I loved my improv classes. It helped me respond quicker in my working life, I had fun, and everyone was so accepting of me and every silly thing that we tried was a lesson in something. read more

Washington Improv Theater - Learning D and D, Improv at its best! - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

See all

We had a great night out at Washington Improv Theater. I loved that we got the opportunity to see several different groups. It was nice to see a variety of performances as each group had it's own unique chemistry. We will definitely go again the next time we are in town. read more

Super cute local improv theatre, it's a hiccup of a space on 14th street so you can plan a whole evening around the shows. Dinner down the street, drinks across, and then wander in with your proof of vaccine, booster, and a surgical or better face mask. I appreciate the strict efforts (down to wristbands) that is being taken considering live performances are so missed. The space is intimate with rows seating around 3-5 people. We came to watch their FIST improv competition which was great. I really enjoyed the performances and am glad to report that the group we voted for (Schtick Schtick Boom) won with the funniest IUD joke yet. Arrive about 10 minutes early so you can grab seats together since there's no assigned seating. Support local theatres! read more

One of my go-to chill night spots in the District. I haven't been for classes (yet?) but I try to catch a show every month or so. The performers here are pretty committed to exercising their budding comedic talents and the price is always right. The theater is right-sized to allow for dynamic stage movements while maintaining the intimate setting that you expect from an improv theater. Tuesdays @ 8pm & 9pm offer free Harold Night performances. If you're going to check out WIT for the first time, why not start for free? Get there early, grab a drink, and enjoy the show. read more

Friends recommended WIT to me as "the best improv in DC." I have seen shows and taken classes here, and I am very underwhelmed. The best classes at WIT are the "WIT U" classes taught by people from outside of DC (e.g. iO Chicago's "Dummy"). If you already have improv experience with a known improv school like UCB or Second City, you will not learn anything new here. The improv curriculum is very basic, and they do not emphasize the basic Level 1 skills in Level 2, which makes the class aggravating and painful to sit through. Level 4 at WIT was the first time I ever considered quitting improv altogether, and then I realized WIT does not have an original perspective on (or style of) improv. Aside from teaching the "Harold," Level 4 at WIT had no structure. Other Level 4 classes did entirely different things than our class did, and other people I know who took Level 4 at WIT either dropped out or decided not to take any more WIT classes. My Level 4 class never taught us how to find "the game" of the scene, which is the most important part of the Harold. Also, my Level 4 teacher was super harsh with the criticism - like, just downright mean (and not constructive). We couldn't even socialize after class because everyone (except her 3 obvious favorites) felt worthless after being repeatedly beat down week after week. WIT gives a $20 discount if you sign up for a class during early registration. However, if something comes up and you can't take the class after all, they KEEP $50! This is true, even if you cancel way in advance of the class starting and even if the class is not full or if someone else replaces you. As for shows, iMusical is very good, but that's really it. To be fair, there is usually one good improviser per team, but that's about it. We're not in LA anymore, Toto... read more

When I saw an improv show at this theater, it hit me. What is the acronym for Washington Improv Theater? WIT!! Wit = funny = laughter..get it? OK, maybe that is hysterical to just me. WIT's shows are starting back up next month, and if you are looking for some original improv, this is a great place to see it. Their stuff is not as interactive as say-- Comedy Sportz but, in my opinion (which probably doesn't mean much) is a better comedy show overall. I dig the one chick in the "Jackie" troupe. She is hilarious. With all of the cool restaurants and bars around Flashpoint, this is a great way to go out and have some fun. And for about $10 a ticket, is a pretty cheap night at the "theater." read more

Washington Improv Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I took a couple classes with WIT and while I had some good experiences, ultimately it was overall pretty negative. The problem is that WIT advertises itself as a place for amateurs to take improv classes for fun, but in fact it's kind of structured as a training program for people who want to perform improv somewhat seriously. That's totally fine, of course, but it should be advertised that way. Instead, it's unclear throughout classes if you are being "graded" on your performance or if you're just learning and having a good time. Spoiler alert: you are being graded. Depending on your teacher, you may or may not receive any feedback or "grades" throughout the course, but if your teacher decides you didn't do a great job, you will hear about it after the class is over -- when it is too late to do anything except agree to give WIT more money to repeat one of their classes. If you are interested in joining one of WIT's troupes or otherwise becoming semi-serious about performing improv, you might consider their classes. If you want to try your hand at improv as a fun hobby, WIT's classes may not be a good fit for you. read more

Very warm and inviting space. I never knew it existed and it definitely made me miss my improv roots. It is kind of awkward that the entrance to the searing area is by walking on "stage", but that's just how intimate the space is. They also have beer and wine for sale which is a nice addition. It's located in the heart of the U Street corridor so parking is gonna be hard to find. read more

My dad and I are huge comedy fans, so I got tickets for a performance on Fathers Day, 3 different Improv ensembles (proper term?) performed, with varying degrees of success. I should preface by saying that it takes balls to get up on stage to begin with, and I have respect for all the groups, and each of their members....however, some groups were just better than others. The first group was the High Fivers. They appeared to be the least experienced of the 3 groups, but they genuinely made me laugh throughout their performance. I didn't feel like I was necessarily watching a professional performance, but they have legit talent and are naturally funny...I would assume with more time and practice, they'll all be amazing. The second group, omg, HILARIOUS. Best of the night and I would pay to watch them perform for a solid hour. They're name was...Mystery Improv Theatre? Maybe, hopefully, cause they deserve Kudos. My mom (not a big comedy fan) was laughing out loud throughout their set, my dad and I were laughing like crazy, the whole room was really. The headliner was called Whats Behind Door #3, but I was so bummed they closed the show. They did this singing-comedy act, but the singing parts were rarely funny. It was improvised songs, which is impressive...but not funny. After the 2nd group, I had that "I've been laughing for 20 minutes straight" euphoria I get from comedy (the reason i love it), and they totally killed the vibe. It became like I was searching for something to laugh at in order to sustain that feeling. Bummed. Again, what they do is a talent in their own right, but with the exception of 1 guy in the group, they just arent....funny. Oh yeah, host was funny too! Would I come back, definitely. Would I recommend, definitely. I would wait for my second visit before rating above 3 stars though. read more

Went in on a Tuesday night this week. Had a great time with friends. I think the best part was it was actually funny. My goal was to have a good random night in the middle of the week and I truly did. This experience is similar to what I imagine Saturday Night Live would be if ever I went to one. I'll definitely be back and I'll bring more friends!!! read more

I've been taking classes at the Washington Improv Theater for over a year now. . . . The teachers are awesome and the class selection is great. It's a great outlet for professionals who have to be serious all of the time, it also helps with public speaking and "thinking on your feet." Don't think you have to be a comedian to do improv: Anyone who likes to have fun is quailified. Registration for the next semester (which starts next week) is open now, it's the most fun you can have and still call it a class! www.washingtonimprovtheater.com read more

If you love to laugh and appreciate live theater, this is the best place to see improv comedy in D.C. Washington Improv Theater (WIT) is a "theater collective" with several different ensembles performing on Friday and Saturday nights. They offer two different shows (at 8:00 and 9:30). I've recently seen performances by the WIT groups Jackie, One Sixty One, Dr. Fantastic, Neighborhood Town, and Best Friends. (I love Jackie the most!) They take audience suggestions at the start of the show and then create scenes/scenarios that reference those comments. But it's not very interactive; beyond the first few minutes, there is no more audience input. Still, the performers are all very talented and quick on their feet to think of funny dialogue, and when a particular segment isn't quite working (i.e., audience is not laughing), other troupe members rush onto the stage to switch things up. I've seen improv or sketch comedy shows in San Francisco (Killing My Lobster is the best) and New York City (Reuben Williams at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater), and the WIT improv troupes, on their best nights, are up to the high quality standards of the comedy groups in those cities. It's also a pretty cheap ticket, like $8 or $12 per person, for an hour or more of highly entertaining and hilarious live theater. read more

Just saw their 4th annual FIST competition. Next year, I will be returning! It was championship night and the best teams were competing. The audience participated by voting on the most talented team by ballot and text messaging. I just took a chance by buying a ticket. For $10, why not? On the drive home we were discussing the performances we watched and critiquing the art of it all. Some of it was really funny. There are some talented and hilarious people in DC. You would never guess it by working in this city. Next year, I'm bringing a crew of friends. If someone invites you to the FIST competition next year, just go! Check it out and laugh a little. It does a body good! read more

Went to an improv show alone yesterday. It was so much fun. $15 for 1.5 hours of entertainment. And it was pretty raw. I mean these are improv students and something about that made the few blunders very enjoyable. I really felt involved in the process because they weren't old pros doing bits for the same laughs they were fluid, flawed, and flexible. The laughs were real. The relationship with the players as viewer came from an authentic place as opposed to the usual barter of cash for entertainment (which usually leaves me somewhat disappointed on some level). This I really felt mattered. It was just different in the best way. Maybe because I went in not knowing what to expect. Idk but I liked it. Fun original pieces. Very nice self-care date night treat for me. read more

I'd been wanting to take in improv class for a while before I found WIT. A lot of other places that I looked at were either more expensive or for the same price didn't seem like they had a well established curriculum. But for the price I paid I got eight weeks of classes, which was with the cost to me. I took 1A Foundations of Improv with Caroline Pettit. Caroline was absolutely amazing. She's so supportive and open to a questions. She made the experience the highlight of my week each week. She also got our class involved with going to the shows that WIT put on, which continues to be such a fun experience. read more

Highly recommend taking an improv class here, even if you have zero experience! Improv shows themselves are always varied and fun :) read more

I attended the WIT@work business improv training and I can't say enough about how amazing it was. John is so knowledgeable and does a great job teaching improv techniques and the psychology behind them. If your job involves design session facilitation or you are looking for a better way to strengthen your team and keep them engaged, this would be the right course for you. I felt like there were so many takeaways that I could immediately apply. Great job! read more

I came here with some friends for an improv show (okay, the tickets were free, so I really shouldn't complain that much, right?), and came in with low expectations given I'm not a huge improv fan. But this. was. horrible. There were a few different improv groups, and I kept hoping that the earlier ones were just inexperienced and the later groups would be better, but it was only marginally so. There were hardly any people in the audience as well, so it was painful to sit through and really hard to fake enthusiasm, especially through the multiple excruciating scenes that just dragged on and on when they had clearly run out of any useable ideas. Maybe I just came on an off night - I'd be willing to give it another try... but only with more free tickets. read more

While the venue is not elaborate, the shows offered here are a real treat! I saw an improv show that featured a warm up group, two competing groups, and then the "house" WIT group. All of them were hilarious and very talented! I like how they get the audience involved too. For example, one group asked the general question of the audience-"what is something you wait for all year?" Someone shouted Christmas and the story went from a shopping mall santa to his elderly mother and best friend hooking up much to the dismay of the elderly mother's daughter and (santa) son. I'm not doing it justice since it was the actors who brought the story alive. Each group did a great job and it was amazing how they were able to come up with ideas on the spot. Tickets for this show were $15, but I see they do have some free shows. They do sell alcohol that you can bring in, and I saw several people bringing in their own food. The location is convenient to the U Street metro, with tons of dining options nearby for after a show. If you're tired of the usual dinner/drinks routine, I definitely recommend checking out WIT for a fun-filled evening! read more

Great performers, shows and venue. Harold nights are every Tuesday night and they are free. The shows are hilarious. Do yourself a favor and take the classes that WIT offers. You'll surprise yourself, have a ton of fun and make lifetime friends. read more

Performers are great, ticket prices aren't expensive, and the location is perfect. Nice spot to bring a date and not break the bank, or hang out with friends and get a good laugh in. Will most definitely be returning! read more

Went to see their POTUS show on Friday and it was Horrible. I've been to several improv shows around the country and this was the first bust. We were so disappointed. read more

I studied improv in Seattle for a few years. These classes at wit are pretty paltry in comparison. I'll keep on with it since there's not many alternatives here, but if your serious about the art form, you have to move to another city. read more

I signed on for the 2nd level improv class to stretch the acting muscle (which really is not as naughty as it sounds). I got so much out of the class with instructor Pete Bergen. He's a great teacher who teaches the structure of improv in an accessible and super fun way. I really can't recommend the class more. I was excited each week to attend and am looking forward to more classes at WIT. read more

My husband and I love, love, love WIT. We've taken classes there, seen a bunch of shows and just can't get enough of them. Their shows are hysterical and their classes have been amazing. We highly recommend! read more

Not improv. The performers did not ask for audience input, so that they could react to the content. It was a play, not improv. Disappointed, and will not recommend or return to see another show. read more

Hilarious place to watch improv! If you are looking for an inexpensive way to spend an evening, check it out. Costs as much as a movie, but way more entertaining and it's a completely different show every time. And there are lots of bars and restaurants in the area to hit afterwards. read more

I've been taking classes for a few months and I love WIT. There's a great community; I've met so many great people!

I've taken many classes at WIT over the years. Get in touch with your inner clown and take in a show at WIT or try out an improv class. Improv is a life-changing experience and is a huge stress-reliever! Who doesn't want to spend time around some of the silliest, most creative, and funniest people you'll ever meet? Check out WIT now! read more

Every so often I need a WIT fix. And then I go and LMAO. Happened again the other night. Needed a fix. Went to a show that featured a hilariously wacky and inspired improvised musical complete with story lines and characters and amazing songs...and it was set in, of all places, a patent office. So yeah. It was LMAO all over again. Is WIT addictive? I think so. read more

My wife and I came across WIT at Improvapalooza 2009 and we've both been hooked on improv and WIT from that day on. Finding the improv community in DC through WIT has been one of the greatest finds in DC. If you haven't taken an improv class you should definitely look into classes at WIT. You may just find that Improv is the great thing you never thought you could do but can. read more

There are weekly free shows at 9pm on Tuesday at the Source Theater. After the shows there are jams. They are open to the public, but a lot of the players from the shows will play in as well. Super fun! read more

WIT is the place to go for comedy in Washington, DC. I've taken their improv classes and seen many entertaining, fun and hilarious shows there. A WIT show is great for a date, an alternative to a movie or just a fun night out. If you haven't seen long form improv before, you owe it to yourself. It's totally different that what you might have seen on tv, and better. read more