A watch-and-play comedy show for kids
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(ish) years old. This 60-minute show encourages kids and their grown-ups to unleash their imaginations and sense of humor. Through a hands-on approach to theater, Penny Arcade fosters collaboration, listening skills, and silliness for everyone at any age. 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 be talking about for a long time. Penny Arcade is a fun and innovative show that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
What to Expect
Penny Arcade was designed to include activities and subject-matter appropriate for kids aged 4 to 8 — the experience itself is a fun, goofy time for everyone in the room!
Through a series of games and activities, guests will learn about the foundations of improv comedy: collaboration, support, and listening. Along the way, we’ll be leading collaboration activities where 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 where everyone will be sitting down watching a live comedy performance, and other moments where 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.
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
- Our second floor theater is accessible for guests in wheelchairs and strollers
- Child-appropriate concessions available
“So glad we stumbled upon the show for a rainy day activity. I didn’t even realize that improv was such a fun and fluid art. Glad my kids had exposure and will hopefully have more now that we know about it!”
“We absolutely enjoyed all of it. I think every game worked well, and I really appreciate how there was something for every child there, and space for everyone to participate how they wanted and how they felt the most comfortable whether on or off-stage.”
Voted 2019
“Best Comedy Troupe”
Pittsburgh Magazine
Voted 2020
“Best Comedy Troupe”
Pittsburgh Magazine
Voted 2020
“Second Best Comedy Troupe”
“Third Best Children’s Party Entertainer”
Pittsburgh City Paper
Voted 2024
“Best Kids Camp”
Pittsburgh City Paper
Party with us!
Penny Arcade is a great way to have an amazing and interactive birthday party for your child and all of their friends. Pick a regularly-scheduled Penny show and continue the fun by celebrating in our theater’s upstairs lounge for an hour or more afterwards. The cost of the party includes tickets to the full show, extra time playing with the Penny Players, and a space to open presents, eat cake*, and play our free, vintage arcade games. Contact us to learn more.
*cake and other food not provided
Play Anywhere
We also travel! Penny Arcade is a creative and interactive addition to any event – fully customizable for your school or organization. We’ve performed at fundraisers, outreach events, field trips and for organizations like Our Clubhouse, City of Asylum, Strong Women Strong Girls, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
If you’re a superintendent, educator, or group organizer, contact us to learn how to bring Penny Arcade to your event.