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Philly Improv Theater
Category: Nightlife Comedy Clubs Comedy Clubs [Edit]
The Shubin Theater407 Bainbridge St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhood: Queen Village
(267) 233-1556
- Hours:
Mon 7 pm - 10 pm
Wed-Sat 7 pm - 12 am
Sun 6 pm - 9 pm
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Music:
- Background, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
9 reviews for Philly Improv Theater
9 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa S.
Newark, DE
6/7/2011
Great saturday night show- but even better service!!
I had several questions before booking tickets. I got a prompt...and more than friendly response each time!
Then to top things off, on show night the theater staff remembered who I was, without me even saying that I was the person they had spoke with through email, etc.
They even took it a step further...and went above and beyond with the level of customer service! When we were running late to the show that night, the staff had the forethought of promptly rearranging some seating(in an already packed theater)- so to make sure our group of friends had a chance to enjoy the show together. Something that I didn't even considered. But it made the world of difference when we could all be together! A+ service, great atmosphere, and good times!! I recommend Philly improve to anyone looking to have a fun and relaxing evening!! -
Review from Vichet O.
3/7/2011
I've already taken Improv 101 with Joanna Schmitt, and am now in 201 with Mike Marbach. All I can say is that this has been some of the best educational fun I've ever spent money on - that's including my latest battery of high-priced academic hookers.
PHIT specializes in long form improv, which focuses more on developing characters and situations, rather than slapstick, schtick, or one-off jokes (though all of those elements are encouraged and applauded). What results is a wacky good time in the vein of "playing house" like when you were a kid. Only now since we can make adult jokes, our "house" can be filled with crack and shattered dreams, which is infinitely more entertaining than "play vacuuming."
Furthermore, everyone I've met through classes at PHIT has been a combination of hilarious, fun-loving, and totally willing to day drink with me. It's been an awesome ride so far, and there are no signs of stopping!
My review of the Shubin theater will say more about actual shows.
Pro-tip: Go see their shows at the Shubin theater! Registering for a class gets you in for free any night of the week for any number of shows! Also, register early because classes fill up.Listed in: Vichet's haunts
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Review from George R.
Los Angeles, CA
10/19/2008
In Spring 2007, I took the Level 1 Improv class at PHIT. I knew improv and have seen it many times before, but I wasn't really sure what it meant to actually study it. PHIT gave me an excellent introduction to the artform, the lifestyle, and the lingo for doing improv. It also introduced me to the small and vibrant community in Philadelphia.
I had an excellent teacher who really knew her stuff. I've taken community theater workshops and other performance classes and such and have been very disappointed. But not here. You get a bargain for the quality of classes. Classes are very affordable and leave you room to enjoy what you're doing instead of thinking about the price.
I seriously couldn't get enough and wished that it wouldn't end. Improv, whether you're a performer, or someone who is looking to improve his or her confidence or creative thinking abilities, is an excellent sandbox for exploring what you can do.
The only issue I had was that some people think the classes are so affordable that they won't bother to show up on-time or at all. Just do your class a favor and show up on time if you're going to be a part of the class. Either that, or call ahead of time to let everyone know you're going to be late. Theater is a team sport.
PHIT is really going places. They've got the best teachers because they're come from many of the major and minor stages in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. -
Review from Caroline L.
Philadelphia, PA
4/21/2010
PHIT is this incredible improv community of some of the greatest comedy talent in Philly. I love PHIT and the Shubin Theater on 4th and Bainbridge is this great theater- intimate, but fits a good 50 people.
Get there early for performances- PHIT improv shows sell out. One time I watched from the aisle near the door. Not the best vantage point.
I recommend taking long form improv classes at PHIT. I took them at Comedy Sportz, which is short form improv. Long form has a lot of advantages and I will probably take long form classes at PHIT. PHIT is a good gateway if you want to do improv as a career or as a hobby. They are supportive of ppl forming their own improv groups and performing at the Shubin. -
Review from Paul D.
Philadelphia, PA
8/16/2010
This past Saturday I had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Paul F. Tompkins here. Besides it being an AMAZING show from one of the best comedians out there, it was easy to get in and get a spot. There are two ramps up to the theatre from the sidewalk and once you get in you are saved an aisle seat and given the option of transferring to a seat or sitting in your chair in the side aisle. It was a great show with great staff and I will definitely be going back for future shows.
Comment from Greg M. of Philly Improv Theater 5/31/2011
Paul, thanks for your kind words about our effort to be… More » -
Review from Mandy H.
10/4/2010
I went to the Shubin Theatre to see DuoFest which is a weekend-long improv festival. This was my first time seeing anything through the Philly Improv Theatre and I really enjoyed it. The Shubin Theatre is small, but it's BYOB which is always nice and it makes you feel like you're part of the show because its so intimate. The acts we saw were really funny and I would definitely check out other shows by the PHIT.
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Review from Jonathan B.
Capon Springs, WV
3/29/2011
After creating an all day of scavenger hunt, I needed a perfect ending for my father/son adventure. PHIT connecting on all fronts. From accommodating us at the last minute, to creative skits and personal post show service, this was a great experience. Boy was it great to see my son, his friend and my friend laugh to the point of tears. Healing medicine for the soul! Great job! Jonathan
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Review from Mike G.
Philadelphia, PA
2/22/2009
I just recently discovered the improv scene in philly. Both times Ive been to Phit (philly improv theater, at the shubin theater) I saw shows with the Fletcher group, which is one of the best house teams. It was so much fun. They let you bring your own bottle, though I hardly needed it. It's a small theater and it's nice and intimate for a small audience to get a high energy show. I have a great respect for these guys (and gals) because they got big ones (yeah, the girls too). They introduce themselves and ask for a word from the audience. Then, pretty much, they just make a half hour show from that. I've been there twice so far and now am hooked. It's so affordable and fun. The first time I went, I thought it was such a bargain to laugh my ass off for an hour (there's usually 2 groups, a half hour show from each) and only pay $10. Then, the next time I bought tickets, it was for a weeknight performance and it only cost $5! Holy crap. Crazy fun and near south street so it's a cheap night out if I head to a dive bar nearby and call that a night out. I'll have to try it out with other house teams but I have to say, the Fletcher team was the group that got me hooked.
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Review from Claude N.
Montgomery, PA
1/8/2011
The (overly-sensitive to criticism) center of Philly's lame improv scene. If you want to spend an evening watching a bunch of self-indulgent no-talents screw around on stage and wallow in their own "brilliance," then by all means go. You'll likely be the only person in the audience who isn't a member of another improv group or a friend or relative of someone in the show. (PHIT is insular to the point of being incestuous, and the participants are so immersed in patting themselves and each other on the back that they are highly offended by dissenting opinions. Such a myopic perspective doesn't allow for artistic growth.) As for their classes, they'll let just about anyone teach, and there is absolutely no philosophy or commitment to craft governing how classes are taught. All improvisation begins with one simple rule: accept your partner's offer. However, PHIT teaches that it's okay to reject your partner's offer as long as you get a laugh. This disregard for the foundation of improvisation shows what sort of organization that PHIT truly is. If you are at all serious about studying improv, or want to see improv performed by people who approach the craft with intelligence and dedication, then avoid PHIT at all costs.
Comment from Greg M. of Philly Improv Theater 5/31/2011
I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad experience at the… More »
