My husband and I went to NCT for a date night. The improv show we went to was on a Friday evening and I can't think of a better way to end the work week. Laughing that hard was seriously therapeutic! We bought sodas and popcorn at the front. The popcorn was tasty. Then we grabbed two seats (open seating, which can also accommodate those in wheelchairs or with physical disabilities). Amy was the host and she was fantastic at engaging the audience. All the players were truly hilarious, creative and so talented. We had a blast! Overall, NCT was a great choice for a date night. While we were there we learned some shows are actually clean family-friendly comedy (no cursing) so we are planning to bring our daughter to a show! This would be a great evening activity if you have family visiting from out of town :) read more

See all

Attended recently with hubby plus 2 kids. Saw the Friday "storyteller" performance. We were all a little disappointed. (Keep in mind we haven't been to a show since they moved to the new location). While each story had a few funny moments, they were fleeting. The stories were w-a-y too long and drawn out. Forget the kids (who were confused as heck) - I had a hard time tracking the action (maybe it would have been better if I had been drinking). So, if you've got kids, skip Friday night and go on a Saturday when two teams try to "out improv" each other. That's what we plan to do. Fingers crossed it'll be a better show. read more

Came here for a Wildjoy event to see my first comedy improv show and it was a blast! I laughed so hard my stomach hurt lol. The theater is in the back room of this bar in the heart of downtown Mesa just a couple blocks from Tacos Chiwas which is where we had dinner before we walked over to the show. Apparently they do a musical comedy show too which I definitely want to see next time! They also had popcorn for sale for the show and the bar has an extensive beer menu. I highly suggest going here if you don't get easily offended and definitely try the beers too they're delicious! read more

Do you know what Improv is? If you don't, that's okay! My husband and I weren't sure either until we wandered in to NCT on Saturday night for a competitive comedy show. We were able to buy tickets online with Apple Pay, which is always convenient! Upon arrival, we entered into a bar area that was full of people having a good time socializing and laughing. At that point, we already had a feeling we picked the right place for a date night. Next, we found our way to the back of the room, to find the theatre room. It was a small room with plenty of chair. We were greeted by the Host of the show. He checked us in and told us to choose any seat we liked (we were the first ones to check in). They have a small concession area inside the theatre with popcorn, candy, bottled sodas, and water bottles for sale. However, we had already eaten dinner & did not partake. You are also able to buy drinks at the bar (the area that we walked into once we entered the building). The show started right on time & the Host was very informative throughout the night. You don't have to know what Improv is or how things work, because he will guide you through it all. We were laughing the whole time- and a show is roughly 2 hours long! It was so much fun! The whole show is very audience interactive- so if that's something you enjoy, Improv is for you! I personally felt that this show was funnier than any stand up comedy act I've ever been to. I also like that everything is on the spot and unscripted. That makes it extra fun! All in all, we had a wonderful evening and can't believe it took us this long to find NCT! They have shows every weekend, so we will definitely start coming back on a regular basis! read more

The venue is a small intimate space wiyh a stage. Fits about 15-20 people. They serve a small selection of snacks like popcorn, candy, and soda. The comedy is improv style, and the comedians are pretty good. Since everything is improv no two shows are the same. They encourage a good amount of audience participation as well. The earlier show is kids friendly, which is the one we attended and it's pretty good still. I'm guessing thelate show is the not kids friendly version. read more

The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Don't blink as you walk by NTC or you'll miss it. It's a nondescript storefront on a busy little street. Sandwiched between a chicken shop and an adorable sidewalk restaurant, the space is perfect for this committed group of improvisers. They have a variety of shows, so make sure to know what you're seeing. As someone who's performed improv many times, I knew what to expect with the long form storyteller evening, but my friend didn't enjoy it at all. She really wanted the standard, interactive improv. Unfortunately, most of the audience on this particular Friday night felt the same. There was a scant audience of six people when the show started and by the end, all that remained were me and my friend. It's tough enough to perform improv in a classroom or in front of a full audience, but this professional group of performers soldiered on and did outstanding (no matter what my friend thought). As with any improv company, there were strong performers and newbies, but everyone was able to contribute and there were some glorious laugh-out-loud moments. My only negative comment is about the guest storyteller. Not once did she look as us. I'm sure there was some disappointment about the crowd size, but be professional and interact with the audience, even if it's only two people. It felt like she didn't care, looking at the ceiling the entire time she was speaking, and that's when comedy falls flat. You have to interact with your audience or, in this case, at least acknowledge my existence. It really drug down the entire show. As a performer, it's our duty to carry the show as best we can no matter the circumstances. Kudos to the players! That had to be super tough, but know that your efforts did not go unappreciated. Keep up the brilliant work. Can't wait to come back next time in town. read more

We had a fantastic night of laughs with this group!! Very talented quick witted performers. We'll be back and recommending to others!

Had lots of fun and laughs here! There are no bad seats in the house, but I would recommend arriving early so you can be seated in the middle. I loved the audience participation elements. Allowed us to feel like we were a part of the show, picking the games and choosing elements of the games. read more

Funny, funny, funny! I recommend it! First time at ANY comedy show and such a great experience! I was a little skeptical if it was really improv but it is because they use audience's suggestions. It is a small tiny place and you can possibly miss it if you're not paying attention when you're driving by. Definitely, have fun at this place! It's fun to watch and fun to be part of it! In your birthday month, you can get a free ticket if you're on the mailing list. Seems like a great date place if you're looking for a date idea in Arizona. read more

The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre - Bathroom - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

See all

My cousin and I decided to go to this comedy show while we were in town. Parking was horrible (not their fault-street parking). The venue was small which was kind of cool. It was a competitive improv show. It wasn't the kind that would roast the audience or make them feel uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, it was a family friendly show-though there weren't any underage children at that specific one. It was just good ol anything for a laugh clean fun. I would recommend for all ages. We really enjoyed it. read more

I went here for the first time last night, and I had the best time! I've never been to an improv show before and have only been to comedy theaters to see headliners before so I wasn't sure what to expect. They kept the humor clean and to my surprise I actually had such a great time! They so have a concessions stand to buy popcorn and candies from, and different alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. read more

It just wasn't good... at all. I have been to many comedy shows and venues. Improv, Stand up, sketch, you name it. I can not say that this place does comedy very well. The performers were second rate at best. They were not worth the price and the competitive show format was just so forced and a rip off of Comedy Sports verbatim. It was an unoriginal lack lust experience and I would not want to pay the addition price for National Comedy Theater again. Just the thought that they are a nation brand frightens me and I don't understand how this place could even do well in Mesa. The vibe of the place from the time you walk in to the time you leave is just awkward and cringe worthy. Felt uncomfortable the whole time and I have not felt that way with other comedy venues. If you want to bring your friends or kids here for a fun night out my recommendation would be to suggest them to read a book instead. might get more laughs that way. read more

Issa Groupon is bring me to da National Comedy Theatre. Ima think issa was sketchy when I drive by issa inna back o' strip mall-ey area wissa lottsa empty places. Ima guffaw anna LOL inna dis place. Issa make-a you anna me happy anna have a goofy a grin onna da face. Issa good place anna you musta go there now. Issa improvo anna issa comedy anna you like it. Issa good deal too. You try it now. Ima thank you. Dissa gonna go to a dees a peoples: @nctphoenix Ok, Ima alla done now. read more

Fun as always. It's an improv show similar to Who's Line is it anyway. Audience participation is required from cheering to picking what games the comics will play. Points are kept, blue against red team. It's a lot of fun and the 1.5 hr hours goes by fast. They have a ten minute intermission after 1hr. They have a small snack bar. Popcorn and candy bars are $2. They also serve beer and non alcoholic beverages. This is fun for everyone in the family. Bring your grandma, father, cousin, sister, girlfriend, kids. Bring the whole family! read more

See all

Absolutely hilarious. I loved the set up and I cannot wait to come back for a second time. The outdoor atmosphere was so fun and everyone there was so so friendly. read more

Our group of 10 (5 couples) that has been doing NYE for longer than we can remember had a great time at the NCT Phoenix 2018. Really energetic and entertaining. Highly recommended for anyone looking for some NYE fun. read more

This was was my first time going to an improv comedy club so I wasn't really sure what to expect. Oh my gosh -- I am hooked!! I sent out the info to all my friends to go to this place. It was absolutely hilarious!!!! The talent these people have and so quick with funny lines and actions. My face hurt from laughing so much. I even cried at one point. Freaking best place ever. I will be back. In a world that is so negative all of the time - this place is wonderful for some comedy relief. You can even get snacks and drinks at a reasonable price. This place is a great escape. Wonderful people. read more

Love this place! We went to the later showtime. It was not packed. Plenty of seats. No bad seat in the house ^_^ The cast interacted, and kept us engaged throughout. They offer snacks, adult bevies, at reasonable cost. No minimum to purchase. Tix cost varied. However, we paid 10.00 per person due to coupon code. Plenty of parking as well. read more

I wasn't sure what to expect and I have been to improve before and I know it is different every time. I decided to go here because I wasn't sure what else to do in Arizona and I didn't feel like going partying or drinking. This place is in the middle of a small strip mall. It looks shady from the outside, which is why you can't judge a book by its cover because on the inside it is pretty awesome. There are pictures everywhere and the bathroom has character with all the red mirrors all over the walls. Now onto the show. The show was amazing, I really like how they included the audience for suggestions and input. They had a bunch of different skits and performed as 2 teams competing against each other. Tip: I found discounted tickets here on Goldstar.com so if you want discounted tickets for a comedy show in Arizona check it out. read more

I recently took NCT's level 1 Improv Workshop and I LOVED it. My first class I awkwardly sat on stage and nervously laughed and couldn't come up with anything. By the end of the class, I was kung-fu-ing my way to rescue Princess Miyuki with a prince who still lived with his parents. The class focuses on the basics of Improv - listening, "yes, and", relationships, responding emotionally and staying rooted in reality. Dorian was able to provide consistent guidance and constructive criticism to move me forward as an actor. The other students are equally awesome, as everyone is at least some form of funny. I would recommend (and do recommend!) everyone I know at least take a level 1 improv class, and I love the people at NCT. The skills I've gained from 6 weeks of workshop have already helped me become a better listener and improviser at work, as well as with friends. Looking forward to more Improv with NCT in the future! read more

Thanks to Groupon, husband, I and two friends went to a show a few weeks ago @ NCT. What fun! As a former thespian, I was able to relive my own high-school improv days. I love the audience participation bits - it was quite hilarious (and mildly disappointing, when you think about it) when people kept shouting out incorrect parts-of-speech. Doesn't anyone know what an adverb is?! Alas, I'm not rating the audience... The actors/comedians were entertaining, interactive and lots of fun to watch. I especially liked the small, black-box theatre... makes for a nice intimate experience, where you actually feel like part of the show :) A fun date night idea for any age. read more

The place: Intimate theater barely begins to describe this theater. If you weren't specifically looking for it, you wouldn't know it was there. It's hidden in a strip mall - so make sure you have your directions in hand. Really it's not that hard to find ... The experience: Some of THE best entertainment for your dollar in the east valley. I have been twice, and saw two completely different shows. Some of the "games" that were played were same/similar, but the audience interactions ensures it's always fresh and new. We went with a bunch of friends for my wife's birthday - they made sure to get her involved ... and it would up being the funniest part of the show (naturally since they were funning on my family). They even gave us two free tickets to come back another time!! My wife and I really enjoyed the experience (as did our friends) and we're excited to use the tickets. The bottom line: If you're looking for something to do on a Friday or Saturday evening, you'd be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable time. If you're reading this review before 5/1/09 ... they are having a one year anniversary that weekend ... Friday/Sat/Sun shows ... check it. You can hit the site showup.com for discounted tickets. ----The reason only #/5? Like anything, some of the stuff is really funny, but some of the stuff misses ... so a slight knock ... still 100% worth while though.--- Edit: Not only is it an improv comedy theater, but HOLY SMOKES, it is a school too! That makes for a 5 star super fun time awesome place. read more

It was my 30th birthday and took my huge group there because I've always trusted yelp not to steer me wrong. We had to leave in the middle because it was THAT bad, we didn't "boo" or anything rude. It was not funny... At all. We are very easily entertained, but this was awful. Go to another improv, my husband and I have gone to many others and been entertained - , I understand any improv will not always be amazing, but I've never been to one this bad. This venue was nicer than others I've been to, but the talent was just NOT there. It felt like a bunch of high school kids getting together on the weekends who thought they were hilarious to themselves. That's the best way I can describe it. Without my people taking up 2.5 rows, there were about 10 other people there last night. Save yourself the $14 and go anywhere else for laughs. I tried to save my group money by not going to see Adam Corolla last night, big mistake. Luckily, my birthday was salvaged by a quick trip to a bar. read more

Checked out NCT last night for the first time. It was pretty fun. We paid 1/2 price thanks to Groupon, and it was definitely worth the $6/ticket. We are HUGE Jester'z fans, and NCT doesn't quite compare. Unlike Jester'z, NCT has two teams who compete against each other for points. Hubby & I weren't a big fan of this as it's more fun to have all the players interacting and playing off each other. Also, Jester'z performs nonstop for 90 minutes. NCT takes a 10 minute intermission which just seems unnecessary. You get more bang for your buck at Jester'z. Positives: 5 out of the 6 players were quite funny. Games were creative. Lots of audience participation. Negatives: Seats are incredibly uncomfortable. Lots of time is wasted with exhaustive explanations of rules. 10 minute intermission. read more

My husband and I found this little gem of a theater thanks to Groupon, and the price was good for a spontaneous date night, so we decided to buy it and use it on their midnight improv show (which starts at 11:45PM, be warned!). We showed up twenty minutes early and were literally the only guests there until about five minutes before showtime. We started to panic thinking we might be the only ones in the audience. Improv is awkward enough... imagine the entertainers performing for an audience of two. Cue cringe. Fortunately, the place filled up right before the show began, and we were on our way. The place itself is... quaint? Seats aren't super comfortable, there is no stadium seating or anything like that, but the walls are really neat and littered with awards, performers' profiles, and retro posters. There is also a concession stand on the way into the theater. Overall, the establishment on first impression is great, but the theater itself was lacking a little. Kind of blah, like a cafeteria or something with dim lights to make it seem more homey. I know that this was an improv show, but I feel like the announcer should at least be prepared confidently host, but it seemed like they just took him off the street and said, "Hey, I need you to introduce this thing, come with me!" I'm certainly not upset about that, but it was just a little thing that I think they can improve on. I was also sad that out of the ten or so performers, not one was a woman. I know that they do have women performers for other shows, but I feel like they should have women represented in every show. I know this is a personal preference, but I really would have enjoyed it more, had there been a few qualified females onstage. That being said, although as with improv, not everything will be a hit, I found a lot of the content pretty darn funny. There were two guys that really stole the show (bearded chubby man and tan dude with glasses, I'm looking at you), but overall the performers were entertaining and fun to watch. I would likely come back again, because my husband and I did have a good time overall, and the tickets are inexpensive. Check it out if you have the time, and keep an eye out on Groupon for good deals! read more

This is similar to Jester's in Scottsdale, but better in my opinion. Just to give an idea, it's like 'Who's Line is it Anyway?', so every show is completely different. This is squeaky clean improv humor at its best. These people stand out from other comedy troupes that I've seen. They have two teams and a referee, and they get points based on audience response. They have a lot of audience involvement, and they have a wide variety of games. It was hilarious. Well worth the $10.00. They gave us free popcorn, and it was actually 2 for 1 night so it was only $5 each. I don't know if they do this every Friday or not, it might be a good idea to call and see when they have that deal. Tip: I think this would be a great place for a date...unless your date doesn't appreciate clean humor, in which case you might check out the Tempe Improv or other venue, but you'll be paying more. read more

I loved this place! We've always gone to the early, family friendly show and I am blown away at the caliber of people doing the show. I'll be back! read more

A hilarious family--friendly night out! I took my 17 year old daughter and 13 year old son to NCT last Friday night. We had a fantastic time! The performers are top notch, and the family friendly atmosphere was fantastic. They have a policy that no performer, or audience member, can say anything lude, crude or indecent and I really appreciated that. The audience is involved throughout and the games they played were great. If you're looking for a great night out I recommend it highly! read more

Overall, the show was very very funny. We were not a very creative audience and they still made this night so wonderful. They have a lot of creative skits that I haven't seen at other improv shows. The staff was so sweet, welcoming and very entertaining. I waited outside with one of the comedians (Trisha) while the rest of the comedians and audience were getting ready for the next skit. She was so nice and it was really great to hear her story of how she became one of the weekend comedians. There is a concession area that has a variety of drinks including alcohol. We will definitely be back. We want to check out there uncensored night that happens once a month. read more

It's not as it would seem from the outside, and that's a very good thing. I'm a screenwriter living in Phoenix, and I was looking for someway to develop my dialogue skills in a certain way. And it wasn't going to be from some silly screenwriting class at a learning annex or some such malarkey. So last Fall, I took to doing some research and then soon came upon the National Comedy Theatre. Very glad I did, too. At this point, you can safely deduce that this is going to be a gleaming recommendation of the highest order. So January of the new year came along quickly thereafter and the first level of Dorian Lenz' Improv Workshop was nothing short of amazing. Nobody walked in a pro, and nobody walked out a pro, but we all walked out as players who knew what the art of improvisational comedy was all about. And it's NOT easy. Dorian is both a character and a man of his craft who works with his vast knowledge of improvisation, and is never pretentious or above the class he's instructing, which is the sign of a consummate professional. Each Tuesday night we met at the NCT's West Mesa location near Mesa Community College. Two hours blows by fast when you're totally in the moment, as improv comedy demands. You'll find yourself doing things that you didn't know you could do, all while having a magnificent time. Money well spent, and even better if you actually plan to go on to their other classes, which the NCT absolutely offers. With some friends on a blisteringly cold Saturday evening, I recently took in the 7:30pm show. They do two shows per night on Fridays and Saturdays. The overall entertainment factor is a 10. You're immersed in a 100-seat room that is both raucous and still family-oriented. In fact, the moderator or referee will shove a big brown paper sack on your head if you get out of the PG-rated zone. Two teams do comedy battle for 90 minutes, and if you haven't cracked up at least a few times, there really is something wrong with you. As their epic fridge magnet exclaims, "If you don't laugh, you're probably a communist." Mad props go out to Heath, who sacrificed body and mind to give an eclectic Marty McFly performance that I know I'll remember for years to come. It's the kind of entertainment that you want to stand up and cheer for because it's just that good. The best thing about the NCT is that it's really for anyone with a brain, which I would hope is most Phoenicians. You'll need to step outside of your comfort zone and actually use that brain to get the most of out everything the National Comedy Theatre offers, as most things worth experiencing will have one do. Cheers, Andrew Flynn Deer Valley, AZ read more

I guess I expected to be blown away by an average of almost five stars - I just wasn't. Don't get me wrong, I laughed, and I was entertained, but I was kind of let down. It's still worth going, but maybe I need to go on a non-holiday-ish day to get the full effect. We went last night for black Friday - and I suppose I was hoping for a mix of guys and gals - but all eight players were fellas. It is not easy to be funny - especially when it's on the fly - so I give credit where credit's due, what these players do is not so simple. That said, I would only give a thumbs up to about half of them - as the other half just didn't cut the mustard. The seats weren't what I'd call comfortable - like straight from the auditorium from your elementary school that needed to be renovated back in the '80's. The concessions were plentiful, and reasonably priced - so no complaints there. The wait staff was courteous as well. I don't think it makes me a bad person to want more of an adult theme for the late night show either. I think it's perfectly reasonable to do a family friendly show in the early evening - but then let the players act a little more tongue in cheek for the late night show - to satisfy those of us who prefer grown up humor. That would be my biggest bit of feedback - you could tell that some of them really had great "decisions" that they had to reign in due to the "brown bag rule" (rule that does not allow for any non-PG humor). read more

Had a great time here... a solid 2 hours of performance. They rely heavily on crowd participation so beware :) No alcoholic drinks, just popcorn and sodas. Funny people, great staff, salty popcorn... I will be coming back :O read more

I'm a bit shocked that the reviews on this place are so high. I do believe I am picky when it comes to comedy but I just was okay with this place and the show that was put on. The seats are quite uncomfortable, old fashion, gold theater style seats. The show is interactive which made it fun in some ways and bad in others. (I wasn't familiar with things like World of Warcraft that were thrown out as suggestions from the audience.) I would say I was bored more often then laughing. The skits were drawn out to much at times. I don't think I will bother to go back. It is nice that it is so kid friendly though. read more

We held a group event for 80 employees at The Venue last week and invited a crew of 7 comedians to perform the entertainment. Krissy (National Comedy Theatre) was very flexible and easy-going during the planning process. Especially because I was planning the event out of state. On the day of, the group showed up on time, planned a sound check and kicked off the day with great laughs. It was two teams of three (RED and BLUE) and an official referee to keep things on track. They two groups were very funny and and kept our attention for an hour. It was a great time! After the event I polled the employees and they got great reviews. It was nice to do something different, relax, have a cocktail and great laughs for an afternoon. Thanks Krissy! read more

I discovered this place about 2 years ago and let me tell you - Wowser!!! If you're looking to laugh or learn improvisational comedy - look no farther! They have a snack bar that sells beer, wine, soda, water, candy and popcorn. The playhouse is in a strip mall and not too hard to see from the road. EVERYONE that works here is super friendly and extra conscientious; they are all beautiful and talented people! They do "clean" shows so you can bring your kids or people that have a more traditional sense of decorum. A solid 5 stars! Keep on rocking in the free world! read more

Went for the first time last night to see my friend Josh's improv group and the bucket of doom! So much fun, and very hilarious! They really get the audience involved which keeps the fun rolling! I can't wait to go back and see another show! Btw, the also sell refreshments and snacks at pretty reasonable prices. Got 3 beers and 2 bags of red vines for under 15 bucks, nice to have during the show! Thanks again NCT! read more

It costs about as much as going to a movie, lasts around the same time, but to watch funny games played out off the top of these people's heads is priceless. I don't laugh this much at the movies. PERFECT IDEA FOR A DATE!!! We went for a date night here. It is so much better than the normal dinner and a movie. They even had a pretty good IPA beer from a local brewery. I wish I could get those at a movie theater! The location seems a little shady at first, but that is because a lot of businesses went out of business around there after the recession hit. Most of the inhabitants of the neighborhood are just poor college kids that go to the local community college. Being mugged is highly unlikely, but the place could use a little more outside lighting. When you go inside, it is nice and clean. The staff was super nice. And did I mention they have beer? lol. This place is totally worth the trip and cost of admission. I can't wait to be able to get a babysitter and go with my wife again. Oh, and my kids are babies, but the content of the show is completely family friendly. I would say kids 6y+ would enjoy it.rs read more

My wife and I have the opportunity to go to several shows in the past month and have had a blast! The beauty of Improv Comedy is that it is always a new show. The players use suggestions from the audience for their hilarious scenes. And the "5 Things" game is one of funniest parts of the show, and demonstrates how gifted the players are. Highly recommend attending their show, they always have great offers. You will leave every show with a huge smile as the players high 5 the entire audience when they leave. A must watch in Phoenix. read more

Great improv comedy show. We laughed a lot and the consessions were reasonably priced. Next time we are in Az we will go again. read more

The Neighborhood Comedy Theatre - Comedy Clubs Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Great show for the whole family!! Well priced and casual, a fun night. There is a snack bar where you can buy popcorn, drinks including alcohol and chocolate bars. The owner runs the snack bar and she is very friendly. If you're looking for a more adult oriented show, the last Thursday of the month is uncensored and 18+. read more