Ummmmm! The reverence I have for Coldtowne is unprecedented... I've been asked my whole life if I'm a comedienne... and thanks to Coldtowne, i can say I dabble. I've been taking improv classes here for the last year! And it's been the most fun to be playing make believe with grown ups! 10/10 recommend the classes. Coldtowne has a vibrant community from all walks of life and everyone is truly welcome here, just as they are. An inclusive space full of every flavor of weirdo (myself included) and I am HERE FOR IT Shows Thurs-Sundays, free jams, and there's stand up and workshops and classes. You can grab drinks or snacks at the bar. Shows are $10-30 (bargain) to see local and big act comedy. Coldtowne is actually HOT SHIT. Lvoe this space. Trust. read more

I visited ColdTowne to catch some stand up comedy, specifically Vanessa Gonzalez, a fellow Texan based here in Austin. She was hilarious! This comedy club not only hosts shows but has comedy workshops. It's a very inclusive venue where all are welcome so long as you're kind, open-minded, and ready to laugh. read more

Incredible place with delightful people and wonderful staff! If you like comedy, improv, or wordplay you should definitely check it out!! My only regret is not having scoochie boochie sign the volcano on my Dino Hawaiian read more

Went to a Saturday night burlesque show on January 18. It's poorly organized, badly performed and little to none rehearsal. Cringy is the word I have on my mind the whole time because one performer in plaid skirt was strangely loud and bouncy, out of any "character" that she was supposed to be in. She was so annoying when she constantly screamed to cheer or talk back to what was said on stage. So cringy that we left early after an "intermission" was called because the show couldn't go on. read more

My husband and I attend ColdTowne Theater regularly. Multiple shows every night. If you want to get a good laugh, this is the place. Tickets are inexpensive and the staff is always friendly. read more

Disclaimer. I know these people. I play with these people. I've been on stage with these people. Yes, I am a skitch biased, but that also means I have Credible Expertise! Coldtowne is not just an "improv theater," in case you have ever heard it described as such. It is a smaller scale venue and you're not going to see large scale productions and pyrotechnics. What you are going to see is a lot of clever and a lot of craft and some hilarity that isn't being done in an exhausting way that makes you pity the performers. A ridiculous amount of their staff and players have amazing entertainment industry resumes, but this does not matter. It's just a really cool place with a really great vibe and they want you to come see them do comedy and laugh at it. Coldtowne can teach you to be this cool. It's also a training center. You can ALSO bring them into your workspace, and make things a lot cooler THERE. If you play your cards right, you may even see ME on stage there--but this does not mean that you should not take this review as seriously as soap! read more

What a fun place with such a cool atmosphere, We felt very welcome even though we knew no-one '!!! We did their open mic Lots of fun and good entertainment read more

I was looking for a camp for my son and thought I had found it... instead I found an experience! Here in this little gem of a theater they hold a life building workshop for kids and they call it a camp of improv. I tell you now... this is no camp! It is a building block of relationships, fast thinking, reacting, emotional growth, and camaraderie! My son loved the camp, the teachers, and the theater. For a week he was enthralled... excited and couldn't wait to go. I have to admit the first day I dropped him off I was a bit worried... the theater is a bit sketchy, the area is a bit iffy, and the program director was almost to nice! But honestly... it is wonderful! Kristin the leader of this camp is just awesome! She is for real... and this is the real deal. Unlike any camp I have sent my son to before... and glad for it! At the end the whole troup puts on a show, they also did a 7 min movie they previewed for us all, and a bit of improv live and in person. It was hilarious! I wish I had known how good this was going to be... I would have signed him up for every week they had. I can't tell you how great this was... if your looking for something different... exciting... with a bit of life tossed in... and a healthy dose of fun... well here it is! Try this out! You won't regret it. read more

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I went to the Talent show they have every so often on Friday nights. It was not as advertised, they had three stand up comedians who said they all had experience, and in the nicest way of saying this, they bombed. The atmosphere was nice, but lord have mercy avoid the talent show. I wouldn't mind trying again on an improv night, I bet they excel at that. But CT, rethink the talent show or lower the cost! read more

ColdTowne is truly the UCB of Austin. Go to shows, go to them often, and pay attention to the faces on stage because you'll find many of them on your television in the near future. I'm not kidding. CT has become an incubator for comedic talent and the only downside is that these folks end up moving on to Los Angeles and NYC and we don't get to keep them for long. Newbs to watching improv, be advised--this isn't "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" this is so much more. Unique, modern theater that doesn't take itself too seriously. Entire improvised shows based on everything from craigslist ads to telenovelas to personal stories and much more. With hilarious sketch and standup thrown in the mix, too. And the atmosphere is pure Austin. Grab your BYOB beverage of choice, get there early to secure parking, and be ready for a true experience. ColdTowne was the first theater in town that I took classes at, and I am so grateful for my lessons there. No other theater shows you so many different formats and gives you so many opportunities to find your voice. If you're a fellow performer, don't lose hope--the competitiveness can be a turn off, but in the end it will only make you better. This is the place you can earn your wings. read more

I wasn't sure what to expect since I've never been to a comedy show before. My partner and I went at around 8:30 for a showing of a mental health comedy podcast. I laughed and could relate to almost all the comedians who spoke. As someone who doesn't go to comedy shows at all or really watch a lot of stand up, I really enjoyed it! The venue is pretty small and intimate. Seems like a lot of the people were regulars or knew each other. They even offer improv classes which I found out later. Everyone was friendly, and the speakers brought free booze and fried chicken lol. I believe it's byob here. Had a great time and would come back to check out their regular shows. unique and memorable date night place! read more

Taking Level 1 Improv class and couldn't be happier! Instructor Kim and TA JJ are superb class leaders. The entire experience offers a safe and supportive environment to help you find your voice (or voices). Class members come from many walks of life, different generations and unique experiences and yet are able to focus and laugh with each other. I don't know where this road will lead, but it's a pretty cool ride so far!!! Fun fun fun!! read more

I am really enjoying my first improv class here. It's structured in a very non-intimidating way. They are still performing in-person and offering classes in-person, so I'm not sure why this is listed as permanently closed? read more

So far so good..wine? Check. anticipatory smilie face on? Check. Oh damn do they have a bathroom? Thank God check! More later after the show....:)..ok, now my face hurts! Fantastic competition AND I was lucky /blessed that my first time here happened to be an annual (truly funny) event! Talk to those sweet things out back after the show! Talented, photo hounds, & accomodating to their fans! !! :) read more

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If you are looking for improv, sketch, and standup classes, I cannot recommend ColdTowne Theater and Conservatory more highly. I took my first class here 5 years ago and little did I know I would be introduced to an amazing community of people who I now count among my best friends; receive top notch comedic training from instructors who are some of the leading improvisors in the country; and get over my fears of auditions and find the fun in performing - and eventually direct and produce shows too! The ColdTowne community is what I want Austin to be - inclusive, kind, and joyful. My life is different in the best way today because I tried a Level 1 class five years ago - so take a leap! P.S. If your workplace is interested, they also offer rad corporate workshops in teambuilding, diversity equity and inclusion, and more! read more

I am an improviser in Chicago. It does my heart good to see a small BYOB theater carrying the torch. I was there on a night they were doing the "Stool Pigeon" form, similar to iO Chicago's "Armando Diaz" or UCB's "Asssssssscat." A monologist recounts a story or two, and the cast creates scenes inspired by those stories. I had improv and I had a six-pack of Lone Star Beer. I smiled as I enjoyed a little bit of home and a little bit of Texas at the same time. Support your local comedy scene, Austin! read more

Gosh I love these guys! We've been to this place a few times and it's ALWAYS a good time here. They feature up-and-coming improv groups and the crowd is always laughing. Everyone at this theater is so nice and so welcoming and it's such a casual relaxed environment here. They do have some beverages and munchies you can purchase, but I would definitely recommend coming here after a nice dinner and enjoying your Friday and Saturday nights with them! read more

This was my actual first time at a comedy club, I came to support a friend who said she'd be performing and wow am I glad I discovered this experience. All or really most the comedians are local Austin natives, so like Austin itself, it's full of surprises. Comedians take around 7-8 minuets a turn and give their little spiel. Really nice to see that there's a variety of comedy since everyone has a different sense of style and humor. Give this a go, best of all it's free to attend! read more

ColdTowne is a cute little neighborhood theater that has shows every night ranging from stand up to improv and everything in between. The comedy is very hit or miss but when it is hit it is pee-your-pants funny. My friends and I have been going to Movie Riot (Friday Nights at 7 pm) and it is our absolute favorite. Not only because they have free margaritas, popcorn, and candy before the show, but because it is pure comedy magic when the actors get going. They are absolutely hilarious acting out movies and trailers and are so funny we keep going back to see more. Saw some stand up here as well and it was not great at all. Very uncomfortable but it could have just been a bad night or a bad group. Overall I recommend this place - very clever and funny comedy. Note - it is incredibly hot in the theater - no A/C in there so dress accordingly. read more

I came here last night for the improv show and was not impressed. None of the comedians spoke very loud and it was impossible to hear them over the sound of the fan/vent/whatever was making so much sound. If that aspect cannot be controlled, they should really look into getting microphones.... read more

It blows my mind that this place (as of the writing of this review) has only 81 reviews. How is that possible when this place is the absolute most perfect combination of fun/funny + affordable + centrally located + BYOB? ColdTowne is all about local talent and all about brining this talent to Austinites in an affordable way. They have impressive improv (and classes) as well as stand up .... in addition to lots of special and seasonal events. Forget other comedy clubs with pricey tickets and 2-drink minimums. At ColdTowne, you're 99.0001% likely to get a gut-busting pee-in-your-pants hilarious show for only a few bucks, and since it's BYO, feel free to bring in that bottle of Cab that's been in your pantry for ages, or stop at one of the nearby convenient stores for some local craft beer. Hell, we've even see people bring in backpacks with equipment to make cocktails. Our favorite troupe is Loverboy, an all female troupe that leverages hilarious relationship happenings in their improv. They currently perform every Wednesday, but are moving to a prime Friday spot starting in the new year. Four out of five times I've seen them, I am in urgent need of medical care. This is how hard I laugh. This is a great stop for a birthday party night. Great spot for a second or third date. Great place to bring people who are visiting Austin (and close to lots of great eats on Airport Blvd). You can buy tickets in advance on their website (recommended for busy nights) or buy starting 30 minutes prior to each show at the theater. Enjoy! read more

Hilarious! I went for 2 shows here. 1 is a regular called loverboy an all girl improv. Ahmazing. Talented ladies. Last night we went for a show which was a batman sheriff parody of sorts. Loved the plot and the characters. The theatre is a small basement-ish kind of set up which is common for the best comedy clubs ofcouse. Probably seats about 30 people and it is amazing they can prepare a set in such a small space. Its overall clean. Bathrooms are a bit tight(only 2) as most people are prone to relieve themselves at the end of the show but hey atleast they have them. Some of the popular shows tickets go out fast so you probably need to buy them in advance. I love austins growing comedy scene and this is probably one of my favorite places now. read more

Coldtowne Theater is one of my favorite places in Austin. Every night of the week, they have some different stand-up comic lineup or improv group, and every time I've gone, no matter which night, I thoroughly enjoy myself. Best of all, many of these nights are free or at most $10! I love that women are well-represented among their performers, and that a variety of personalities, styles, and improv techniques are also presented. This is also all greatly helped by their BYOB policy! If you get hungry when you drink, they have popcorn and candy. Seating is limited so arrive early, get your drank on in the lobby, and when the doors open, BOOK IT inside so you and your friends can sit together. read more

Seriously, let's talk comedy: I respect live stand-up, but with great material and expert coaching, your mother could headline most comedy venues I've been to. But I think live improv is a completely different art form - you have to be fast, you have to be funny, and you damn well have to be smart. Great improv among sharp people is true collective genius. I won't mention what bad improv is, but you've probably stepped in it. So I'm giving ColdTowne Theater five-stars, because I admire what these people are doing, and I hope they're around a long time. Was the Sunday night show I saw with two troupes the best improv I've ever seen? Uh, no. There were hits and misses, they knew it, we knew it, but they kept on riding that train, and that takes balls, not marbles. Sometimes, balls are all you need. The best thing for me on Sunday night was the "jam session" finale, where the audience is invited on stage to perform with the troupes. Yeah, right, I wonder how often that happens. I'm pretty sure the twenty people that made it on stage were members of other troupes or from the classes here. They obviously knew one another, they enjoyed playing off each other, and they were absolutely hilarious. Sometimes, the best comedy comes from the philosophy, "Honey Badger don't give a shit." The ColdTowne Theater itself has all the ambiance of a dive bar, it's BYOB, and you're not even a cork's toss from the stage. If you're buzzed and think you're a clever heckler, let me know when you'll be there so I can see you mincemeated. And finally, they do lots of "Pay-What-You-Want" nights, which I perceive as the comedic interpretation of "We guarantee you'll laugh or your money back." Oh, c'mon, how cheap are you? Give them some bucks, because you'll laugh, you'll have a good time, and you'll be back. ColdTowne rules. read more

ColdTowne Theater is Austin's self-anointed refuge for improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy. Yup, ColdTowne is about all things comedic. But the focus is improv. What in the hell you be talking about!? What's an improv!? Improv is short for improvisational acting and comedy; it's one or more people acting out scenes and stories on the fly, with no planning. The great thing about improv is that it doesn't have rules. I recommend ColdTowne both for its entertaining live shows and for its inspiring classes. In my experience, the ColdTowne faculty--who are both teachers and performers here--are gifted, audacious, and even somewhat likable. At its best, improv can be hilarious and spellbinding. At its not so best, it can be embarrassing, random, and still pretty funny. And although sometimes absurd, it can also be honest, revealing, and grounded in convincing human emotions. It is an art unto itself. read more

The "sell your ticket if you show up six minutes late" policy is real dumb All the employees were nice, it's not their fault read more

Coldtowne Theater is a diamond in the Airport Drive rough. You could go to I Luv Video, next door, and get some pretty great entertainment, but it is all pre-recorded and, well, safe. You could go to the Valero, and grab a tasty munchy or a beer, and that could be nice, sure. But what if...what IF, you grabbed a munchy AND a beer, then watched a LIVE show of improv comedy at Coldtowne, and THEN rented a movie afterward? WHOA! I have just planned your night. This is a guaranteed success. Movies are great, but there is nothing quite as exhilarating or inspiring as the moments of pure creative genius that happen during an improv show. And to know that you were there, witnessing it, and then it passes, and the next moment happens, mmm. Let me give you a low-down on the nights I have regular-ed: Fridays - stand-ups are the big stick-out here. They are super hit or miss, and can be incredibly painful or surprisingly hilarious in the right moments. The theater section is fairly intimate, so it makes the stand-ups that much more so. This can be a good or a bad thing. Go at your own risk, but if nothing else this can end up being a great conversation topic ("hey, four out of five of those comedians were incredibly misogynist AND racist, how about that?"). Saturdays - Go. This is a solid night to check out the improv that Coldtowne specializes in, which is long-form improv (character based). There is some AMAZING talent in these shows and it would be a shame for you to judge this place without seeing any of the Saturday shows. I especially recommend the 10 or 11 o'clock shows, which feature Coldtowne, Midnight Society, and the Frank Mills, all such good troupes, some of the best that Austin has to offer, mos def. Sundays - This night is nice because all the shows are free!! Yay, free! Around 8 there is a jam that is led by the sweet, sweet troupe, Oh, Science!. They are nice and do not bite, I am told. The scene here, if you decide to get more involved and take classes, is incredibly supportive. The teachers are super talented, have amazing resumes, and know what they are doing. There are a lot of options for improv classes in town (in Austin, who'da thought?), but this is a a good choice, no matter the options, hands down. If you've never seen or done improv before, this is a good place to start! Note to newcomers: Do not heckle the performers please. This is incredibly annoying, and you may be heckled back mercilessly (which is hilarious for the rest of the audience!). read more

Coldtown Theater should change it's name to HOT-town Theater.. cause that place is smokin' hot! Do you see how painfully un-funny I am? You will not experience anything like this at Coldtown... all you'll be doing is laughing. Took the wife there on a date, went to the gas station and picked out some diet sodas (we're crazy like that) because it's BYOB, sat on a comfy couch in the back, and enjoyed some very funny comedy. Cost for the evening: 10 dollars comedy, 3 dollars drinks at gas station. Coldtown is awesome. We'll be going back for sure! read more

If you want to support local comedy that's not cringey, come to ColdTowne. The first time we went was to see a friend do stand up, and I was back a week later with an improv virgin and crossed fingers. We laughed heartily and often! The price is right, the vibe is good, you can BYOB, and parking isn't too terrible (just look around the neighborhood). It's a small theater, so buy your tickets beforehand and get there early! read more

Ok, full disclosure, I'm involved with the productions here, mostly Uptowne sketch comedy (first Thursdays at 10pm). I'm giving it 5 stars, though I'd love to give it a solid 92% A grade. Giving anyone an A+ implies there's no room for growth, and I like to think that these folks will continue to grow and become an even more vital/viral group in Austin. This is a great group of people, and you can see some really fantastic long-form improv here, as well as (koff koff) sketch, standup, and more. The improv scene in Austin is a fantastic and growing one, and I heartily recommend that people check out this theater. And you don't just have to WATCH it happen. To MAKE it happen, go to a free Improv 101 session, and even sign up for classes. It's a great way to tap into your inner funny in a very supportive environment, meet new friends, and grow as a performer and a person. NOTE: this is not your "Whose Line is it Anyway" type of improv games show. Chicago style improv involves longer scenes, which are relationship-based and very focused on ensemble work as opposed to wacky, goofy, smack-you-in-the-face with silly. Definitely be sure you get there early. Some nights sell out quickly. BYOB (yay!) read more

What a fantastic theater (hidden beneath a video store??). This is not your parents' theater. Don't expect to find a fancy venue...it's a little divey, but that's what makes it so lovable and cozy. And it's BYOB - you can't beat that when there's a convenience store across the street. They have bottle openers, but bring one just in case. (Oh, and they sell sodas if you're of the liquor persuasion...bring cups!) If you've never seen improv, I highly suggest Saturday night's 10pm and 11pm shows: Coldtowne (the house troupe), and Midnight Society. Really, you can catch a good show on just about any night. Sundays and Mondays are free, so that's kinda a steal. This is a great place to wow a date with your Austin know-how. Dinner, followed by some live comedy in a hidden theater is sure to win a heart, and be a unique experience. The improv classes are wonderful, as well (ok yes, this does makes me a little biased toward this theater). The teachers are all vibrant (in their own way), positive, and love to share their passion of improv. They genuinely want everyone to do well, and it never feels like they are singling out a star student to dominate the stage. You get what you want out of the classes. You can even ask your teacher to be more critical of your work and they will (great for all you masochists). An important part of the class experience for me was that you can take classes here without any previous acting experience and feel completely comfortable - and you'll get performance time if that's your thing! Even better, you can sit it on other improv classes FOR FREE. Yep, so you can get double or triple your money's worth if you so desire. And yes, it's worth the money. (But they also offer internships to help pay for the classes if you need it). If it sounds like it may be fun, I would suggest checking out a free improv class the 1st Monday of every month - I think it's at 7pm? I went twice before signing up for classes. Might as well try it! But I warn you, you'll be hooked. read more

So, these guys (and sometimes ladies) are just fantastic! What an amazing troupe of improv rock stars. We regularly bring out of town guests to see what's new. Nothing has ever been repeated, the shows are all very original and entertaining. BYOB (yay), tight seating, small parking lot. Just don't get there at the last minute. That, and being late is rude. And also, you are fair game for funny bait! I only have one problem with these guys, and it's the online ordering charge. On one hand, I understand, someone else probably does the processing. But on the other hand, they are getting a heads up that we're buying tickets. I just bought three tickets and had to pay $3.75 in "Service Charges" and then another $1.00 in "Delivery". Now, when I'm doing Will Call tickets... and buying them a few days out... do you really need to charge me $4.75 in additional charges? I have called before when I bought the Yelp deal and it was sort of more of a hassle than it was worth, which is why we didn't buy another one. This of course, has nothing to do with the excellent quality of the shows, or the great stars, or even the people who staff ColdTowne. I just think the ordering process could be a bit better. read more

ColdTowne Theater is one of the best places in this town to see local comedy. The venue is BYOB, everyone is wonderfully friendly, and the comedy is top notch. Want to try an open mic? Sign up! They're on Mondays! Want to take classes? They have improv and sketch classes! There's also free parking? That's kind of nuts, right? They also offer great corporate training. I love this little theater and everyone involved here. 10/10 would recommend. read more

If you like improv, you'll love Coldtowne. I think. But maybe...it will be different when you go. But that's improv, right? The guys and gals that run the show here are really hilarious, and I came up with some of my favorite lines at home mimicking them. Very inexpensive and BYOB last time I checked. Can't beat that with a stick. read more

Anyone who works for Coldtowne ought to know that I'm into my 2nd class there already, so Coldtowners, please refrain from teh cold-cocking until I explain why I'm giving the 4 star. Coldtowne is home (as Alex B, the Artist Formerly Known As Doc X says) to a bevy of fine comedic performers, as well as a place that is willing to lesson you in various comedic forms in exchange for your dollars. Some Truths About Ye ColdTowne: True, Coldtowne is located in a wack location. True, Coldtowne is a small room underneath the tromping feet of I Luv Video patrons. True, Coldtowne is BYOBeverage, and doesn't serve. True, Coldtowne is sometimes chilly, but it's pretty rare. We're IN AUSTIN. Put a sweater on, pansy. These truths, though self-evident, and not deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, or their rights or duties or some other nonsense I stole from an important U.S. historical document, are still not the reasons for the 4 star. I mean really, how often are the places you've seen the best live entertainment due to the construction of the venue and a bar? Yeah ok don't answer that. Because let me tell you, when you are filled with a black despair that threatens to overshadow all of your existence, and If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire Coldtowne - to teach your sick, depressed black ass how to do improv comedy. Now, I'm not saying that the almighty Coldtowne teaching skills of Lisa Jackson swooped down from on higheth to perfectly fix my tarry mood, no sah. I'm not saying that I haven't snorted gluten-free granola bar through my nose while doing a weird practice exercise in which I gave my new friend Vicki the following fictitious character traits she had to embody thereafter: 1) Amazonian 2) has weird thing about touching own shoulders that feels really, really good 3) has job as lumberjack that makes no. 2 very, very difficult But I am saying it certainly didn't hurt, and I'm since I'm taking Level 2, obviously I got something good out of it. The only reason Coldtowne gets the 4 star is because I am a near teetotalin' picky picky bastard. If I don't think people are really funny, I am just not going to laugh. Drunk people tend to laugh more, so me not drinkin' ain't gonna help, either. So if I go to a show that has a random troupe of Coldtowners, or somebody from out of town I don't know - the odds of my picky inner laughing boy getting something out of it are longer than for some other folks, maybe. I know I'm not being fair. Life isn't fair, buckaroo. I always want to see the performers I like best, all together, doing their funny thing. But people like me can't always get what we want. [sob] I can tell you, tho, that the finest of Coldtowne improv-ers all performing together are great. If you are lucky, you may have the pleasure of observing this rare combination of The People Edison Thinks Are the Best He's Seen At Coldtowne, But Whom He Can't Mention Here Collectively Lest He Be Smote Out Of Class Due To A Conflict Of Something Or Other. Fortunately for y'all, Coldtowne has many shows a week, during which you might see this confluence of beings make you laugh milk out of your forehead. And a good number of those shows are free or really cheap. The point of all this is: Coldtowne improv is good stuff, and I need to lighten the fuck up. There's other places you could go see comedy in this town, but I'd go here first. read more

Yes, a million times, yes! I've known for the longest time that ColdTowne was here. I always hear the laughter radiating through the floors of I Luv Video above it. First of all, it's BYOB - amazing! You can get water, soda, and cups in the lobby area. It's also very Affordable - we only paid $5 each to see a show, and then the second show was free - which was super cool. The atmosphere is really cozy. We ended pu in the only row of movie theater seats, in the 2nd of 3 rows of seating. Other options are couches and free standing chairs. There is a large variety of people here, from young to old, to pajamas to heels. But let's talk about the talent. Holy goodness....hilarious. I loved every minute of it. I like that they stay involved with the audience, that it's not pretentious or over the top, it's just funny and real. I also enjoyed talking to the actors/improvers afterwards outside while they explain how you can take classes like them. I have definitely found the thing to do when you don't wanna spend a lot of money but you feel like going to do something. read more

Unfortunately, this is my least favorite venue of those I've been to for improv shows. I really like the Hideout for its convenient downtown location and nice downstairs cafe. The Salvage Vanguard's location isn't any better than ColdTowne's, but at least they have an art exhibit while you wait, and inside tends to be way more spacious and quiet. Coldtowne has a rather boring waiting area with little seating. At least you can go next door to grab a beer and donut while you wait. Not a huge deal, but a little effort here would be nice. Also, I'm not sure what is above the theater, but there is the constant noise of footsteps above you when trying to watch the show. Regardless, I've enjoyed many an improv show while going here. This speaks nothing to the acts or events at the theater, just to the venue itself. read more

Close to my house - +1 Free - +1 BYOB - +1 Cool people working there - +1 Comedy - meh Definitely worth checking out, but don't expect to be blown away by the quality of the improv. They also offer improv classes - I'd really like to take some...maybe I can enhance the quality of the performances. read more

This theater is incredible. It only seats about 30 people, and it feels like a big, comfy living room. ColdTowne Heroes (the people who run the theater) are some of the hardest working folks in Austin. They have everything from improv to stand-up to sketch comedy five nights a week. Parking is good -- if the lot is full, just park on the street. Don't forget to BYOB. That's one of the best things about this place. If you do forget, there are two gas stations next door to the theater that sell booze. read more

Of the many critical life lessons Trevanian taught us in Shibumi, my personal Bible, surely the most significant is the reason behind Nicholai Hel's preference for caving over mountain climbing. Mountain climbing is for showboaters. A true daredevil does his work underground, completely out of sight, and his success is all the sweeter for being secret. ColdTowne is not a large theater, and the comics working here are still far distant from international superstardom. Don't go knocking their work on that account. Not until you've tried standing up onstage with four friends with no idea whatsoever of what you'll be saying or doing over the next hour--just that you'd damn well better be funny. The Friday night improv show was awesome. The troupe uses a song lyric cue from the audience to create a live movie. My mom is pretty hard to please, but my 10-year-old son and I loved it. He dug the humor, and while I did too what blew my mind was the courage of these lunatics and their trust in one another. It's a cheap early show that lets out in just enough time for a taco meal at Tyson's or, if you don't mind a wait on the patio with some cold sake, a lovely meal at Kome, both right up the street. Don't wait for visitors from out of town. This show deserves much local love and support. read more