pittsburgh.improv.com
The Pittsburgh Improv is undeniably one of the more popular comedy clubs in Pittsburgh. Its calendar is constantly updated with the county's funniest comedians and local favorites, such as Deray Davis, Bobby Slayton, Tammy Pescatelli and Harland Williams. Among the sure-to-sellout shows is that of Jon Lovitz who will be at the club for a 12 & over event on Sunday, August 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets for this special event are $30 each. Enjoy an evening of laughter, great food and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, the perfect combination for a fun night out. Laugh until it hurts at the Pittsburgh Improv's Homestead location within The Waterfront.
Arcade Comedy Theater
811 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 339-0608
www.arcadecomedytheater.com
If you've ever consider trying improv comedy, you'll get your chance during Improv Pop-Up Nights held at Arcade Comedy Theater. Just $20 per person gets you two-hours of improv instruction taught by Pittsburgh comedy veterans, a wine mixer to help you loosen up, the opportunity to showcase your newly acquired comedian skills and access to an 8 p.m. show immediately following your workshop. Improv Pop-Up Nights are held on the third Thursday of each month. Arcade Comedy Theater is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh on Liberty Avenue.
Steel City Improv
5950 Ellsworth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
(412) 404-2695
www.steelcityimprov.com
Nothing breaks the ice quite like laughter and what better idea for a first date than a comedy night. Make plans to check out the club's monthly premier improv show called "The Draft," which features local comedy students as well as experienced comedians, scheduled for Friday, September 16. Tickets are $10 for general admission. If you're feeling inspired following the performance, Steel City Improv also hosts regular improv workshops and free events that lets you hone your comedy and practice your improv skills. Find Steel City Improv in the city's Shadyside neighborhood at the corner of Greenbriar Way and Ellsworth Avenue.
2016 Pittsburgh Comedy Festival
University of Pittsburgh Henry Heymann Theater
4301 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.pittsburghcomedyfestival.org
The 2016 Pittsburgh Comedy Festival is one of the city's largest and more entertaining comedy gatherings and includes loads of improv laughter. Surround yourself with the funniest and most creative comedians during this three day event, slated for August 25-28. Highlights from this year's schedule include Quincy Jones, a midnight stand-up show and even a kids comedy cabaret. Tickets are available for individual shows and the festival offers a pay-what-you-can option as well. The 2016 Pittsburgh Comedy Festival is hosted at the University of Pittsburgh campus's Henry Heymann Theater, located within the Stephen Foster Memorial in Oakland.
The Pittsburgh Improv Jam
Cabaret At Theater Square
655 Penn Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 325-6769
www.trustarts.org
For an unpredictable, gut-busting, high-energy night of comedy, check out The Pittsburgh Improv Jam, hosted regularly at the Cabaret at Theater Square in the city's cultural district. You'll laugh until you cry thanks to the hilarious and quick-thinking performers who put you right in the heart of the show with audience suggestions and inspiration. Improv shows are usually scheduled twice a month through the end of the year with an exact list of shows listed on its website. Admission is just $3 at the door, but please note that only cash is accepted.
Related: Best Comedy Clubs In Pittsburgh
Jessica Wasik is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in English Studies. In addition to writing, Jessica enjoys coaching figure skating, photography and spending time with her family, friends and her dog. She is also a contributing writer for Examiner.com. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
