Great time, very welcoming community. I say community because you could tell a lot of people visit often to watch and/or participate themselves. Seating is a bit tight but it's to be expected in a smaller space. read more

What a great night! This place gives all that living in a big city offers. I saw a show tonight for 15 dollars that could easily be worth so much more. Great timing, creativity, improvisation that lead to a great evening. Here is the deal. You can get dinner before or bring snacks, or not, bring wine or home made cocktails or beer or not, sit in a comfortable theater and watch GREAT improvisational theater... and feel like you spent your evening in a creative worthwhile way. (Don't forget your cups and wine key. They don't have that.) This is a great place with great creativity. Just get a bottle, get some friends, break out of your old routine and go. It's exceptional. Buy tickets ahead of time online, though. They were turning away people. It fills up. It's good. Trust me. read more

Philly Improv Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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The acts were not funny at all. it was definitely not worth the $15 per ticket. Would not go again.

So when I first came here I felt out of place on the Super Free Sundays because it felt like a big inside joke that everyone who attends class here was in. If you weren't in then you didn't feel at home. But I've taken improv classes here and I love the place. The instructors are talented and skilled. I learned valuable life lessons here. The community is super friendly. The shows are cheap (or free if you're a current student). There's ample seating and most days of the week there are shows going on. So come on out and learn some improv! It's SO much fun! read more

Philly Improv Theater - Hard to miss, so look for Adrienne - Performing Arts Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

100th review! Woo hoo! Let's make it a good one -- I grew up in the theatre, and I was voted clown in high school (humble brag). For years, I've been talking about getting re-involved in improv. Despite my generally cheery and outgoing disposition, I'm always a little uncomfortable stepping out of my comfort zone. I've got a little bit of social anxiety and a huge fear of commitment, so I was not ready to put forth a chunk of money for an 8 week course because, ya know, what if it's terrible? However, when I saw PHIT offered FREE improv workshops to get a feel for the classes, I decided I had nothing to lose. I signed up for a 2 hour free class taught by Sheila Master on a Saturday afternoon. I wasn't sure what to expect. In the past, when I've attended improv I've sometimes felt like I was an outsider that was not in on all the inside jokes. However, you can feel the energy from the minute you step inside the door. The class was myself and 6 others plus Sheila. It started out super awkward. Some of us were there to learn some social skills and step out of our comfort zones, some of us were there to work on confidence, and some of us were just there to be silly. It was a great combination of folks. Sheila immediately brought a sense of welcoming, non-judgemental energy to the room, and by the end of the two hours, we were all cutting up. I can't speak for my other classmates, but I definitely walked out the room with a new sense of confidence. The best part? It is 100% free - no strings attached, no high pressured sales pitches. It's just a nice, free way to spend a couple of hours and meet new people. I can say, I'm SOLD! I will absolutely be signing up for one of the 8 week courses in the near future, and I'm STOKED to see how it improves my self confidence, communication, and relationships. read more

Improv is probably one of my favorite types of comedy, and so I was excited to go check this place out. When I got there, we had reservations and they were just 10 minutes early, we were the first to arrive and they asked us to sit in the front row. If you don't like sitting in the front row, definitely try to be fashionably late. Good thing is that they did not pick on us being in the front row. One of the really great things about this theater is that it's BYOB. We bought a bottle of wine and split it amongst the two of us. Make sure you bring your own glasses or cups because I don't think they have any. Otherwise you may be drinking your wine straight from the bottle. The first act was what looked to be a group of high school students, but was probably a group of college students. At first they were not the greatest, but then they got their act together and really gave us a bunch of laughs. The second act was an older group, which you could tell was much more seasoned in improv. They did one improv game which was essentially performing a musical. While it was funny, I actually enjoyed the individual games more than one long act of improv. Overall it was a fun evening and I would definitely return. read more

I've already taken Improv 101 with Joanna Schmitt, and am now in 201 with Mike Marbach. All I can say is that this has been some of the best educational fun I've ever spent money on - that's including my latest battery of high-priced academic hookers. PHIT specializes in long form improv, which focuses more on developing characters and situations, rather than slapstick, schtick, or one-off jokes (though all of those elements are encouraged and applauded). What results is a wacky good time in the vein of "playing house" like when you were a kid. Only now since we can make adult jokes, our "house" can be filled with crack and shattered dreams, which is infinitely more entertaining than "play vacuuming." Furthermore, everyone I've met through classes at PHIT has been a combination of hilarious, fun-loving, and totally willing to day drink with me. It's been an awesome ride so far, and there are no signs of stopping! My review of the Shubin theater will say more about actual shows. Pro-tip: Go see their shows at the Shubin theater! Registering for a class gets you in for free any night of the week for any number of shows! Also, register early because classes fill up. read more

Abysmally terrible. We paid $5 - and felt we overpaid. It's BYOB but there was no corkscrew or glasses/cups. And acts were terrible

Absolute trash. Went to solitude house presents mcnicol.. it was the worst experience The jokes, if they could even be called that, were a mix of tired tropes. Hey look it's a woman pretending to be a man! Oh gay physical comedy for shock effect! These guys just don't risk anything. The show was boring and not funny. Honestly, call this trash what it is: a bunch of UPenn students padding their resume with a 3-5 hr/week time commitment. Maybe they'll tell a rapt superficial audience at a dinner party down the line how they were in a comedy troupe once. Maybe they'll tell a joke and everyone will laugh politely while scratching their heads and wondering where the humor is.. Don't support this travesty. I already strongly suspect the audience for these things are filled with plants and shills read more

In Spring 2007, I took the Level 1 Improv class at PHIT. I knew improv and have seen it many times before, but I wasn't really sure what it meant to actually study it. PHIT gave me an excellent introduction to the artform, the lifestyle, and the lingo for doing improv. It also introduced me to the small and vibrant community in Philadelphia. I had an excellent teacher who really knew her stuff. I've taken community theater workshops and other performance classes and such and have been very disappointed. But not here. You get a bargain for the quality of classes. Classes are very affordable and leave you room to enjoy what you're doing instead of thinking about the price. I seriously couldn't get enough and wished that it wouldn't end. Improv, whether you're a performer, or someone who is looking to improve his or her confidence or creative thinking abilities, is an excellent sandbox for exploring what you can do. The only issue I had was that some people think the classes are so affordable that they won't bother to show up on-time or at all. Just do your class a favor and show up on time if you're going to be a part of the class. Either that, or call ahead of time to let everyone know you're going to be late. Theater is a team sport. PHIT is really going places. They've got the best teachers because they're come from many of the major and minor stages in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. read more

Blown away. Thats all I can say. The performances at Philly Improv Theatre are amazing. The class I am currently enrolled in here is outstanding. And to top it off the community of teachers, performers (often one and the same) and fellow students is welcoming, kind and supportive. If you are thinking of taking classes here, check out a free trial class. If you are thinking about going to a show here, do it. Maybe I'm a bit biased because the shine and gleam of a warm, intelligent, and wonderful environment is new, but from everyone I've spoken to who have been working and playing there for a while- it doesn't seem to be the case. People come from distances to be there, and do so many times a week. They've gone from students to teachers and performers. Happy to be at PHIT any chance I get. read more

Went for a free intro improv class with Kelly and have to say it was a very positive experience. I was a bit hesitant to try improv as it seemed too challenging- what if I'm a dork?... so I had to push myself to attend. So glad I did, many of us were first timers to improv and we had so much fun, learnt some good stuff and I enjoyed the whole time! Will be signing up for a class. read more

After my first negative review, the Executive Director Greg sent me a really thoughtful message, encouraging me to try again. He also offered to let us come back on them with four free tickets. I had some friends in town this weekend, so I invited them to come along. We were super hopeful, especially because Greg recommended which groups were funniest and which night to go. I really tried to give this place a second chance. First of all, the theatre itself is really really nice. The customer service is also, obviously, great. The theatre is located in an awesome part of town. We even saw Doug Benson tonight. We saw him walking around--not like we saw him actually performing. But we'll get to the performance...oh, and the audience. Ok, the biggest issue is that the format of the program is just not conducive to good improv. 40 minutes on one topic is not going to be funny after probably the first...5 minutes. Seriously, tonight we watched a 40 minute sketch with the prompt "gummy bears." 30 minutes of that, one of the performers was laying on the ground. Although, some of his physical comedy was the best part of the whole thing. The audience did not help the fact that this was not funny. There has to be plants in the audience. And they are ruining the show by laughing at not funny things because then the performers think they're doing a great job. And then they're not ending a sketch that is clearly dead in the water. We left after the first sketch. (Remember, it lasted 40 minutes). I appreciate the second chance and the wonderful customer service in a great theatre, but I am never coming back. read more

I just wanted to comment on Claude's completely misinformed statements about PHIT classes. I took both a 101 and 201 improv class at PHIT. My 101 teacher was Nick Gillette, and my 201 teacher was Steve Kleinedler. Steve has been performing improv comedy for nearly ten years and performing since the early 80's, notably with ImprovBoston. To state that they would let 'anybody' teach their classes is an outright lie. I am not offended by your critique of performances - to each his own - but I *am* deeply offended by your perpetuation of falsities. PHIT has grown in popularity and reputation over seven years, and people like Matt Besser of Upright Citizen's Brigade and Kevin McDonald from Kids in the Hall have come to teach classes or give performances. The shows - in MY opinion - are diverse in content and always a blast. If you have ever considered taking an improv comedy class you really can't go wrong with PHIT. read more

The center for comedy in Philadelphia is PHIT. Period. I've taken Improv classes and they were awesome (I'm even registered for an upcoming writing workshop!). The instructor had many years of experience, including work at some of the world renowned comedy theaters in Chicago, so I knew when he had things to say, he had the background to back it up. His goal was to make us great improvisors and he succeeded. A good portion of my class went on to take the next class in the series and I see them at or in shows often. Even the ones that didn't are happy they took the class as it helped them with communicating in their jobs and in relationships! Another awesome fact: the classes are cheaper then they are in NYC and closer to home without losing a single bit of quality. The faculty cares. Period. The home theatre of PHIT is the Shubin, at 4th and Bainbridge. The best part of the shows is that it is not just Improv, but also Sketch and Standup Comedy (and even Storytelling!). The shows are super cheap and BYOB, so in one night you might see 5 standups, a sketch show and some improv. Try and do that in NYC and you'll not only pay out the wazoo for it, but you'll not find half as much funny people, doing funny things. These aren't just some people off the street who just decided to hop on stage. The Improvers have taken their troops to Chicago, New York and Boston for very prestigious festivals. The standups have been all across the country performing in festivals and in clubs to great reviews. The sketch groups have also been all over as well, with more and more fanfare coming their way. Even storytelling has a home at PHIT, and it is always funny and riveting! What binds them all is that they all are at PHIT. Is PHIT a sort of comedy incubator, giving performers a chance to work on thier craft before releasing them into the wild? Perhaps. Is it the best place to see comedy of all sorts for a super cheap price? Indeed. Will you see these people some day on tv and film? The definitive answer is: yes! So, go and check it out before these people break out so you can say you saw them way back when! You won't regret it. And if you are feeling like you might want to take a class and see what it's all about? It's worth every penny of your hard earned money and every minute of your time. read more

PHIT is this incredible improv community of some of the greatest comedy talent in Philly. I love PHIT and the Shubin Theater on 4th and Bainbridge is this great theater- intimate, but fits a good 50 people. Get there early for performances- PHIT improv shows sell out. One time I watched from the aisle near the door. Not the best vantage point. I recommend taking long form improv classes at PHIT. I took them at Comedy Sportz, which is short form improv. Long form has a lot of advantages and I will probably take long form classes at PHIT. PHIT is a good gateway if you want to do improv as a career or as a hobby. They are supportive of ppl forming their own improv groups and performing at the Shubin. read more

Great saturday night show- but even better service!! I had several questions before booking tickets. I got a prompt...and more than friendly response each time! Then to top things off, on show night the theater staff remembered who I was, without me even saying that I was the person they had spoke with through email, etc. They even took it a step further...and went above and beyond with the level of customer service! When we were running late to the show that night, the staff had the forethought of promptly rearranging some seating(in an already packed theater)- so to make sure our group of friends had a chance to enjoy the show together. Something that I didn't even considered. But it made the world of difference when we could all be together! A+ service, great atmosphere, and good times!! I recommend Philly improve to anyone looking to have a fun and relaxing evening!! read more

phit is awesome and improv is super fun. I originally took this class because i'm scared of public speaking, but, turns out I love improv! it teaches you some pretty important life skills like listening, supporting and vulnerability and you get to see free shows with your tuition! the instructors are really knowledgeable and fun as are the performers and classmates, what do you expect from people that make it their business to make other people laugh? read more

Great instructors for the sketch comedy class. Just finished one and M. Schmid yes no "T" is really good. Explained everything that was needed to write script, of course very important, provided feedback from class with review of material and had great ideas. Will take another class when my schedule is not hectic. And it makes the class extra special when people taking the class are open to pointers and/or comments about their work which was not always the case. Other than that class was great and so are the shows! read more

This theater is what Philly should be known for. It's full of creative, hilarious, thoughtful, impressive, and fun experiences. The shows are great, the classes are life-changing, the people are lovely. I am constantly impressed with the energy and quality of content that this venue supports. Get out of your bubble and check out real people doing really great things at PHIT! read more

Last Saturday, I went and saw the Seinfield improv show. The theatre was at near full capacity and the theatre itself was not too impressive. The show was absolutely amazing though. It felt like a real seinfield episode and I would highly recommend seeing it if you can. I think the actors were from New York so it may not be indicative of the standard performance. read more

This entire crowd is awesome. The shows range from haha laughs to downright hysterical. They have Improv, Standup and Sketch Comedy shows as well as classes for all three of those. The shows are BYO! What gives this theater company a full five stars are the classes. These are soooo much fun to take and it really becomes a great, fun social hobby that fills up a lot of your free time. They get you out of your head and help you lose your self conscious mindset. Though they can be hit or miss sometimes, live improv shows are the best.. Sometimes it's a full house, sometimes it's a mostly empty one. Forget what you've seen on Whose Line is it Anyway and see a real live improv show and give it more than one try. read more

Do you like tight spaces with friends and people who are soon to be your friends BECAUSE it's so tight, byob, with tons of laughs? Then you must go see. It's a very unique experience that makes you feel like you have just joined some part of philly culture or performing arts culture. And maybe SOME DAY one or more of these people will be rich and famous. You can be like "DUDE I SAW THEM DO IMPROV BACK IN THE DAY... WHOAH! " It was non stop laughs and ridiculousness. Who doesn't need that in their life? read more

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Paul F. Tompkins here. Besides it being an AMAZING show from one of the best comedians out there, it was easy to get in and get a spot. There are two ramps up to the theatre from the sidewalk and once you get in you are saved an aisle seat and given the option of transferring to a seat or sitting in your chair in the side aisle. It was a great show with great staff and I will definitely be going back for future shows. read more

I've been attending shows at PHIT for over 4 years. They're consistently the best long form improv I've seen outside of NY and Chicago. And often, the shows are on par or even better than some of the stuff I've seen there. This is the home for long form improv and sketch comedy in Philadelphia. Period. read more

Last night my boyfriend and I saw two shows; The Bat and House Team Night. We have seen other shows over the last few months as well. Super cheap and super fun. Get to the theatre early!! Great for a date or with friends. Bring a six pack. read more

Consistently and reliably the best comedy in Philly. Actually, some of the best comedy anywhere. Their sketch comedy is by far my favorite night out in Philly, intelligent, creative, unique, and very, very funny. Their variety and improv shows are also very fun. It's my one go to place when I have friends and visitors from out of town. Without hesitation, I recommend PHIT Comedy any night of the week. read more

Do not go here. Not worth the money. Not funny. Was two people on stage for 45 minutes. Not worth 12 dollars. This is not a professional show! Go to comedy sportz or helium instead. read more

I went to the Shubin Theatre to see DuoFest which is a weekend-long improv festival. This was my first time seeing anything through the Philly Improv Theatre and I really enjoyed it. The Shubin Theatre is small, but it's BYOB which is always nice and it makes you feel like you're part of the show because its so intimate. The acts we saw were really funny and I would definitely check out other shows by the PHIT. read more

(PHIT is insular to the point of being incestuous.) said another reviewer. does that sound like a review or an angry improvisor? Hmmm... I had a good time here and I thought the show was funny. Super cheap date and a good time to be had by all. Near to South Street after show drinking places and never mind the haters, for $10 or so a show, check it out yourself and decide. Never really had a bad time here. Very small venue, so check out the website to make sure it's not sold out beforehand. read more

I took my very first improv class here and it was a wonderful experience. The classes are very affordable, $200 if you register early. My teacher was really sweet and professional, Jess managed to give constructive feedback and still keep the class fun and light-hearted. The Improv 101 is very casual, only 1X a week with a final performance at the Shubin Theater. I would really recommend this to anyone looking to explore their improv curiosity. My students had aims for being professional comedians, very open to a wide range of skill sets. This was a blast and I really enjoyed my experience. read more

PHIT is the best place to see improv in Philly. The house teams are polished and comparable to improv groups in other major cities. The Shubin is intimate and the shows are BYOB which is a plus. Be sure to get tickets beforehand so you have a seat since space is limited. read more

Ok this review is ONLY for the improve comedy they have Friday nights at 10pm. One random night I came here with a few friends to check out the improv show. We had no expectations and found out about it online and thought for $10 a ticket and a BYOB it would make for a fun Friday night. Well it was more of an amateur improve comedy night and the audience including us was about 10 people. I felt like everyone knew each other and we might have come by mistake. Since the audience is so small they will make you go on stage at some point and participate. My overall feeling was that it was different. Improv comedy is hard and a few of them did a good job but overall I have to give it two stars. read more

Weird ..... Just plain weird... Not my crowd at all. I'm from NYC I'm used to a different type of comedy... Never again.

I saw "I'm Ok, Are You Ok" by Molly Scullion and it was hands down one of the best performances I've ever seen. Extremely vulnerable but also hilarious- truly wonderful. read more

Best kept secret in Philly Comedy! I've been to other venues in the city and this one feels intimate. I was there on a Saturday night at 9pm and it was standing room only. I like that the show was simple in its presentation yet got very complex as the performers pulled things back from the beginning of the show. read more

It was a major let down. To start, I was essentially the only person in the audience who wasn't part of the improv program there. The first group to perform was just plain bad, they ignored the initial suggestion from the audience and then just acted really awkward in addition to their bad jokes. Despite this terrible first group, I decided to power through and crossed my fingers (and toes) that the second main group would be significantly better. And then It wasn't. While they were more confident and less awkward, it seemed like the majority of the humor or what was intended to be humor consisted of inside jokes between the improv people who were performing. This place is a waste of time and $10. They have a long way to go before they should even consider charging for a show. read more

I'm not sure who the group was, it was fully female, and they were absolutely hilarious. There was a skit that they did about being the best dad from two sons point of views, and the girl who played the dad was SO funny! They all were really, my fiancé and I had such a great time. This comedy show is right across from the Helios Comedy Club and after buying our tickets we felt like maybe we should have gone to the Helios club instead (especially because the comedian performing over there is actually someone I have heard of). But I am so happy we went to this improv theater because the show was so much fun. When we make our way down to Philly I'm sure we'll be thinking about going back there! read more

We went to super free Sunday shows, it was really good! Others reviews are accurate, small crowd maybe 40 max. It's Byob but they don't have any accommodations so bring your bottle openers, cups, ice, anything you need. It really is improv, they ask the audience for ideas to act out. read more

I've been to improv shows in Chicago, Second City, The Annoyance, Comedy Sportz, etc, and I would put the Philly Improv Theater right in there. Improv really depends on the suggestions and the audience as much as anything else, but the times I've been to PHIT, they did not disappoint. Great shows, great price. read more