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Dads Garage Theatre
Rating Details »
Category: Performing Arts [Edit]
Neighborhood: Inman Park280 Elizabeth St NE
Ste C101
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 523-3141
- Hours:
Tue-Wed. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Thu-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
- Good for Kids:
- No
25 reviews for Dads Garage Theatre
Authentic, hilarious, new show every night, alternative to the "same-old, same-old" and if you're like me, you'll never go back to the "same-old" after a night at Dad's Garage.
Every show I see is better than the next. If you're brand-new to improv, try out their "Theatre Sports." It's a great variety show that touches on many spectrums that encompass the art of improv.
I was so in love with my experiences at Dad's Garage that I decided to tryout their improv classes. I took my first one this past Spring, and I had such a great experience. My teacher, Tommy is the bomb. His knowledge has meshed with my enthusiasm and I'm still in classes, dreaming of the day when I can perform in one of Dad's main stage shows.
For a bold, cheap (did I mention how economically friendly Dads is?), laughter filled night , no one does it better than Dads!!!!
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Saw Beach Blanket Bingo.
Totally fun.
My daughter had asked me if I knew anything about their classes so I asked around. One of the staff members told me that she had taken classes and recommended them highly, not because she wanted to become an improviser, in fact she finished the classes knowing that she definitely did not want to do that. She recommends the classes because improv is about learning to say "Yes, and..."
I love that - exploring possibilities.
And thats part of what makes an evening at Dad's so much fun - it's spending some time in an environment that is open to what could happen next.
Did I mention the great beer selection?
And I won tickets for two to the next show!
I'll let ya know how it is.
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I love Dad's Garage. Over the past 13 years, I have visited this place probably about 10 times. I'd go more often, but to be honest I just kind of forget how much I love it until someone drags me out there. My latest two experiences were "Song of the Living Dead" (hilarious, un-PC, geeky, and irreverent) and TheatreSports (a recurring improv competition that was ridiculously amusing).
The tickets are actually pretty cheap for the quality of the show. I beg of you to show me another place in Atlanta that's this consistently amusing at a lower price. Come on, I double dog dare you.
Despite the popularity of Dad's Garage, its staff always seems friendly and not too full of themselves. I have never seen a show here I didn't like, and I have never been treated with anything but the utmost friendliness. And this is coming from someone who does often deduct one star for a place's rating if there is too much "hipster" going on there. Dad's Garage is indie without trying too hard, and for that, I love it even more.
One word of warning: I would not recommend the wine. Even compared to my previous wine-served-in-a-plastic-cup experiences, it was terrible. I felt like I was drinking formaldehyde. They have a reasonable beer selection, so my advice is to stick with that instead.
How can you NOT give them 5 stars?
They had some dude with a bad wig and a hat; I shouldn't have wasted my money getting buzzed beforehand as they would have been funny without the booze.
It was Beach Blanket Improv and it was just damn funny. The frau and I took the eldest daughter along - it really isn't for kiddies (kind of PG-13 and above humor).
Oh, and they serve cider so GF people can also get sloshed!
Went to see the "Super terrific happy fun hour" or something like that... it was Japanese game show style and absolutely hilarious. The show was a good length; just long enough to make you feel like you got your money's worth, but too long to where you just want to get to the bar already!
Make sure you stock up on beer before the show starts since you can't get up during the show. They sell "buckets of beer" which consist of 5 beers literally in a bucket with no ice. Also they're not open, so if you get something that doesnt have a twist off be prepared to go McGuyver on it.
This was my first improv experience, but my friend said that it was definately funnier than "whole world". I'll definately be going back to check out "the B Squad"!
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My friend and I went to see a show here last night. My name somehow wasn't on the list for tickets, so we had to be put on the waiting list. Right before the show started, the house manager came over and said we could watch from the wings if we wanted. I thought that was a nice gesture and we happily accepted. About 5 minutes after the show started, someone else came up and offered us seats in the back. So even though we didn't have tickets, we still ended up getting to sit and watch the show like paying customers.
The show itself was hilarious. The ensemble at Dad's are incredibly talented. When improv goes bad, it falls incredibly flat. That wasn't the case here. They kept up the pace and kept us laughing. The humor is more offbeat than some, but that was right up my alley. Sadly, as with most improv, the jokes don't translate well unless you were there to see them. They'll be opening an improv soap opera soon and I think I'll definitely have to check that out.
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The improv is always funny, the staff and volunteers are always nice, and the tickets are worth the price. I've been for both improv shows and Top Shelf plays, and--though improv is the focus here--they were both very good. Not at all kid friendly (except for "Uncle Grandpa's Hoo-Dilly Story Time"), but if you're old enough to be out at 10:30 at night, you should be fine. I highly recommend the soap opera improvs--I saw "Scandal" last year. Even if you don't see them regularly, they'll catch you up for each show, and they're hilarious. Do buy in advance or get there before the doors open, though; the lines are always long and every time I've been the show has sold out.
(And if the tickets are steep, I highly recommend volunteering. I have a couple of times, and it's really fun! Plus, you get to see the show for free.)
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So I went to Dad's Garage with a group of people for a friend's birthday. I really had no idea what to expect since I was just kind of along for the ride. We went for an improv show, but it looks like they have a variety different kinds of shows.
Ok, so none of you will have any idea what I'm talking about, but the show seriously reminded me of watching the beloved Vertigogo, the student improv comedy group at Swarthmore (where I used to go to college).
Maybe I came on a good night, maybe it was all the Vertigogo memories, but I really enjoyed the show. As with all improv comedy, there are the dull spells, but they are always redeemed by a little pearl of hilariousness when you least expect it. I'm always amazed by good improv because it just seems so.... hard! You have to really be naturally funny to pull it off, and the guys at Dad's Garage are the real thing!
A few other notes:
-Buy your tickets in advance if you can-- they'll be a few bucks cheaper.
-Bring in some cans of food to donate-- they'll give you a discount for that too. Not sure how much, but who cares? Donate anyway!
-They have good beer, surprisingly. Sweetwater and ABC stuff, among others. Just make sure you get it before the lights start to dim, as they won't sell you anything during the show.
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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.
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O-M-G Becky, look at her....................
Yeah uh huh whateva.............
This place is awesome!!! I have seen some of the best performances here and not to mention some pretty popular big shows (Debbie Does Dallas & Colorado; 2 of the best freakin shows everrrrrrrrrrr)
Improv, and plays and such...no holds bar. It's great!! You've got theater seating in a small intimate setting, you can order beer, a bucket of beer, or wine...and I think they have liquor too; cash or credit. They have a good student i.d rate as well as a Pay What You Have day, which is where as long as there's a seat you can pay whatever you want that day, and also if you want cheaper seats try and catch the shows the first week they're out. I would also recommend checking out their web site and signing up for their mailing list. That way you can get a yearly program as well as flyers of upcoming shows so you can prepare yourself for the madness that is the painfull gutt or better known as a sh*t load of laughter it'll make your tummy ache.
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You will pee laughing in here. You may also pee drinking, as they offer a beer bucket which is really great. I'd say more, but I'm also drunk when I go in. Can't be bad though if I keep going back.
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.
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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!
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I first went to Dad's Garage about... 2 years ago. I went to Thursday night Improv with a couple of friends, thought it was hilarious, signed up for their volunteer e-mail list, and never got around to it. About a month ago, I decided to volunteer for Cannibal! the musical since I've been wanting to see it for forever. It was sooo much fun. I've been going weekly now and I love it. There's also a half off discount for students and the beer is pretty cheap and good (Lion Stout, hell yes).
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Another rave. I love this place. Let me tell you I have a peculiar sense of humor and it is EXTREMELY difficult to get me to laugh. Most of the times I just grin. I sat through a Lewis Black stand up show and slept half the time.
This place (I've been here once) got me laughing in tears. This is improv, mind you, which is known to be either a hit or miss. Even though it's not full of famous people, it is DEFINITELY a hit. They have college nights where people from a particular college go in for free. Very cool. Also, for drinks outside, they don't jack up the prices either and it's all very reasonable. I think I paid a buck for my soda.
I would return to this place again. Also, holler to my former CS professor Bill who works here sometimes. :P
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.
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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.
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Song of the Living Dead
Caught the 8 o'clock show on Friday (opening night). The audience was completely packed out. Okay, I gotta admit this thing combines two of my favorite things in one place: musical theatre and science fiction! Often when the two get together there is a ton of camp to be relished!!! This si certainly no exception.
The writing is light and fun, often offensive, and completely irreverant!!! The is blood and gore, and from time to time a fun little ditty. Z Gillespie is total stand out as the man who loves a woman he cannot have, and uses the Zombie Attack as a cover to off his competition.
Certainly not for the weak heart, or those that cannot laugh at something so wrong it has become right, this evening of theatre is meant for anyone who enjoy a good laugh at any expense.
If you want to go and see a great show, this is your place. Located just outside of little five, on the way towards midtown, this little theater packs quite a punch. They are always having new and interesting shows, and I for one, have never been disappointed in the least by any show I have seen there.
The seats are like those old school house seats, and are in rows, so go to the bathroom right when you get there; there's no way to get out! Also, you can get a bucket of beer, but make sure you keep your eye on the empty bottles and your bottle opener; nothing is more embarrassing than knocking over a bottle during an emotional moment, or worse, not being able to find the one thing that can open your beer!
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At Dad's Garage, most (if not all) the shows are improv, which as some have said in these reviews can be hit or miss and I agree. I've laughed till I nearly wet myself before, and I've also fallen asleep. But overall this is a great neighborhood theater that really supports local talent. If you're tired of the same old dinner-and-a-movie, definitely give this place a try because the actors and staff love what they do and it is evident at the shows. It is great for a date night or for a group of friends. They have a beer/wine bar for your hydration needs. I love the area that the theater is in--it's within walking distance of Sotto Sotto, Fritti, The Grape and Zuma Sushi so you can always plan a dinner as well and not worry about parking/valeting twice.
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Been to a couple shows here...always a hoot! Be sure to bring cash for beer...adds to the amusement factor :P
Visit Count: 2
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So we went there last night with a group of about 7 or 8 of us (Yeah, I don't remember how many came - and no I wasn't drinking! Haha) but I cannot believe I have lived in Atlanta my whole life, spent a lot of time around theater and NEVER been before last night. It's a place I've been meaning to go for awhile and will most definitely be added to my "Regular Things To Do" list. Dad's Garage was FANTASTIC!
One of the most embarrassing moments in history occurred there last night in our group - nobody could open the Beer in the bucket! Now, there's a group of 7 or 8, 3 or so were gonna drink, so we just got a bucket. We realized shortly after getting the bucket that these are pop off caps rather than twist off caps...great! Nobody thought to bring a bottle opener! Now...being the intelligent group we are, we begin looking for instruments of destruction to try and open the beer...seat edges...chair arms...the back of the seat in front of us...the SIDE of the bucket...lighters...etc All to no avail - we just can't get this damn beer open! So - finally - we convince my friend Steven that joined us to go to the bar & ask the bartender if she could let us borrow her bottle opener. He comes back with the bottle opener...and a sound piece of knowledge...there's a friggin bottle opener attached to the side of the bucket....and no...we didn't see if when we were using the side of the bucket to pop the top off...
The actors at Dad's Garage are phenomenal - we went for their latest rendition of "Scandal!" and it was hilarious! There were times when I couldn't breathe from laughing so hard. They serve beer, wine and have some snacks. I didn't see any liquor available, but I could've just missed the sign... The place is small but perfect size for a decent audience to enjoy the show - everyone is close to the stage, there's a good view from anywhere in the audience and they even have seating reserved for late comers so that they don't have to interrupt everyone else getting a seat. The music was perfect and there were a couple times where even the Narrator busted out laughing ti was so funny. I can't wait to go back!! Definitely a great place for a date! Oh and another thing to note which really pleased me - inside is no-smoking. I've been to several comedy clubs in Atlanta and it always pisses me off because some moron is smoking at the show. I want to throw a bucket of beer on that guy - luckily - no such case at Dad's Garage. You can smoke outside, but because it's not 21+ inside, you cannot smoke inside - so if you're looking for great SMOKE-FREE comedy - again, Dad's Garage is the perfect place to go!
One quick thing to note, on Thurs, Fri and Sat nights there is a stand outside for a local catering company named Crepe Masters. Bryan's been doing this for years (just now about 2 weeks at Dad's Garage) and folks - let me be the first to tell you - these things kick ass! If you've never had a Crepe, you need to try one of these when you get there. They're delicious! He's got dinner crepe's and dessert crepes. I've known him for about 6 months now and enjoyed these things more times than I can count - but last time was the first time I found out he has a stand at Dad's Garage serving food. His presence is most welcome as there are times during intermission and a few beers - food would really hit the spot!
Support your local Improv Theater (because it just rocks like that!) and go have a crepe while you're there!
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So this is a theater in Atlanta known for its unconventional, funny, innovative theater and especially, really awesome improv. Which you know is hard to do if you've ever sat through a performance of improv HELL and let's face it, we've all sat through the last 15 minutes of SNL, knowwhati'msayin?!
But this is not why I'm here today.
In 2003, some of the folks from Dad's Garage were hosting the Atlanta IMAGE Film and Video Awards Gala. Amongst the celebrities attending was Bruce Reynolds. I know, already SO GOOD. Love that man. Please see: http://tinyurl.com/2e9tsc Please note: that image was found by searching "Burt Reynolds Naked on a Bear Skin Rug". Please also note: i don't know what's wrong with me either.
So anyway. One of the guys from Dad's Garage was operating a puppet known as Phineas J. Monkey, who was serving as co-emcee. Phineas J. Monkey is kind of like Triumph the Insult Comic Dog...he makes jokes at your expense or at the expense of various celebrites. Well that evening, he was ripping into Keanu Reeves and Brad Pitt. Burt Reynolds did not like this. And when Burt Reynolds doesn't like something, he is not likely to stand by and do nothing. Please see: http://tinyurl.com/2e9tsc Oh oops! Wrong photo! But really, there is nothing wrong with staring at a good looking man mostly naked laid out on a bear skin rug.
So when Reynolds took the stage to speak, he left the podium and went over to where the puppet was set up, with the dude operating it sitting on the floor behind the structure. At this point, Reynolds began punching and then choking the puppet (which included the guy's arm inside!!! Holy crap!!!), and went on to actually try to tear the puppet apart, but failed to do so. It's just so bizarre because the guy opeating the puppet was RIGHT THERE and instead, Reynolds decided to strangle the monkey puppet which is an INANIMATE (at the moment) OBJECT. These are the actions of a Real Life Crazy Person. Please see for photographic proof: http://flickr.com/phot... Finally, Reynolds went back to the podium, where he proceeded to verbally freak out on the guys from Dad's Garage. Seriously, this has to go down as the best night in the history of the world outside of D-Day and the night Martin Lawrence conceived of the character, Sha-nay-nay.
Okay, so. Anyway. Point of this whole story is that the Dad's Garage crew is rad and you should never make jokes about Keanu Reeves around Burt Reynolds. And while you're at it, I would stay the fuck away from his crazy ass in general. Unless of course he's giving you the eyes like THIS: http://tinyurl.com/2e9tsc. Er, I mean, click on that link for ten million dollars and not a photo of Burt Reynold's laid out on bear shin run wearing only a smile.
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Also seen at Improv In The Park. Hilarious! I've got to put these guys on my list of places to go see more often.
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Regularly voted best indie theater, this is a great place to see improv comedy, an original play, or a Creative Loafing Political Party. There's a bar inside that serves bottled beer and soda. Parking is at a premium, but I can usually find a place outside on the street.
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