This place was cool. Went with some friends on a Saturday night randomly, just wanted to do something downtown for a change. Tickets were cheap and it was BYOB so we weren't wasting money on $6 beers like every other place you go. The opening act was that of an all female improv comedy. It was kinda strange, but I guess that's the nature of improv. The main act was skit comedy. The group did a great job, very entertaining. We had to sit on the right side of the stage so we didn't get a good vantage point to the show, be sure to arrive early to get good seats. The place was filled! read more

This place is awesome. Terrific. Fun!!!! There are shows for kids, shows for adults, shows for adults-only, shows for families. The Arcade hosts many types of comedy acts, but my favorites are the improv shows. Short-form improv & long-form improv (Yes, both exist, and both exist at this theater.) with many incarnations of each. The theater is a non-profit, but I really have little-to-no idea why/how. There box office has a small selection of snacks, candy, pop, and bottled water for sale at prices slightly higher than a grocery store, but way less than most theaters! You can also buy souvenirs like t-shirts and stickers. For the Penny Arcade (kid/family) shows, a special selection of fun snacks is available to purchase. The ticket prices are very reasonable, and usually quite a bargain for the amount of laughing you'll do! There are also classes for things like improv comedy, stand-up comedy, sketch comedy--if you are currently in a class, you can get into many shows for free! Parking is usually easy to find in the city garage across the street. (Even now when it's, frustratingly, under construction.) There's also street parking right in front of the Arcade and in almost every direction--a very viable option, depending on the time of night and the weather! Though it's not actually an arcade, the lobby of this small venue does offer a few free-play video games, and a pinball machine for .50/game. It's also terrifically themed throughout! (Check out the furniture, comedy & video game posters everywhere, and cool detail touches like the light switch covers in the restrooms, and the ticket holders at the box office.) Don't let the small building/setting intimidate you, either. Your seat is guaranteed to be close to the performance, and the owners and staff are great people. You will be laughing in no time! read more

Super delightful improv! We saw the House Team Megamix, where they showcase two improv teams independently and then together. I was very impressed by the interactive kookiness and differing styles both teams brought. Would absolutely come again, especially at these steals of ticket prices! There's also free arcade games in the basement for a little doot doot fun before or after shows. read more

I had a great time here, when i volunteered to go up on stage i was a little nervous at first but they made it seem so fun! We saw Frankly Scarlett and it was hilarious. read more

The Arcade Comedy Theater is a rare gem. As a performer I am always on the lookout for great places to perform. I travel a lot and have never found a place like this anywhere. I have been on the Arcade stage three times now, and it was a great experience each time. It's a nice cozy venue, and the audiences were excited and engaged. Plus, since you never know entirely what you're going to get, there is an air of mystery and it's thrilling to see what will appear on stage next. It could be anything from improv (where by definition no one knows what's coming), or just an unexpected act like a crazy over-the-top funny sketch about love, or in my case, a yo-yo champion. All in all the Arcade is an incredible place and it will only get better. I just hope that Pittsburghers realize how lucky they are and pack the house every night. read more

Downtown Pittsburgh had no idea how badly it needed -- no, WANTED -- this comedy theater. Arcade is dedicated to serving all kinds of audiences, from the traditional to more alternative types of comedy. They've only been open a month and they've already had standup, sketch, improv, music, video, variety (there's an awesome yo-yo guy named Mark Hayward, check him out!) and even funny PowerPoint presentations from Pittsburgh based website ActClassy.com. There's something for everyone and the price is right. Whether you're an established act or a newcomer to the world of comedy and trying out something new, this is a great place to perform. It's like the Goldilocks of comedy venues -- juuuuuuuust right. read more

Saw a great sketch show here! The theater that I was in (first floor) was very small, but great for the kind of show that it was since each seat in the audience could see and hear everything clearly. Tickets were $12 for the show that I went to and it's BYOB. My favorite part is the free arcade games in the basement! read more

Staff are friendly, actors work hard and are super talented! But I guess there is a limit to the comedic effects of Improv actings (at least, to me and the audience that night). It would make sense to buy tickets to their shows as a support and thumbs up for the young talented actors; but if you are just looking for some fun on a weekend night, I'd say it's slightly over priced for what they offer. read more

Without a doubt one of the best things to happen to the comedy scene in Pittsburgh! Such a wide variety of different types of comedy. Whether its improv, stand up, sketch, movie live reads, magic or music that you are looking for you can find it at The Arcade. They just celebrated their 1 year anniversary and the excitement continues to build. Not to mention you won't have to deal with the 2 drink minimum bs that other comedy spots hold you to. The Arcade is BYOB with a minimal corkage fee. They also offer improv and stand up classes for anyone wanting to try it out. This is a must see venue and once you try it you will be back for more!! read more

This place is the awesome. Pittsburgh finally has a theater dedicated to comedy of all kinds, and it is in the heart of the Cultural District with all the big theaters. Started by 5 friends who are all improvisers and lovers of comedy, the Arcade is the perfect space to catch an uproariously comedic show. The place only seats about 75 at capacity and is essentially a blackbox theater... though the brick wall and bold paint give it a little more character than others. The stage is small, but is perfect for short form improv, standup, musical comedy... anything funny really. Shows happen at 8 and 10 on Fridays and Saturdays, and there are occasional shows other nights, but mostly friday and saturday right now. The thing that really makes this place a delight is how incredibly friendly and easy going the founders are. Also it's BYOB, with a nominal corking fee. Go to Sammy's or Sharp Edge and grab a sixpack, or the cabaret and get a bottle of wine and come drink and laugh and enjoy your evening. read more

Made my first visit with my good friend Jason to the arcade theater. Walked in and there is just a fantastic vibe immediately. The crowd was diverse, the acting was great and everyone had a good time. Highly recommend. read more

What a great place to see and enjoy local comedians. Easy parking at Liberty & Smithfield.

As both a performer and an audience member, I can't recommend Arcade more highly. It's a wonderful place to play onstage, with an openness for experimentation and a real appreciation for skill and effort. When I've been an audience member, I've always been entertained and often surprised. Arcade is unique in its dedication to presenting many forms of comedy, honoring the traditional like stand up and improv, while branching out to things like yo-yos and live cartooning! The tickets are affordable, and with shows every Friday and Saturday, Arcade offers a rare spot in Downtown Pittsburgh where you can just wander in and sample the offering without spending an arm or a leg or having to book tickets months in advance. Definitely a key part of the Downtown Renaissance. read more

what can I say ... BYOB, snack bar, discount student prices, amazing funny acts. This place is a jewel in the Pittsburgh crown.

I attended a show at the new Arcade Comedy Theater on a Friday. First, let me say how cool it is that something like this exists in Downtown Pittsburgh! If you've ever wandered around down there on weekday nights, then you know it can look a bit post-apocalyptic. It is so good to see a new art and culture scene popping up in what used to be a "red-light district". So the theater is simply great. It is a small venue, but not so small that you feel like the only one there. It is the perfect size to be up close and personal with the comedy while still being able to maintain the air of an anonymous audience member if you choose to do so. It is also DIRT CHEAP! $10.00 for a ticket to a comedy show with no drink minimum is unheard of these days. Also, while they don't serve alcohol, they let you bring beer or wine in for only a $2 fee. That is also a bargain if you need to get your drink on while watching your comedy. On the night that I was there, I saw the house improv team, Player One, perform with a stand-up named Isaac Kozell and another improv troupe from the University of Pittsburgh called Ruckus. I honestly didn't know what to expect going into the show. I have seen my share of bad stand-up and improv in my life. Let me tell you that I was really pleasantly surprised. All of these people/groups were SHOCKINGLY FUNNY. So much so, that I found myself wondering how they could get so many great people in one show and still only charge 10 bucks. Seriously, people, if you want a good time and don't want to do the same old crap, run, don't walk to this place. They even have a pinball machine in the lobby! Amazing! read more

We went to the Hootenanny last night, very funny! All of the comics did a great job and kept the entire room laughing throughout the night. If you love to laugh and you are looking for something different, this is a great option! We will definitely be returning. Loved it! read more

What an awesome group! We actually hired the troupe to come perform at our post-prom (know how the high school kids are locked in till 5am? we needed something to do!) and they were awesome. It was the part of the entire prom the high school juniors and seniors talked about the most the next Monday. The troupe was clean and wholesome, but also in-touch with the most current memes - so highly "relate-able" to teens. They asked for more info on the group before coming and had routines as set to go as improv can get. I would highly highly recommend them to any group or gathering. read more

I'd recently had the pleasure of playing the Arcade Comedy Theater with my 7 person comedy variety show and I can't speak highly enough of them. The performance space is very simple but versatile. They have great equipment, especially their projector, which allows them to incorporate multimedia performances.They are very accommodating to their performers. The owners and workers come from an array of comedic backgrounds and are open to all sorts of acts from stand-up to improv all the way to found-footage mashups. I highly recommend this place for any comedians, video artists, sketch groups, improv troupes, and performance artists. read more

Wonderful evening at the Arcade. Story Worthy host, Christine Blackburn, was joined by local talent to put on a hilarious show. I am not one to go downtown mid week but this was so worth the trip. Easy to find, tons of parking, clean facilities, comfortable seating, friendly staff and excellent talent, the Arcade was great! read more

Went there last Friday night for the Live Read of the Wonder Years. The show was excellent and all the performers were wonderful. But since this is a review of the Theater, I will focus on that. It is a small theater, so it has a intimate feel, and you have a good view of the stage no matter where you are sitting. The acoustics are excellent. The people who work there are very friendly. In the lobby, they have some old school, stand-up arcade (hence the name) video games. Nobody was playing them, but at least one of them (Karate Champ - one of my favorites) was out of order. So, I don't know if people normally play them or not. The price for a ticket to this show was $10, which is very reasonable for top quality live entertainment in the Cultural District of a major city on a Friday night. There was another show afterwards, and anyone who attended the live read was able to stay for the other show for just a few dollars more. Finally, the theater offers BYOB for just $2 for a six-pack of beer or bottle of wine. This is an excellent service, as it eliminates the need to buy pricey drinks once inside. A number of bars in the area sell beer-to-go, which makes this a very convenient option. Plus, when I bought my ticket for the show online, it came with a coupon to waive the $2 BYOB fee. This is a great place to watch top notch comedy and I will definitely go again. read more

Arcade is just what downtown Pittsburgh needs - a unique venue for talented comedians to perform and the rest of us to enjoy! Bill Dixon was really great and I hope Arcade can attract great comedians like him in the future. The cost is unbelievable for two solid hours of entertainment! Hurry and out and support this new jewel of the Golden Triangle! read more

Crushing it so hard! The best most intimate venue for local comedy. Inexpensive and you can totally bring your own beer! I recommend getting a growler from Sharp Edge right down the street. read more