I have never seen live Improv and it was incredibly impressive. I hosted a small client event at Stone Soup Improv and I reached out to folks who attended after the fact and everyone loved it. So this review is only a single review, but there is research from about 20 other people behind it. Everyone I asked would give Stone Soup Improv 4 or 5 stars. My cheeks hurt until Tuesday following the show. Even the skits that bombed were funny. An absolutely great time. I would certainly recommend Stone Soup to anyone who is wavering. read more

Improv is hard, man. I know that from attempting it at a couple of workshops within the last year, during which I bounced from the high of getting something really right to the low of feeling the trickle of yolk on my face. Which is why I applaud the six brave souls of Stone Soup Improv, who hit way more highs than lows in the show I attended last night. Stone Soup consists of three guys and three gals, though gender was highly irrelevant during their entertaining romp of a show in which roles were often reversed to strong comedic effect. Female performers played mustachioed bartenders in a Western and a stalking boyfriend in a Paris nightclub. Blokes were suddenly aged mothers and passionate daughters in scenes from a Spanish soap opera. Mind you, this show had much more than gender reversal going on: there were talking wristwatches, two-faced customer service representatives, kung fu masters, bullfighting dentists, world knitting championship competitors - all conjured up out of the imagination of the performers, with seeds planted by the audience. There were memorable moments sprinkled throughout the show, my favorites being the poetry slams performed by Jonathan Stern and Dan Rosenthal (about dish soap lingerie and eagle scouts, respectively) and the song composed on the spot by the magnetic Jennifer Simmons built around random words lobbed in by the audience (you try coming up with lyrics on the theme of Nantucket, including the words pterodactyl, eukelele and fink). And even occasionally less successful skits became classic - when Ryan Fuller turned to Stern in the middle of one scene and said " I'm lost", the audience roared, sharing Fuller's confusion. A couple of skits fell a little flat, but that's the beauty of improv - you shut the scene down, wipe the slate, and start over. In the interests of full disclosure, I should make it known that I work with three members of this cast. Regardless though, I'd recommend this show to anyone looking for a night of unpredictable comedy where just about anything can happen. read more

Having lived across the street from Second City in Chicago for two years, I must say I was missing my improv after moving to San Francisco. Luckily, some friends suggested I check out Stone Soup Improv in Oakland. Definitely worth the trip over the bridge (especially if you combine it with dinner at one of the great Rock Ridge restaurants)! The night I went, two of the regular troup members weren't performing, so I'm definitely planning to go back and for another show soon. They perform the first Saturday of every month -- so I'll have another chance soon. read more

This was my first time at an improv show and it was a blast! Everyone in the audience got really into the show (there was lots of audience participation and at one point two audience members volunteered to go on stage and become part of the act - it turned into one of the funniest bits)! It's also nice that they solicit the audience for suggestions on the spot and some of mine made it in! The improv members all seemed like they were enjoying themselves too, and who doesn't appreciate the opportunity to take a picture with a giant carrot after the show? The show is a lot of fun, is great for all audiences, and definitely does not break the bank! If you're looking for something to do by yourself or with some friends and enjoy comedy but don't want to trek over to the city, why not give Stone Soup Improv a shot? read more

I wanted to leave a more recent review for this page. I was impressed by the reviews here on Yelp, but was kind of nervous because the last review was from 2013. But let me tell you, I was not disappointed! I booked for a party of 30 (we were all college students), and they were willing to accommodate seating for our group. From the very beginning, all of us were cracking up. The humor was clean/appropriate. And they were a talented, energetic, fun, and welcoming cast and crew. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the Bay Area! read more

Went to see their two hour improv comedy skit on a Saturday night. The first hour was strong, think I may have been crying from laughing so hard. Second hour was funny, but a little bland here and there (they did some singing, which I'm not a big fan of.) Overall, they definitely did more than I could have done! These guys are pretty funny, and keep coming with lots of good, innovative material! I think they do a routine every first saturday of the month and it was only $10/person! read more

Three words: Fun Fun Fun! Went last night with friends to see someone we know in the troupe, but the experience would have been worth it even if we had walked in off the street! We will definitely go again. Live performances,audience participation singing (great singing), dancing (they are NOT dancers though!) and comedy up the ying yang. read more

They do shows at the Temescal Arts Center on the first Saturday of each month. The cover is $6 for students/seniors and $9 for everyone else. When I went there were four performers - two gentleman and two ladies. They performed various, unrehearsed 2-3 minute skits througout the night. Some were funnier than others, but on the whole it was very entertaining. I have definitely seen better improv, but also paid much more. For the price and location (very close to my apartment), I would definitely recommend for those looking for something fun to do on a Saturday night in Oakland. read more

I really have enjoyed this group's shows the two times I've gone. They've been hilarious! The cast plays off each other wonderfully well, and even if someone makes a mistake, that becomes part of the comedy or a running gag. This is a sign of some good comedians. Plus, there are some very talented vocalists in the group, and doing improv comedic singing is a particular talent that several of the individuals pull off well. So yeah, they're awesome. Go see 'em. read more

First improv show I've seen. The show was much like "Who's line is it Anyway". The night consisted of multiple skits involving audience suggestions and even participation. The performers were very creative and friendly. Overall the show was very entertaining and well worth the the $9, I'll be looking forward to the next show :) read more

This was an excellent show at an excellent price. They do so much to engage the audience that I would highly recommend this for groups of friends to go to. Don't go alone! At times the pace was slow, but for six bucks (student price) it was completely worth it. read more

Super fun. I would definitely go back to see them again. Great thing to do with a group of friends.

Great show! I laughed just about as much as I would watching "Whose Line", but it's live and has a fun amount of audience participation. Great thing to do as a unique date, or with a group of friends. I visualize this show getting bigger than it is now, so get in while it's nice and intimate. read more

I was expecting this troupe to be kinda hokey, so I was unprepared for how awesome the show was! PG(ish) so it's good for kids, say 9 and up. WAY WAY better than a movie for a date night. Loads of yummy spots in the neighborhood. Make a night of it! read more

I have been seeing them perform for years, and enjoy them every time. The troupe has been working together for years, blend with each other very well, and they are very funny. read more

A drama professor of mine used to always say that a show is successful if after the show the audience goes out into the night changed, and with a smile on their face. I guarantee no one left the last Stone Soup Improv show without a huge smile on their face and some great memories. Stone Soup did an excellent job of keeping an exciting pace and engaging the audience; any time a scene peaked or a joke started to dry, the Improve troupe was on to a new game. My abdomen practically cramped up from all the laughing. Stone Soup has a performance the first Saturday of every month through the end of 2008; you can expect to see me there every time unless I have a very good excuse! read more

Always guaranteed for a evening of hearty laughter. Their once a month show is now at Berkeley FUU, easy to get to, and with plenty of on-street parking. It's easy to come early, park and then hoof it over to Shattuck for a choice of restaurants before the show. I love to meet friends there when laughter therapy is needed - and who doesn't need that in today's world! First Saturday of every month. Shows themed by whatever's going on that month - just attended the one for Valentine's Day. Prices are a steal of a deal! read more

If you are looking for a fun time Do check this out !!!!! Audiance participation lots of laughs an overall good time!!!!! I will be back!

My friend and I thought we'd grab some improv and decided we'd give Stone Soup a try though not knowing too much about them. We were very delighted in our experience. Its located in Temescal and there's plenty of neat restaurants and bars nearby. We had wine before the show just around the corner and moseyed over. The arts center where the shows are held is humble, but it adds to the feeling that this is a grassroots local troupe with diehard fans. There were many returning audience members and I got the feeling that this troupe has already a cult-like following. The set is bare-no wacky ornamentation, just good players. The troupe performs well together-very tight knit. The audience, my friend and I included, loved the show. It was classic short form improv with smart, daring, and truly funny players. In short, it makes for a great date night, good laughs, and much better than doing 'the movie thing'. read more

I must say this is one of the better improv shows I have seen. The cast is funny and the special effects (lightening and music) really make the show pop. Keep it up! read more

Saw them at Temescal this week - excellent show, had us rolling with laughter. I've done a fair bit of impro myself, so I really appreciate when a group can put on something authentic and unrehearsed and still entertain the audience. read more

My wife discovered this show through a co-worker over a year ago. I've attended at least 10 shows and can say I've always enjoyed their performances. Whether it's 4 or all 7 up front it is funny and uplifting. Tonight I was coming off a migraine and the Halloween special made my headache leave for good. The Italian Zombie Opera was the best. The finale of the progressive high school football team was a great way to end the show. My face hurt from laughing so much. Each member brings a unique style to how improv can be dished out to the audience. No matter which members of the troop are performing they work well alone or with any other member. No one member stands out because each style is funny and adds to the skit that keeps the creative idea moving in a new direction. My wife and I always reserve the first Saturday evening of each month for this laugh filled night to escape the stress of everyday life. read more

I can't say enough this improv group. I have been going to their shows every month for years now. I look forward to it all month long. These show are really special to witness. The talent of this group is phenomenal, their chemistry is amazing, and they are hysterically funny. But, mostly, it's just so much fun. They make you feel so at home, welcome, and involved in the creativity. I think they are more lively and full and energy then any other improv group in the area. They have their own special style that you just have to experience to understand. It's fast paced, witty, wacky, intelligent, and beautiful. Go see for yourself! It is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night. You will adore each member and their warm personalities, and it will leave you wanting more and wondering what hit you. They will completely absorb you. read more