If you're looking for a "third place," they truly put the "community" in "community theater" here. Everyone is open and friendly. It's a great place to make friends or have a cheap date night. I watch at least 2 shows a month here. If you've never seen improv before, I'd recommend watching Teacher's Lounge, which performs the first Friday of every month at 9:30pm. They invite an interesting guest to tell true stories and the performers (who all teach improv) create longer scenes based on the stories we just heard. They offer improv classes. There is a drop in class open to all levels on Wednesdays, 101 classes offered a few times throughout the year, and advanced classes. It's not all improv. I've watched drag shows, a sea shanty night, and a fictionalized beauty pageant. The theater also hosts fundraising shows to support nonprofits. They're located inside the Starlight Theater. When you enter, make an immediate left to purchase a ticket or show your online ticket. There is parking in the front and the back (off McClintock Way). The theater has two restrooms in the back. read more

Went here for date night to see the Classy Lady Improv Team and had an amazing time! I've been to improv shows before, and this one definitely delivered. The theater is small and intimate - looked like they're prepping for Peter Pan, which added a fun touch to the atmosphere. The all-female cast was a standout! Super funny, fast on their feet, and clearly had great chemistry. I was laughing the whole time and the games were creative and entertaining. The vibe felt welcoming and community-oriented. One small suggestion: when asking the audience for ideas, maybe give women the first chance to respond- it'd be a nice nod to the cast. Tickets were super affordable ($5 cash / $7 card [we bought ahead on Eventbrite]). Highly recommend for a fun, low-cost night out! read more

Improv Collective - Ceiling - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Saw the performances Friday, June 2nd, 2023. It totally rocked! Great use of money and time. The bad reviews are posted by enemies.

Improv Collective has been a very enjoyable and niche improv community in the SoCal scene. The first time I ever went to Improv Collective was when my musical long-form team "We'll Adapt" debut there in 2022. Little did I know we weren't the only quality show there. Teams like Instant Improv, Tan Sedan, Funny People Society, Teacher's Lounge, Lady Bits, Whose Copyright Is It Anyway?, and so many others constantly perform shows here. On top of that, there are so many exciting random shows like One Night Stand and No Second Date where random teams get pulled together with random players. There's tons of jams too, and ways to get on stage without being on a team. One of my favorite monoscene teams I was on "The Exception" was born out of one of those random shows. I thought I would pay a visit to yelp to voice my compliments, so today's the day. read more

Love love love improv collective! So much fun, so entertaining. Great date night, really talented people and performers. 10/10 would recommend! read more

I had a good time, i enjoyed the show. I highly recommended! Friendly staff and convenient location!

I wanted to take an improv class for fun so I signed up for their 101 in March. Since then I have been to many shows and also finished the 201 class. The classes were great. I came in with zero stage experience (improv or otherwise) and I must say that I am happy with my progress and with everything I've learned. The owner/instructor will even stay after class if you want to go over some things or sometimes just to practice or play. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive. The shows and the teams that perform here are hilarious and amazingly diverse, from the all women "Lady Bits", to the hilariously talented "Pictures of Spaghetti", and more!! I cannot wait to see many more shows here. AND to take the elusive 301!! read more

Improv Collective - June 2019, Improv 201 graduates. Aka, Hole in the Wall. - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Solid, welcoming place. Great talented people. It's an improv theater and it's a vulnerable hard art form. While not every scene may be perfect, their heart is in the right place. This place is about community and welcoming the creative dreams of all enter. High praise. read more

Love this place! I first saw a show there 3 years ago, and was immediately blown away. It's since changed locations to just a few doors down, in the same center. But, the quality and hilarity of talented shows put on there hasn't changed and has kept me coming back. I love watching such a diverse group of performers! Plus, it's super inexpensive. I've gone there with family, and friends. It's definitely "grown up" comedy, most every night, but I hear they have a family friendly team that plays once a month, if you wanted to bring grandma and or the kids to a show. read more

When I was just 18 years old, I became an intern at the Improv Collective. And it's been a pretty wild ride ever since. This theatre is a really good place to learn and see improv at a consistent quality and basis. The owner, Robert Souders, while seeming to be rough around the edges, has a warm personality and is a very good source to learn improv from. And not just him, there are many great and amazing teachers and performers who frequent this theatre. The classes here are amazing and some of the best improv that Orange County has to offer. The community is strong and is growing stronger by the day. All in all, a good place to see some good comedy, a great place to see and meet awesome people, and especially an incredible display of togetherness and community. Take a class and get involved, it will be worth it. read more

See all

So much fun and a great place to bring family and friends! HIGHLY recommend

If you'd like to experience something different and have a good time, you should watch a show from Improv Collective! Came here with a few friends and we all had a good laugh and got inspired to explore the world or improv. The theater is modest, but the shows are hilarious, fun, and engaging! Every show is different, so you'll have a fun and unique experience every time. 5/5, would come again! The shows are only $5! WOW!! read more

This is a community where everyone loves their art and loves to share, and when they have workshops and/or shows, you feel the positivity of everyone involved -- even if you don't know anyone. I've been some great communities in the Midwest, but I have never seen a community that provides such consistent and good coaching and performance for such a low price. Having trained previously in Indianapolis for three years, it took me at least a year before I "earned" my place in the community, but when people see that you are kind, enthusiastic, and eager to contribute, they welcome you. There are ample opportunities to pitch shows, and many people happy to collaborate. In other other improv communities I've been in, everybody is always looking for the "next thing" to advance their careers, but in this community, people are invested in building this place into something special, and I could not ask for anything better. read more

I have been going to the shows since August 2018 and let me tell you...these shows are HILARIOUS & AMAZING!!! The improv focus classes are helpful not just for performing but also for interpersonal and social skills. The improv community there is amazingly talented and put out entertaining shows Fridays & Saturday nights! Just $5 at the door, which can be paid in cash or card. This is the place to have a great time with family, friends, or just you (as I have done plenty of times)!!! read more

I love this place! Fantastic shows every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 for only 5 bucks! A great group of very friendly people too. I'd also highly recommend taking one of their improv classes for those interested. The best place for improv in Orange County! read more

Great quality shows at a great price. The community of people involved are beyond friendly and have created an environment for creativity to thrive. read more