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Dad's Garage Theatre
Category: Nightlife Comedy Clubs Comedy Clubs [Edit]
280 Elizabeth St NESte C101
Atlanta, GA 30307
Neighborhood: Inman Park
(404) 523-3141
50% off all Thursday night shows!
For anyone with a valid student ID.
Order online at http://www.dadsgarage.com.
- Nearest Transit:
-
Inman Park-Reynoldstown
- Hours:
Thu-Sat 8 pm - 12 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
81 reviews for Dad's Garage Theatre
Review Highlights
"The improv sessions are always fresh and clever."
(in 44 reviews)
"...there early to grab a bucket of beer and get a good seat."
(in 3 reviews)
"My husband also really enjoyed the show."
(in 2 reviews)
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81 reviews in English
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Review from E P.
Poncey-Highland, Atlanta, GA
1/18/2012
By far my favorite place in ATL. Amazing spot for anything from dates to night out w/ friends. Great location in Inman Park with bars in walking distance to get the blood flowing before hand.
Very laid back cast who love to get suggestions from the audience. Surprisingly clean comedy for the most part so parent friendly.
Remember, this place files as a 501 (c) 3 (Non-Profit) so if you have a couple extra bucks, don't be shy on the tips.
Highly, highly recommend. -
Review from Lauren A.
2/9/2012
I really enjoy Dad's Garage for an affordable night out with friends. This is a great option if you want to have a good time at a comedy show without paying for the expensive tickets and two drink minimums.
There are plenty of great places to eat nearby if you a hungry before the show.
I recommend showing up early if you are trying to get a good seat. Make sure to tell them in advance if you have a large group that you want to all sit together. If they dont know in advance, they might split you up.
They serve drinks, but plan to wait in line when everybody gets up during the break. -
Review from Leiana J.
1/8/2012
I've been to a couple of shows at Dad's Garage- some funnier than others. I, however, have always had a good share of laughs. I was disappointed on my most recent trip to find it is not BYOB, but the beer and wine they serve is reasonable (although the line was way too long).
The tickets, for the most part, are reasonably priced as well. I personally do not think it's worth it to pay for the fancypants seats, because the venue is so small. I would recommend arriving about 20 minutes early (or more if you are planning on buying drinks there), because seating is first come-first serve.
Lots of places to eat nearby- you can really make a night of it. -
Review from Anita N.
Atlanta, GA
12/27/2011
We bought 3 tickets to Dad's garage but one of us got really sick and we couldn't make it.
Since we live nearby, I asked if we could show up on a slow night and use them if the show wasn't sold out. It sounded like a reasonable request to me, given that the tickets were 45 bucks! The lady on the phone was rude and didn't even let me finish my sentence.Comment from Linnea F. of Dad's Garage Theatre 12/27/2011
Hi Anita - I'm sorry you were not happy with your… More » -
Review from Kristin F.
Atlanta, GA
1/24/2012
I'd like to see some improv here sometime, but when I went it was a scripted show. It was still funny, and I was entertained. Be warned that there is not a ton of parking and you can't bring outside food/drink in. They have a little bar there that you can buy drinks at though. They have a few different mini venues inside their place with separate outside entrances. I went in the one that faces Highland Ave. Seating is tiered so everyone can see. It is a small place but it feels cozy. It's obvious that everyone who works there really enjoys what they do. It's great that's in an area you can walk around before or after to get dinner or drinks or shop.
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Review from Liz V.
12/4/2011
In the land of dick and fart jokes, my haven is Dads Garage.
Where else are you given alcohol, encouraged to harass and yell out improv ideas to the actors and be cheered on the more inappropriate it is!
The night we went the power went out and rather than cancel the show and dismiss everyone the actors embraced it and made it an old radio show.
I always have a great time at Dads Garage. I just wish I knew where Lucky went off to...Comment from Linnea F. of Dad's Garage Theatre 12/8/2011
Lucky is still here, and making plenty of the dick and fart… More » -
Review from Wendy R.
11/16/2011
Dad's Garage is a local non-profit improv theater in Inman Park that consistently has hilarious shows. Dad's performances feature a mix of pure improv shows like Scandal!, but also scripted shows as well, and a combination of both with their holiday classic -Invasion: Christmas Carol.
Also check out their other fun holiday-themed shows at Valentine's and Halloween and their big annual fundraiser in the Spring - Bacon Fest!
A great night out for me is getting a group of friends to dine at nearby Fritti, splitting some of their delish pizzas and then hitting the 8pm Dad's show. They have performances Thurs thru Saturday and I have yet to go to a show that didn't have me laughing.
As a non-profit, the cost of a show ticket only pays for 30% of their actual costs, so if you are looking to support the arts in Atlanta, Dad's is a great choice with really fun and low-cost donation levels.
Love this place! -
Review from E D.
Douglasville, GA
11/30/2011
Went to see Invasion: Christmas Carol last Friday. We really enjoyed the show. I definitely recommend it.
Someone mentioned how the pricing on the buckets of beer didn't make sense. Beers were $4 and Buckets (of 5) were $16, makes perfect sense to me.
Get there early for good seats. I bought the fancy pants seats for 4 of us but they couldn't seat us in them. We accepted seats in the back and they bought us a bucket of beer. We were happy.
If you have an Entertainment Coupon book, there is a BOGO which you can print online, which makes this a real good deal!Comment from Linnea F. of Dad's Garage Theatre 12/8/2011
Hi Eileen! I'm so sorry to hear that somebody sat in your… More » -
Review from Liz T.
Atlanta, GA
12/17/2011
The shows are hilarious! If you live in Atlanta and haven't been to live improv yet, you have no excuse because this place is priced right and very fun. Go to the Albert /Fiti Frti or Soto Soto for dinner before and walk down the street to the show and you have an amazing date night. Much better than a stupid movie theater.
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Review from Jessi B.
Marietta, GA
9/21/2011
I recommend this place for those that enjoy a healthy dose of adult comedy and laid back atmosphere. Its humble ambiance will have you enjoying the surroundings of a make-shift garage with a somewhat backyard repair shop feel to it from the country (erm, without the wretched oily smell of course! :) ).
I would caution those that do not appreciate real adult humor, for these fine individuals and masters of improv will poke at anything and everything, Old and New (Even themselves and each other!) so be warned.
A wide selection of drinks for you to pick from during intermission and just like any fine improv establishment, they get the audience involved. So, if you are a student of improv and are not very shy, the front rows are the hot spot for you!
As a student attending the theater degree, I ate up every aspect of the presentation. It was AMAZING what kind of near hour-long story they could weave off the top of their head with just the idea of a coconut.
My husband also really enjoyed the show! We were even late for the show and he was STILL laughing before his rear end even touched the seat! VERY easy to just jump into in that respect and easy to follow!
So, if you are looking for a great spot in the fine ATL for your friends to see while they are visiting from out of town or just need something a tad different from the norm, this is the place for you!
Great themes and ideas, involved in the community and friendly staff!
I'll be back soon myself I would say! -
Review from Mahsa G.
Smyrna, GA
12/9/2011
This was an awesome improv show! Frikin hilarious and extremely inappropriate! They also sell alcohol which is awesome! Seating is limited and the shows get sold out so buy your tickets early. It costs a little more than going to the movies ($15) but it's so much better than the crap that's in theaters now.
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Review from Katie L.
Atlanta, GA
8/15/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I don't even know how many shows I've seen at Dad's. At least a dozen. And every time, it's been the highlight of my weekend.
It's a great date spot, because you can figure out how awful he/she is by what he/she thinks is funny. Or not funny. Then you can decide your drinking pace accordingly. (There is a bar -- wine and beer. And it's walking distance from Victory and The Albert.)
I just started improv classes there, and thus far, still in love with Dad's. -
Review from Karin A.
7/31/2011
So, if you want your cheeks to hurt for about 2 hours then you need to check out this spot. Hubby and I went there for an Improv on Saturday night..we were a bit dissapointed that we couldn't see the play because tickets were sold out. That was our fault because apparently this place sells out quick!
We wasn't dissapointed at all. The improv was hilarious. I have my favorites from all their comedians because we was lucky enough to see all 18. It was their birthday show..celebrating 16 years..so all the comedians were performing. Hilarious... my cheeks are now sore from the workout they got from laughing so hard.
I would say come early to get a good seat and a good parking spot...for once we were on time:). Grab a beer or or bottle of wine from the bar and sit back in your seat and enjoy. Try empty your bladder prior to showtime because there is one womens bathroom and during intermission the line can get long but well managed. Also..getting up can be a pain in the butt for your neighbor as the seating area is quite tight.
I really enjoyed Dad's Garage and do plan on visiting again..I hope to catch one of their plays. Love the whole vibe! -
Review from Brandon B.
Gainesville, GA
1/12/2012
I love Dad's Garage... I laughed so much my face hurt. It's an especially good deal on Thursday night w/ a student ID; costs less than a movie, and you'll laugh way more. Friendly staff, cool building/atmosphere, and free parking.
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Review from Trip B.
8/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
If you still have anything remotely resembling a student ID then this place is a steal for weekly entertainment.
I'm so glad the neighborhood has grown up around this place. You can enjoy a very intelligent, super comedic show and then have a drink after (or during since they have a nice beer and wine selection) the shoe at one of the neighborhood establishments.
Each show is different (i.e Improv isn't scripted, thus it would not be Improv) and they have three shows a night on the weekend. It's good entertainment and don't worry too much about being called on stage because they ask for suggestions often but not volunteers.
Again, very glad this is in Atlanta.Comment from Linnea F. of Dad's Garage Theatre 12/8/2011
Thanks Trip! We're very glad you're in Atlanta as well!… More » -
Review from Tom E.
7/20/2011
I came here for BaconFest (for those of you who who don't know, please look it up!) and I fell in love with the spot!
The actual theater is nice and small, the seats are actually pretty comfortable (I am a big guy mind you)- gives it a nice homey feel.
The staff is wonderful and also very funny!
If you want to check out a great show off the beaten path, this is a great place! -
Review from Kristen M.
Woodstock, GA
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went to the Super Villain Monologues with a group of 5 on 11/12/11 -- very good show -- the crowd was laughing 75% of the time. Only 3 ppl put on the show and did a great job. Second time I have been to Dad's Garage (time before was Fri improv) and I will def be going back. Buckets or individual beers for sale but be warned that there is no intermission and the show was about 1.25hr so don't break the seal! Great way to spend a Sat night.
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Review from Bryan A.
7/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Dad's has left me in stitches several times and I am so thankful they are based here making it an easy visit for the nitche market. I have been lucky to see Second City amongst others and this is the creme de la creme. In addition to hosting the best improv you can see they also host one hell of a festival called BaconFest. Nuff' said.
One of the last shows I saw featured two teams battling for position of the top so that the loser of the improv round takes the punishment of the japanese game show which they are involved. Needless to say they suffer results like jelly smeared in the armpits, the infamous menthos/soda explosion in the face, and cat food twister.
If you live here, OTP, or are a visiter from out of town, do yourself a favor and spend a evening with these kooks. -
Review from Gemorial J.
Atlanta, GA
10/6/2011
I went to Dad's Garage with a friend and at first sight I didn't know what we were getting into... Then the show began and it was great. We laughed like hell and had a genuine great time. Those guys are very funny. Hell, I laughed while writing this review!
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Review from Stacey E.
3/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm a huge fan of Dad's Garage. I've been attending shows for years and years. The location is conducive to grabbing a meal/drink prior to or after catching one of the shows. Bonus? You can grab a drink at the show. They serve beer and wine. What could be better?
These guys are hilarious and really great at their craft. Even more impressive? They are actually really nice guys and seem like the kind of folks I'd like to grab a cocktail with. This comes out through there general good natured dispositions.
I've worked with these guys in an event capacity as well. I brought a rather large group of coworkers to enjoy a show. They worked well with me and were incredibly professional. Keep it up guys! -
Review from Alexis R.
6/24/2011
Dad's Garage has the best improv I've seen anywhere. I've seen Upright Citizens, Second City, PIT, and more, but Dad's always has the best performers and the most unique content.
An inexpensive way to spend an evening with a date, friends, or out-of-town guests, Dad's really is a place for everyone (well... except maybe those under 13). The best deal is Thursdays at 10:30, where students get cheap seats and you get to see the ensemble performing some of their best work. The stage shows aren't generally as good as the improv, but it's worth checking out either way! -
Review from Ashleigh P.
Atlanta, GA
6/13/2011
I love Dad's Garage. Been coming here for years and sometimes I even volunteer.
This review is for the new production of Slaughter Camp:
http://www.dadsgarage....
It's funny, almost to tears at a few points.
It's bloody, be careful if you are in the first two rows... seriously.
It's well cast and well acted. 5 actors play all the roles and they are awesome. The lead actor is Taylor Dooley, who I last saw in the production of "Exit, Pursued By a Bear" at 7 Stages. She played two of the parts and she was funny and engaging and acrobatic even.
The actor who played Mort, I can not remember his name, was also a standout to me.
Don't get me wrong, they were all great, but when I remember the play, I remember them the most.
It's wonderful. I recommend it. I am seeing it again before the end of the run, which I was told has been extended through to July 2nd.
Shows are Thursday - Saturday at 8pm. Tonight (June 13th) is pay what you can night for anyone who reads this in time.
GO SEE IT! And be careful if you are in the front row. -
Review from Krysten R.
Atlanta, GA
12/7/2010
Though some of the actors were reasonably talented, the show was very amateur. It was like watching a high school production, in some ways.
I suppose I was spoiled living in Chicago with troupes like Second City right down the street.
I also fell asleep after intermission. -
Review from Nirav S.
Marietta, GA
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went to Theatre Sports on 2/5/2011. You have to keep in mind that this is improv and its pretty much all local talent. Ticket prices are reasonable for the entertainment value. Every seat is good, but I think the nicer ones have cushions.
Its all the way down in Virginia Highlands so you can make a date out it for sure with all kinds of restaurants nearby.
The entertainment is fresh and funny and definitely worth the money spent, especially if you find those half-off deals -
Review from Kathryn F.
Atlanta, GA
7/26/2011
What an awesome theatre company! I enjoy the shows each time I attend. The improv sessions are always fresh and clever. The scripted productions are timely and innovative. Dad's audience is lively. All in all, a great time is had by all!
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Review from Elizabeth H.
Atlanta, GA
10/19/2010
Dad's Garage is so fun and entertaining!
Parking can be tricky- on Friday when I came here, the art gallery next door was having a show, therefore no spots were available... since I had dinner at Pure Taqueria beforehand I just left my car with the valet and walked the block to Dad's Garage...
I went to the 10:30pm Improv Show - tickets were $12/each.. they also have a bar with wine and beer, I had a Sweetwater for $4...
The Improv Show consisted of 5ppl competing against each other to be the most entertaining - the audience was responsible for voting. Overall, the show kept my laughing and I really enjoyed the audience involvement!
I highly recommend Dad's Garage for a fun/creative date night! -
Review from Amy B.
Lilburn, GA
8/20/2010
I gotta say that this place kinda surprised me. I was invited by a friend to see a show here and really didn't expect much.
But boy was I wrong!
The show was awesome - I had a really good time.
It's a casual place - not stuffy at all, and there's a cool rapport between audience & actors on stage; really neat. -
Review from theron t.
2/14/2011
Let me start off by saying that I'm not a theater person. I don't do well with live, intimate, drama, performance art, yada, yada.
I usually just end up feeling anxious or even embarrassed for some wannabe actor who just "SAYS THINGS REALLY LOUD, I'M ACTING, LOOK AT ME" sort of thing. Just not my scene usually.
And of course, most of us are familiar with the acting/drama types. It's another offshoot of nerdom, which I love, but again, isn't for me. Usually it's people who are always "on" when they interact with other people. There's lots of coffee involved during the day, and alcohol combined with chain smoking at night. All the while talking about "when I did this production, this wacky thing happened" or "did you ever wonder why ____ really does ____?" or "when I worked with so and so, he/she was soooo great".
Sorry, I got off on a tangent. Dad's Garage has cool people with great talent who work very hard to put together some funny shows. There's highs, there's lows. Mainly funny times here.
Warning: Not as funny as (insert your big name city comedy troupe here:) that you loved when you lived there in college and were probably more fun to be around. Let's move on.
Great community support and a real passion for what they are doing.
Also guys, if your girlfriend/wife wants to take you here, don't worry. I like it. If I like it, you'll be okay, I promise. It was one of my wife's and I best first dates before we were married.
Bonus: They have beer and wine that can make even an unfunny thing funny. Mostly natural funny here though. But there is a possibility for alcohol induced funny. It's like a back up. -
Review from Rachel w.
Atlanta, GA
10/20/2010
I'd been to Dad's garage a few times for improve, but this was my first time getting tickets for a scripted play! Could not have picked a better one with Two Gentlemen of Lebowski. Absolutely hilarious from the first minute the "Knave" walked on stage. Also, can't beat the bucket deal where you can mix and match your favorites from sweetwater, ABC, newcastle, fat tire, and many others.
Lebowski + Beer made for a great date night get my otherwise non-art enthused hubby!! -
Review from Melissa G.
Atlanta, GA
2/22/2011
The boyfriend took me here for a Valentine's Day date and he definitely did a great job picking this year!
I suggest getting there early as they assign seats on a First-Come-First-Served basis for the most part.
The beer/wine is cheap and the actors are personable, funny, talented, and have great pace/timing. The host of Theater Sports kept it moving well and managed to guide the show in a natural and funny manner.
I am looking forward to going again! Great date that doesn't suck and isn't crazy expensive. -
Review from Casey M.
Atlanta, GA
5/23/2011
I have never seen a bad production at Dad's Garage. I am ashamed to admit that I have yet to see an improv show at this venue, but all of the scripted productions have all been well written, brilliantly performed, and executed flawlessly. The staff is so friendly, and the bar prices are very reasonable. This is a great place to go with friends, family, or on a date. If you like laughing until your sides hurt and you are gasping for breath, then Dad's Garage is the place to go in Atlanta for off-the-wall comedy.
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Review from Melissa T.
Decatur, GA
8/2/2010
Thank God this place lasted through the IPV development. For a while it was rumored that they were going to be bought and sold to the highest bidder, but that hasn't happened yet, probably due to the economy. So if you're wanting really good improv, you better get your butt down here!
The cast is superb in their own right and then they have guest improv groups that add to the show from time to time. I've seen quite a few shows here with the hubby and each one has been delightful in it's own way.
Recently the hubby's company rented the spot for a show just for them and the results were fantastic. I didn't even know you could rent the place for such event until then, but it is highly recommended from me!
TIP: Go early to get a good seat and be prepared to be picked to go up on stage! -
Review from Gretchen O.
Atlanta, GA
2/23/2010
Came here on a date and thank goodness he was not one of those jerks that has to get attention by heckling the performers. Although, he did have fun with the fact that I could not find him in the crowd, when I returned from the ladies room. Forgivable as it probably was pretty funny to watch my attempt to look cool as I scanned the small crowd for him.
The atmosphere is very casual and there is a sense of intimacy between the stage and the audience. So intimate that I wanted to reach out and smack the jerk across the way that was heckling the stage and ruining the experience for everyone. Fortunately, the comedians were schooled in dealing with his kind and eventually he gave up on his attention seeking efforts.
You definitely want to get here early, as seating is limited and there were a number of rows that were reserved. A little annoying, as it is a first come, first serve type seating, yet it seemed the reserved seats had been saved for late comers to sit together. I overheard the ushers tell several different couples to "just take the reserved seats", when they could not find seats together.
You may get decent seats, if you are late, but you definitely want to come early for the super cheap drinks. It is just beer and wine, but the bottled beer was $3 each and that is pretty good deal. Although, I did not get the draw in purchasing a bucket of beer, as it was a bucket of 5 beers for $16. Hmmm, you do the math.....
Anyway, if your date is not an attention seeking whore, I would definitely recommend Dad's Garage. It was a fun and inexpensive option for a date and I would have given it 5 stars, had it not been for the whole reserved seating fiasco. -
Review from Phin S.
Decatur, GA
12/19/2009
Whoa, that was hilarious! Tips:
1. Drink.
2. Arrive at least 20 minutes early if you want to have a choice in your seats. I was actually kind of surprised, though, that more people did not arrive sooner. If you are there when the doors open, you should be good to go, seating-wise.
3. The outer couple of seats (aisle seats) of the first 5-6 rows got called up onto the stage a few times. Plan your seating accordingly. I got dragged onto the stage and had to act out the role of a "Jolly Frenchman." It was... interesting.
4. Pee before the play starts.
That's all I think. It rules. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Chicago, IL
6/8/2007
Instinctive Improve at Dad's Garage That Will Have You Laughing Till Morning
I love this place! If you haven't been, then shame on you! It's one of those places where you can go a couple a times a month even and the jokes are going to be different.
This improve comedy club is sure to make anyone laugh. The group is comprised of a few close friends that have been doing improve in Atlanta for years mixed with a few irregulars. They do a great job working with each other making each show unique and interesting. The appreciate audience participation during their shows and use clever props and songs to enhance the quality of their performance.
Everyone is in a great mood when they come here. The audience is quaint and you never feel like your crammed into this rustic garage that holds a maybe fifty people. Therefore, if there is a definite show you want to see, order your tickets online and get to the garage early to pick them up at will call. Some nights and shows are more crowded then others, and occasionally they have discounts for students on certain nights.
The shows range from specials like "Debby Does Dallas" to their improve soap opera series in the summer time.
So grab a few friends who need a laugh, purchase a bucket of beers at the bar, take a seat in the twenty year old movie chairs, and enjoy a night of laughter.Listed in: Great First Dates!
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Review from Joel D.
Atlanta, GA
2/12/2008
I've been to Dad's several times and my stomach hurts every time from laughing.
The guys and gals @ Dad's are politically incorrect, crass, have foul language and are exceptionally funny.
Get there early to grab a bucket of beer and get a good seat. -
Review from Dan G.
Decatur, GA
7/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I may be an exception since my version of Dad's Garage is taking the kids to Uncle Grandpa's Hoo-Dilly Storytime as often as we can. And it is fantastic for them, they ask about it constantly when it is not running. It is entertaining for me as well and it is not expensive. I really would be hard pressed to think of something similar which would engage my kids every single week for a few months at a time.
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Review from Malika H.
Kennesaw, GA
8/14/2007 ROTD 11/23/2007
Always a good show at Dad's Garage!
The last show I saw here was "Lawrenceburg" and I laughed my ass off! Its a nice intimate setting with a diverse crowd, talented actors and reasonable prices. The staff is always friendly and I love the fact that they don't try to rip you off with the price of drinks or charge you to park.
Would definitely go there more if I wasnt so far OTP! -
Review from Drew W.
Atlanta, GA
11/23/2006
I have yet to have a less than hilarious time at Dad's Garage, whether it was for a night of improv all the way to seeing Reefer Madness, the musical. Dad's Garage is a great option for dates, a night out with a group, or just a cool place to have a couple of beers and laugh your ass off.
It's great that Atlanta has such a well established and entertaining improv production. The original musicals I've seen were well directed and well performed. It's also very affordable.
Keep up with the show schedule on the web, or sign up for their newsletter which lets you know about special promotions or new shows. -
Review from Blake B.
Atlanta, GA
7/3/2007
Great independent theater for a fair and affordable price!
Dad's Garage has been known for a long time for their Improv comedy nights all through the week. They do a great job here including the audience and not putting you on the spot. Each time I've been it's been a little different, so you can come back again and again without repetition.
They also put on full length plays, in house produced and sometimes in house written. I saw their version of A Clockwork Orange a while back and enjoyed seeing one of my favorite movies pretty successfully switched to stage. Anyone with the balls to try that, I'm in.
The stage itself is small and cozy, right there in front of you instead of pulled away like in other playhouses I've been too. You look down onto them.
The parking here is pretty small but I've never had much trouble.
They have a small assortment of refreshments available in the lobby, and don't make you pay captive prices.
Also, right around the corner is Inman Perk, my favorite local coffee shop, which makes for convenient pre-entertainment.
