Improv In Development
2024-09-21 18:00 (America/New_York) | Arcade Comedy Theater, 943 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222, United States
Once a month, local independent improv teams come together and take over Arcade’s stage for a once in a lifetime lineup!

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Speakeasy
2024-09-21 19:00
Speakeasy invites some of Pittsburgh’s funniest storytellers to tell a true story while DJ Fadewell provide a real time soundtrack. But when the story ends, we’re just getting started. Host Alan Olifson (Moth, WordPlay) takes you behind the story, interviewing each storyteller to ask the burning questions you’d ask if you were sitting next to them at the bar. It’s Late Night for the NPR set.

BRIAN BROOME’s debut memoir, Punch Me Up to the Gods, is an NYT Editor’s Pick and the winner of the 2021 Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction. He is a contributing columnist at The Washington Post. His work has also appeared in Hippocampus, Poets and Writers, Medium, and more. Brian was a K. Leroy Irvis Fellow and an instructor in the Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh.He has been a finalist in The Moth storytelling competition and won the grand prize in Carnegie Mellon University’s Martin Luther King WritingAwards. Brian also won a VANN Award from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation for journalism in 2019. His film, Garbage, won the Audience Choice Award at the Cortada Short Film Festival and was a semi-finalist in the Portland Short Fest.

Marylee Williams is a writer, editor and occasional community theater actor in Pittsburgh. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, she’s lived across the country working for local NPR stations, most recently she worked on The Confluence at WESA. She’s the co-founder of the Not “Gal Pals” Bookclub, and she will talk to you about books for hours.

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B!tch Please
2024-09-21 20:00
The b!tches are back! BACK TO SCHOOL THAT IS! Join us Sept 21, 8pm for a night of hilarious comedy featuring a one night only cast of comedy queens! We’ll tackle the trials and tribulations of school life with sharp wit and get an A in the B word.

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Lucky Draw
2024-09-22 19:30
Arcade Comedy Theater presents “Lucky Draw” an improv comedy show where half of the cast is drawn at random! Each show, Arcade Academy students and team members drop their names into box at the start of the night. Throughout the evening, the hosts will be playing short form games and doing a long-form set that mixes up these performers alongside special guests, teachers, and coaches from the Arcade community. If you’re a student or improviser, this is a perfect chance to maybe try out new games or play with some seasoned performers. And if you’re just looking for a fun, unique night out you’ll get a chance to see some inventive and exciting new comedy for less than a price of a movie ticket (oh yeah, and you can BYOB).

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Laraun Josey Stand-Up Showcase: 2024-09-26 9:00PM
2024-09-26 21:00
Get ready to roll with laughter at the Arcade Comedy Theater where the best comedians in town take the stage for a night of hilarious, unapologetic humor. From sharp-witted observations to outrageous anecdotes, our lineup promises a blend of clever punchlines and side-splitting moments that will leave you gasping for breath. Whether you’re a comedy aficionado or just in need of a good chuckle, this show guarantees a riotous good time. Grab your friends, and let’s make it a night to remember—one laugh at a time!

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House Team Hot Spot
2024-09-27 19:00
Ignite your Friday nights at 7 pm with Arcade Comedy Theater’s House Team Hot Spot! Our talented house teams will light up the stage with spontaneous hilarity, quick-witted banter, and scenes that are sure to leave you in stitches. Come see why these performers are the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s comedy scene as they turn your wild suggestions into unforgettable moments of pure comedic gold. Don’t miss out on the laughs—grab your tickets now and fill your Friday with fiery fun!

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Select Start Improv Show
2024-09-27 21:00
It’s Select Start’s 5th birthday! It has been 5 years since we were put together as one of Arcade’s student teams. Who knew that random gathering of rookie improvisers would become the team you see before you today! Come down and inspire some of the award-winning, classic, short-form improv comedy that we’re known for with your suggestions!
Take a journey through the past 5 years of Select Start and celebrate with us! Starring current members- Christa Brook, Bev Conrique, Sean Cooper, Morgan Cottrill, Steve Deutsch, Stefanie Gee, Bren Macdonald, Sharief McDougle, and Christina Powers
Featuring previous members and our very first coach- Daniel Catello, Beth Geatches, Sean Hunt, Erica Larson, Sarah Morgan, and Meaza Solomon

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Beta Stage
2024-09-28 18:00
BETA STAGE IS BACK!
Join us monthly as we showcase new and experimental acts, returning teams, and new ideas by familiar favorites! See the Arcade shows of tomorrow TODAY*
*if today is the fourth Saturday of the month

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Well Known Strangers
2024-09-28 20:00
Experienced improvisors Well Known Strangers get a suggestion from the audience to inspire laugh out loud stories and characters. Don’t miss this night of clever and absurd scenes by this fun-loving team of goofs. With opening set by Jetpack Armadillos!

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Knights of the Arcade: Epic D&D Adventure
2024-09-28 21:00
Join Knights of the Arcade on Saturday, August 31, at 9 PM for another hilarious D&D comedy adventure! One of Pittsburgh’s longest running and best-selling comedy shows! A recurring cast of characters are joined by special guests and led by their maniacal dungeon master. Where they’re going, who they fight, and if they ultimately succeed is decided upon live dice that are rolled and projected on the theater wall.

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Improv 101 Class Show
2024-09-30 19:00
Come see Arcade Comedy Theater’s newest improv performers take the stage to show off what they have learned in their Improv 101: Foundations class show!
Instructor: Beth Geatches

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Improv 103 Class Show
2024-09-30 20:30
Come see Arcade Comedy Theater’s rising stars take the stage to show off what they have learned in their Improv 103: Game and Pattern class show!
Instructor: Robin Hitchcock

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Sketch 101 Class Show
2024-10-01 19:00
Come see the best work of our Intro to Sketch Writing students in staged readings featuring a cast of professional actors!
Instructor: Frank McDade

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Improv 102 Class Show
2024-10-02 19:00
Come see Arcade Comedy Theater’s rising stars take the stage to show off what they have learned in their Improv 102: Scenework class show!
Instructor: Tyler Ray Kendrick

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Improv 201 Class Show
2024-10-02 20:30
Come see Arcade Comedy Theater’s rising stars take the stage to show off what they have learned in their Improv 201: Short Form Technique class show!Instructor: Kevin O’Brien

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Stand Up 101 Class Show
2024-10-03 19:00
Come see Arcade Comedy Theater’s newest stand up comics debut the material they developed in our 8-week Stand Up 101 class!
Instructor: Brittany Alexis

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Improv 301 Class Show
2024-10-03 20:30
Come see Arcade Comedy Theater’s rising stars take the stage to show off what they have learned in their Improv 301: The Harold class show!
Instructor: Raina Deerwater

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House Team Hot Spot
2024-10-04 19:00
Ignite your Friday nights at 7 pm with Arcade Comedy Theater’s House Team Hot Spot! Our talented house teams will light up the stage with spontaneous hilarity, quick-witted banter, and scenes that are sure to leave you in stitches. Come see why these performers are the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s comedy scene as they turn your wild suggestions into unforgettable moments of pure comedic gold. Don’t miss out on the laughs—grab your tickets now and fill your Friday with fiery fun!
House Teams: Scam Likely, Grave Sugar, Worm

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The Stand Up Laboratory
2024-10-04 21:00
Where new jokes come alive!
The Stand-Up Laboratory is a new incubator space presented by Arcade Comedy Theater. Every month, the Lab will present a mix of feature comics and a roster of comedians chosen from online submissions. Enjoy a night of comedy highlighting newer material from Pittsburgh’s best comedians and its rising stars.

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The Porch Party
2024-10-05 18:00
An informal and intimate evening of song, laughter, and real human connection for all ages.
Chris Leone is a man on a mission to counter the loneliness and isolation of our digital age. Using the time-tested real life tools of music, laughter, and front-porch storytelling, he and his fellow musicians will sing and weave their way into your heart. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and maybe even a new friend or two. This month’s special guests include

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Irony City
2024-10-05 20:00
Join veteran comedy troupe Irony City as they deftly navigate social missteps on the first Saturday each month.We’ve all been there: acted out at a wedding when there was no cookie table, ordered fries on a salad at a fancy restaurant, or dared to move a parking chair – afterwards wondering, “Am I the Jagoff?”Each show, a local storyteller confesses a potential jagoff moment, sparking hilarious improvised scenes from Irony City. In the end, YOU will judge: were they the jagoff?This popular monthly show features an opening set by BIPOCALYPSE: improv from the global majority.

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Level Up Stand Up
2024-10-05 21:00
Arcade Comedy Theater’s popular stand-up comedy showcase, Level Up Stand-Up, is back!
Each month, see a new lineup of some of Pittsburgh’s best comics alongside up-and-coming and touring guests. BYOB or grab a drink from our bar, and get ready for a fun and affordable night of comedy in the Cultural District.

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Your ACT with Nonsense
2024-10-06 19:30
Tonight, the A.C.T. stage is yours! Bring your improv teams, sketch group, or stand-up act for an open mic-style show where the lineup is created on the spot. A perfect opportunity for artists to try something new in a short set and for audiences to see some experimental and cutting edge comedy.
The evening is guided by Nonsense!

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Bracket Night PPWP Benefit-Best Power Anthem
2024-10-10 19:00
An interactive comedy game show benefiting Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania!
Bracket Night @ Arcade is a fun, interactive game show where the audience and panelists get to decide the BEST of the BEST STUFF. At every Bracket Night show, you’ll see four hilarious and passionate panelists duke it out in a battle of opinions as pop culture, food, and other stuff move through a competitive bracket.
You’re in on the act too, as the audience votes from their seats until a winner is determined!
This month, you’ll get to hear four champions of reproductive rights argue what makes the BEST POWER ANTHEM, and then you crown the WINNING SONG!
Featuring:PPWP President and CEO Sydney Etheredge,Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato,Pittsburgh’s Spicy Siren, Drag Queen Chi Chi DeVivre,Comedian & Actor Jocelyn Hillen Newham
Proceeds from this event benefit Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania (PPWP).All ticket holders are welcome at a post-show dessert reception with the show’s panel, including Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania’s President & CEO, Sydney Etheredge. Ticket holders receive one drink ticket.
Your generous support empowers PPWP to sustain its mission to provide high-quality reproductive health care services, comprehensive sexuality education and strategic advocacy.
Be sure to follow @Bracket_Night on instagram to help us complete the bracket for this show!

Runtime: 75 minutes
BENEFIT SHOW Tickets $35 for Show and Post-Show ReceptionAges 16 & upBYOB 21+

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House Team Hot Spot
2024-10-11 19:00
Ignite your Friday nights at 7 pm with Arcade Comedy Theater’s House Team Hot Spot! Our talented house teams will light up the stage with spontaneous hilarity, quick-witted banter, and scenes that are sure to leave you in stitches. Come see why these performers are the heartbeat of Pittsburgh’s comedy scene as they turn your wild suggestions into unforgettable moments of pure comedic gold. Don’t miss out on the laughs—grab your tickets now and fill your Friday with fiery fun!
House Teams: Danger Stage, Scam Likely, Most Murderous Cat

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UNIQUE
2024-10-11 20:00
Join us for a hilarious night of anecdotes and improv provided by storytellers and performers who have two things in common: each is UNIQUE, and they all have disabilities!
Featuring monologists recruited from various disability non-profit groups sharing real stories about their lives and a cast of improvisers representing a range of disabilities such as stuttering disorders, autism, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and many others! Watch this truly extraordinary troupe of improvisers with diverse disabilities come together as one cohesive unit to create scenes based on stories from people in their community that help us understand the unique challenges of living with a disability or mental health disorder.
Studies show that 1 in 4 individuals have a disability (currently over 1 billion people worldwide), 1 in 3 people will develop a disability within their lifetime, and 1 in 4 individuals experience a mental health episode annually. Let’s come out and embrace this community on stage and welcome them into our improv world!
UNIQUE is hosted and directed by Kunal Mahajan, a person who has had a lifelong stuttering disability.

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The Latchkey Kids
2024-10-11 21:00
It’s the last Latchkey Kids of 2024! Celebrate our favorite holiday with us in The Latchkey Kids Scared Shitless 2! Not only have The Latchkey Kids been named Best of the Burgh by Pittsburgh Magazine three years in a row, but we also have a sick Camaro our uncle gave us.
Joining us is improv team The Screening Room as well as special guests Punk & Pie Circus with Lindsay Surmacz and Meghan Greenwood of BaM Choreography!

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Penny Arcade: Kids Comedy Show
2024-10-12 14:00
Be silly! Get creative! A watch-and-play comedy show for kids!
Arcade Comedy Theater presents Penny Arcade, an interactive comedy experience ideal for kids 4 to 8 years old! This 45-minute show encourages children and their parents to unleash their imaginations and sense of humor. Penny Arcade fosters collaboration, listening skills, and silliness for everyone at any age through a hands-on approach to theater. Whether your child is a natural performer or a thoughtful observer, the show adapts to each individual, giving everyone a unique and hilarious experience they’ll talk about for a long time! Penny Arcade is a fun and innovative show you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Important information:

Runtime: 60 minutes
Tickets $12 per person (discounts for groups of 4 or 6)
Suitable for ALL ages
Parents must be present at all times
The theater is accessible for guests in wheelchairs and strollers
Child-appropriate concessions available

What to Expect
Penny Arcade was designed to include activities and subject matter appropriate for kids aged 4 to 8 — the experience is a fun, goofy time for everyone in the room!
Through games and activities, guests will learn about the foundations of improv comedy: collaboration, support, and listening. Kids can hop up and interact with the performers, use their imaginations, and get silly. By the end of the show, every guest is a “Penny Player” and has the opportunity to engage with the show and unleash their sense of humor!
While we encourage everyone in the room to engage with the production, it’s not a requirement. Children are encouraged to do what’s most comfortable for them. There are moments when everyone will be sitting down watching a live comedy performance, and when we’re all dancing and moving about the space. Quiet rooms will also be available if a family needs to step out and take a break.

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BIPOCALYPSE
2024-10-12 19:00
The BIPOCALYPSE Collective presents a hilarious celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us for an evening filled with laughter and cultural appreciation as we showcase the most talented Hispanic improvisers in the city, along with other performers from the Global Majority. It will be an engaging night of performances and fun Hispanic-American trivia that will enlighten and entertain. This show promises to be a unique blend of comedy, celebration, and fun trivia, highlighting the richness of Hispanic culture. Don’t miss this chance to support diverse voices while enjoying a night of laughter and learning!
Produced by Sharief MacDougal and Hosted by Bev Conrique

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Arcade Hootenanny
2024-10-12 20:00
The Arcade Hootenanny is styled after the classic Chicago-style improv show featuring monologist-inspired scenes. A storyteller tells real-life tales and improvisers present a fast & funny set inspired by elements from the story. Featuring special guest Fred Brown.

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