Teaching Pittsburgh Comedy for over 10 years!
Have fun learning the art of comedy!
Since 2013, Arcade Comedy Theater’s Academy has been helping folks find their comedic voice, gain confidence, connect with others, and have a lot of fun. Comedy brings people together — and we’ve welcomed hundreds of budding performers and comedians into our doors over the years.
Whether it’s improv, sketch, or stand-up, the Arcade Academy can teach you the art of comedy regardless of your experience. If you’re new to our training program, then start at the 100 level of improv classes and learn our philosophy from the ground up! Or if writing is more your style, we offer sketch comedy and stand-up classes too. Our classes are welcoming, accessible, and packed full of insights from some of the most experienced teachers in the city.
Get ready to have fun, meet people, and open yourself up to Pittsburgh’s growing comedy scene!
If you’re looking for more info about how all of this works, check out our Academy FAQ page.
Arcade Academy: Session 1 2025 Classes Starting January 6
943 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15222
IMPROV 310: Long Form Performance Lab
THURSDAYS 6:30pm–9:30PM
This 12-week class includes Thursday evening 3-hour classes PLUS several performances as part of Arcade’s House Team Hot Spot primetime Friday night shows through Spring 2025. Instructors Raina Deerwater and Alex Conti will lead students through classes to finesse their longform improv skills, explore new forms, and prepare them a residency as a Longform Student Team with performance sets at the Hot Spot. Classes continue through the performance residency, with detailed notes, responsive exercises, and further practice in each session.
Academy approval is required to take this advanced course. Interested students must complete this form and attend the Improv 310 Auditions on Thursday, January 23, 2024. The audition will allow the instructors and Academy Director to evaluate your readiness for this class and confirm the students can form a well-rounded, compatible team
Sign up for the 310 Audition HERE
Instructors: Alex Conti & Raina Deerwater
12 weeks
Audition: January 23
First class: February 6
Prerequisites: Improv 101, 102, 103, 301 (Improv 201 recommended).
Here’s what you need to know:
Arcade Academy sessions generally run eight weeks. Classes take place at our theater at 943 Liberty Avenue or on rare occasions off-site at a nearby Cultural Trust-owned property. If you’d like to register for a class, just click the big buttons and you’ll be taken to our ShowClix registration page. It’s a fast & secure way to register for classes online with your credit card. Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferrable. Unless specified otherwise, these classes are for adults 18 and older. Teachers listed may be subject to change at the Arcade’s discretion or as a result of unforeseen scheduling conflicts — while we try to avoid teacher substitution, it does happen from time and time and is not grounds for a refund.
The Arcade is also accepting a limited number of interns. Click here to learn more about our internship program.
We’ve revised our policy regarding course prerequisites: students need to meet all pre-reqs before signing up for an advanced level class. Every improv school approaches these techniques and philosophies differently, and so does the Arcade. So it’s good for you and your classmates if everyone has the same level of Arcade Academy training and vocabulary. You can find all of our current policies on our Academy FAQ page.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to call us at 412-339-0608 and we’ll get back to you right away!
Accessibility
Arcade is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our patrons, students, and performing artists. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us at: academy@arcadecomedytheater.com
943 Liberty Avenue
During the week, the Arcade transforms into an amazing, multi-classroom learning space with classes taking place in our downstairs and upstairs theaters as well as our second floor lounge.
937 Liberty Avenue
Certain classes may take place next door to the Arcade in the Cultural Trust multi-use space of 937 Liberty Ave on the third floor.