Improv comedy is rampant in NYC, especially on the West Side. The best place to check it out is the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, located at 307 W. 26th Street. Shows are scheduled nightly and include Tuesday's Harold Night, highlighting the long-form improv style created by the legendary Del Close. There are a number of groups in rotation, including veterans Kill Your Darlings and 1985. There are worse ways to spend a Tuesday night than laughing your ass off for $5, with the optional $3 liquid enabler (Pabst Blue Ribbon cans kindly sold at the back of the theater).
The week hits its peak at UCB on Sunday evenings, with two performances of “ASSSSCAT 3000”. Hosted by improv-sario Amy Poehler (yes, that Amy Poehler, of SNL fame), the show is usually made up of some of the funniest people in this city. Performers have included Horatio Sanz (SNL), Rob Riggle (of the Daily Show), and a host of other top-shelf comedy writers and performers. There are two shows every night: the first is $8, and the second is free. If you go for the free show, get there early and pack some patience, as the lines can get long.
There are a number of other improv houses, including the People's Improv Theater and the Magnet Theater. Magnet's "The Tiny Spectacular" show on Saturday night is only $5, and Mike Myers has been a surprise guest on occasion. Myers has also showcased his burgeoning alter-ego “Guru Pitka” (a Swami successor to Austin Powers) at Magnet - though shows like this can be a little harder to find out about.
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