Took my best friend here as a surprise for her birthday and, seeing that anything goes in improv, I wasn't sure whether the show would be funny or not... I was so far off. Brick House was AMAZING, each actress had so much wit and fire in her that both our stomachs ached from laughter. We spoke with some audience members before the doors opened and they were equally as anxious as us. In the middle of the show, I looked around to spot them in the audience and found them cackling in a crowd of grins and hoots. I have to credit not just the cast, but also our ENTHUSIASTIC and hilarious host as well as the energetic crowd. I'll definitely drag more people with me next time, bring out those extra chairs!!! Come early and mingle with the crowd a bit. And if you have some time to spare, check out the thrift store right next to the theatre! read more

American Improv Theatre - a stage set up with chairs - Comedy Clubs Near Me - San Jose, California

I came here with a small group of friends on a Friday night for a performance by the AIT players and absolutely loved it. The 'AIT players' group comprises of a mix of seasoned performers, instructors and folks who have just mastered the art at the workshops held at the theatre. The performances were spontaneous, quirky and innovative and while some of the joked didn't land as well, we felt that the performers were true to the original "improv" art form and did not try to fallback to a standard template or deviate from any suggestions provided by the audience. I had the chance to volunteer as a part of a quick skit and had a blast. It's worthy of a callout that the show comprised of close to 6 different short-skits/ games within a span of 75 minutes and that speaks volumes about the hard work put up by these folks. As a group, we had the chance to hangout with the crew after the show and talk more about their experiences which seemed to be a refreshing change from some of the other shows I've been to. Jeff Ringgold, one of the instructors of the workshop was also present at the show and an absolute delight to speak to. Other details and callouts - There's sufficient street parking along with reserved parking right behind the theatre. - While there isn't a full bar inside the theatre, they do serve beer, wine, water and non-alcoholic drinks. - The theatre is a fairly small and private space but big enough to host large groups of people. - Each show is close to 75 minutes inclusive of a 5-10 minute break. read more

This brand spankin' new theatre has got it all - classes, shows, jams, and easy peasy parking. What more do you want?! Oh, ooooh, I see. You want a cute winking cat on the front of it, too, huh? Ok. Well, snap, AIT has that, too, aaand a bag of flamin hots. No really, they have chips, drinks, and other snacks for your munching and sipping pleasure during their super fun shows. Careful, some pop may squirt out your nose. Jeff Ringgold is the mastermind behind this awesome theatre that is bringing more improv to the south bay which needs and wants it badly. It's the real deal. That's why it's spelled theatrrreee and not theateeer. mmm hmmm. read more

I went to watch a Saturday show and it was great!!!!! The venue is a bit out of the regular SJ area but it isn't hard to find and parking is quite easy - there is a rock-layered lot to the right of the building or you can just park on the streets. This is definitely a place you can come with your friends to start the night off (or end a night I guess). It'd be a great date activity too. I was laughing the whole time and they are very engaging. The day I went they were doing a writers block(?) format and it was hilarious to see them build a story. By the way, if anybody is interested, they apparently have workshops so that'd be a cool group/date activity. I do also recommend coming earlier to grab a good seat. About 10 minutes before the start of the show I peeked in while waiting for some friends and it was already full. read more

We had a nice evening outing here. Was fun to see amateur comics do improv. You could tell that they were having a blast too. We will come back for sure. read more

I loved my evening here (before COViD); The place has a great charm, reasonable prices and very funny comedians that know their way around improv comedy. Can't wait for them to reopen! read more

Went to the grand opening show tonight. Great show!!! My face hurt by the end, I was laughing so hard. The skit done almost all to music/song was simply amazing! They have improve classes during the week. And, shows on Friday and Saturday nights. It sounds like the Saturday night shows will be the night that the improv is done to music. Snacks (chips, chocolate, candy) and drinks (soda, water) available for a very reasonable cost. PARKING... Free and EASY, the way I like it! They have their own lot, right next door. Plus plenty of street parking. read more

The AIT (housed in the iconic "Black Cat Licorice" building) is the place to be if you are a part of the South Bay Improv scene. An inviting, multi-use space, it holds gatherings, shows (check the weekend schedule!), jams, classes and more. In fact, I'm pretty sure you can even rent the place out for your event. There is a big parking area, and lots of room on the street. Jeff Ringgold is the owner, and he and Michael Wilcoxen teach many of the classes. I've taken quite a few classes from each of these guys and have grown with every session. Encouraging, energetic, kind, hilarious, and laser-precision insightful, Jeff and Michael will tailor your classes to suit your needs. You'll be working through your weaknesses without your even realizing it. There's a reason I keep coming back--it's always a challenge, and it is always fun. American Improv Theatre was designed to be a hub for the Improv scene, and the Friday night Jams are a safe and respectful way to meet new friends and experiment with improv forms and ideas. I find that all week I look forward to going back for my next class or to see the next show.. read more

I dragged my family out to Black Cat Licorice to see live improv by the.saurus last night. My 13 year old, who is just dabbling in early teen surliness, wanted to know if he HAD to go and what it would be like. And why he had to go. And exactly what would happen there, and if he had to go. I said that even the performers couldn't answer that until after. We were able to get tickets just by walking to the desk at the back and handing over a credit card 20 minutes before show time. Staff were friendly and gave us a tour of the information cards, class offerings, and mailing list sign up sheet. The performance was interactive, but not uncomfortably so. Child offered up a few prompts, and was thrilled to see them put into action. I even caught my husband laughing a few times. He's English, so that is high praise indeed. We did not stay for the jam after, during which audience members would have the chance to play improv with the cast, but perhaps another time. As we left, the child asked when we could go back because he LOVED it. LOVE. The rest of us liked it too. And now I wonder if this is the antidote to teenage angst. read more

Saw Grand Opening show last weekend - Stage 4 Improv was fantastic!! I laughed as much during their performance as I did during the recent SNL 40th anniversary special. Their act is innovative and makes room for the moments we love about improv - spontaneous, perfectly timed genius (a gift from the comedy gods) mixed in with hilarious moments of self-depricating "breaking" when things take a "wrong" turn. They managed to keep the energy up and the audience engaged and laughing throughout the whole act (which is something that cannot be said for SNL). I don't live in the area, or else I would definitely sign up for classes. I'll be back for another show for sure! read more

Went with a group of friends to watch Stage 4 Improv's performance on Saturday and was not disappointed by their performance! Throughout the whole show, the only thing that could run through my mind was "WOOOOOOW!". I've never been so amazed by how talented a group of people can be. How they were able to think on the spot to produce such a wonderful show still amazes me. I couldn't stop laughing through the whole show and even afterwards, kept replaying scenes with all my friends that went. Because of Stage 4 Improv's performance, we created a new handshake between the group of us to keep the laughter going! I would definitely recommend going to see one of their shows! Tip: Go early to get a good seat since it fills up quickly. read more

Caught a terrific Friday night show with friends at the American Improv Theater! At one point they called someone from the audience to join on stage and I was volunteered. The show was a blast and they had interactive games to play with the actors following. read more

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Stage 4 Improv by far the best improv show I've ever seen! Great guys, great laughs, and a great time; all guaranteed if you decide to give them a try! read more

Truly a five star performance from a team that loves what it is doing... Fast, fun, and intimate. Can't really ask for more. Go see a show, you'll walk out smiling, your head will be filled with quirky songs, and you'll want to take your friends with you next time. read more

Brick house was a group of really funny, crazy and energetic ladies. First visit and we didn't know what to expect but we were pleasantly surprised. Check it out!!! read more

Went to go see Stage 4 the other night and they were fantastic. Really talented group of guys that had me laughing all night! Highly recommend it to anyone that wants a good night of fun and laughter. read more

Jeff has coached my group. He helped bring our skills to the next level. He is an amazing teacher that knows his improv.

I give the AIT troupe a B. I've seen a lot of improv, locally, in NYC, Chicago, Toronto, SF, and AIT puts on an entertaining show of reasonably good improv. A surprising and delightful aspect of AIT is the even gender split. Most improv groups have too many men. For the money, it's an excellent value. Even if they had a Goldstar or Groupon, I'd pay full price. The theatre is a little awkward since both the entrance and the "box office" {aka snack bar) are not obvious, and every time I've been there (4x now) the temperature of the room has been uncomfortable in the second half. More and better signage, plus better ventilation would go a long way. read more

It's great to have an improv community in San Jose! The regular troupes the.saurus and Stage 4 are very talented and funny! It's a great show! read more

I LOVE the Friday night shows and improv jams (free play for all). LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Their goal is to maximize community and fun and collaborative creativity and they succeed! I've been doing improv for about 2 years and this is one of the THE BEST places to build community, in my opinion. Keep coming back, talk to people, introduce yourself, play, go for drinks after! read more

This theater is the newest improv theater in the South Bay. It's a wonderful community for improvisers to get together and have a blast! Jeff Ringgold is a wonderful teacher! He's been in the business of improv for a long time and has studied under some of the legends! The troops that perform at AIT are amazingly talented folks and you will most definitely not be disappointed! read more

Stage 4 is the real deal, you guys. Four experienced, trained, polished improvisers who've developed a format you won't see anywhere else: scenes from a brand new, made-up-on-the-spot musical interspersed with the "writers" of that musical pitching ideas to each other and stitching it all together. Not only is the improv great, but the songs are too; these guys are pros and it shows. The South Bay's improv community is rapidly growing, and if you love live improv or even if you've never seen it in your life, American Improv Theatre should be one of the first places you go. read more

Tried something new. Fun night that paid off! Well worth the trip down to San Jose.

Stage4improv is the best comedy show I have ever attended. The first time I saw this show I was really amazed by the superior quality, creativity and originality of the performance. I liked the show so much that I attended this show two more times and every time I found amazing performance. The entire time we were laughing and enjoying; there was lot of liveliness. I I highly recommend watching this show. I bet you will love it and you will recommend it to your friends. I did the same and my friends also enjoyed the show and the enjoy coming back to see the show. Hats off to the cast of the show! read more

Very funny and creative! I had an awesome time :) Tickets were $12 each and totally worth the price. I was laughing and smiling the entire time. read more

I had high expectations given the amount of 5 star reviews, but was left disappointed. Had a few chuckles here and there, but overall lackluster performance. The performers would consistently laugh at their own jokes, be out of character during a skit, or have their one liners land flat. I understand that they're out there to have a good time, I get it, however the group here simply doesn't compare to some other improv shows I've been to which are 4-5 star quality (Groundlings in LA, Unexpected Productions in Seattle, Vancouver Theatresports). There is a small parking lot next to the theater, albeit no handicap parking. Plenty of street parking close-by. read more

Stage 4: These guys were contracted to entertain a company event. They were fantastic. Engaging. Entertaining. Had us all captivated. And, we laughed our selves right out of our seats. read more

You can't beat live theater. The groups that play here are awesome! They have classes which are amazing! Just for the fun of it, YOU should tree a class. The only way we get talent like this is to support it by going to shows, taking classes or finding people who would like to donate! read more

Sketches were a bit predictable but shows good potential :) A couple of the entertainers were too contrived and hard to watch but also some great talent in the group as well. Sketch comedy is notoriously hard; hence the 4 stars since there were some good sketches in there. read more

Had a great time during the Saturday night show with Stage 4 Improv guys. Great performances and laughter by these creative guys. I would definitely come see them again. Every night is a new show read more

Went to the 2nd anniversary show and it was very funny. The long-form was not as strong as the short-form, but the performers were doing some pretty difficult long-form, so I was still impressed. read more

Definitely recommend. Went with a group of family and friends ages 16-60+ and every one of us loved it. Belly-aching laughter. These actors/comics/musicians are really, really talented. Super funny, totally connecting with each other and the audience. Sodas, waters and snacks (chips, candy) are sold. Loved that as we all wanted something to drink at intermission because we'd been laughing so hard. No alcohol is served so younger guests are welcome, though I don't know if parents of younger teens or kids would find the content or a few words here and there appropriate. Totally appreciated that this show was not raunchy or crass. Truly great humor and music! read more

Improv shows? Check. A place to play? Check. Improv classes? Check. This place has everything I could have ever wanted out of an improv scene! Everyone in the community is so supportive and warm, and I honestly feel like I make new friends every time I go to one of their events! Jeff and Michael are wonderful and supportive teachers who really know their stuff. They really do a fantastic job of giving personal attention and pushing you to be the best improviser you can be. read more

Took my first of 8 classes "beginner improv" last night with Carolyn as our teacher... what FUN! She guided us gently through lots of games designed to encourage our group of 13 random and very cool people to help us let go of our inhibitions and work as a team I have not had that much fun in a LONG time! Go and see a show or sign up for classes this delightful theater has plenty of parking and a warm inviting feel it is a bargain at twice the price:) read more

I am new to the bay area and was looking for a fun date idea. I found this place and bought tickets for their improv show. It was so funny! I could not stop laughing and neither could my date. All the talent had their own unique styles. I'll definitely go again. I highly recommend this place. read more

Don't go there with high expectations. None of the performers were funny or connected with the audience.

Jeff Ringgold, the owner/manager, is a fantastic improv teacher who will help you develop both basic and complex improv skills. He truly cares about building a supportive, engaging, and FUN improv community in San Jose. Highly recommend all of the classes offered at AIT! And the shows Friday and Saturday nights are so much fun! read more

I've listened to comedy podcasts for years, and this was a great way to see how it's really done. I came on a Saturday night. My wife has never been exposed to improv comedy, and she loved it. Great intimate setting. Should be more popular. Not your typical dry and trite stand up routines. read more

Great show! We will be back with friends. These guys are very talented and I look forward to my next visit. You go boys!

The best new improv venue in the Bay Area. Open, fresh and easy to get to, American Improv Theater is a comfortable and intimate setting for any performance group. read more