Boston's Best Improv Comedy Nights
The draw of improv comedy is the unexpected. Comedy fans can hit the same stage night after night and something different always happens. One thing they can expect from Boston's best improv comedy troupes are laughs. Boston has several venues dedicated solely to the art of comedic improv. These venues put on countless hilarious shows every year, a lot of them with the same themes, but no two ever exactly alike.
Battle Royale
Improv Boston
40 Prospect St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 576-1253
www.improvboston.com
Date: Saturdays at 9 p.m.
Battle Royale is a weekly event that involves either stand-up or improv comedy battles. It pits Boston's comics and sketch comedy teams against each other until only the winner is left standing. This show gives audiences a chance to see more than one group in one night. At $12 for admission, it's a steal to get so much comedy all at once. Just remember to check ahead to make sure it's an improv night or be ready to watch some local stand-up instead.
The Show Against Humanity
Improv Asylum
216 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 263-6887
www.improvasylum.com
Date: Fridays at midnight
The Show Against Humanity is a night owl's improv dream. It starts at midnight every Friday night. It's $15 to get in, but guests who watched the main stage show earlier in the evening can get discounted tickets. This show is an improv take on the game Cards Against Humanity. Like the game, it's filthy, unadulterated and wildly offensive humor. The show's page says "You'll hate yourself for laughing," which probably isn't far from the truth.
S---faced Shakespeare
Laugh Boston
425 Summer St.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 725-2844
www.laughboston.com
Date: Saturdays July 2 to Aug. 22, 2016 at 6 p.m.
Shakespeare wrote a few comedies, but they were nothing like these performances. The UK loves S---faced Shakespeare, a show comprised of drunk cast members who perform Shakespeare while drinking on stage. Now, it's having an American run. The audience gets to participate right down to deciding if the cast has to drink more. It's important to note that the show is careful and responsible. Lines might be slurred, but everyone makes it home safely.
Comedy Sportz
255 Elm St.
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 307-4998
www.cszboston.com
Date: Fridays at 8 p.m.
Comedy Sportz is a family-friendly improv team that has a show every week. It's great for families with kids who want to get a dose of comedy without getting a babysitter. There's a lot of audience participation, which makes the laughs come even faster. Comedy Sportz may only have one show a week, but the troupe is available for hire. They do corporate events, parties and more.
The Sunday Night Show
Improv Asylum
216 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 263-6887
www.improvasylum.com
Date: Sundays at 8 p.m.
Cap off the weekend with new comedy every time at the Improv Asylum's Sunday Night Show. Improv Asylum promises it is never the same show twice, so folks can come back over and over for new laughs before the workweek begins. The show is pretty early, so there is little danger of staying out too late. Guests can get home in time to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for the morning commute.
