I've been to the Torch Theatre twice to see my friends perform. The venue is nice and clean. The theatre itself has a large stage and several rows of seating, probably enough space for 20-30 people. Admission is affordable and you feel like you're supporting a good thing. The actors are passionate about what they do and even in the audience, it's a pleasure to be a part of the fun. The improve shows had several groups doing 15-minute sets and I liked all of the skits. I've never been, but apparently the Torch Theatre offers free improv classes every month. I think it's the first Saturday of every month. I have been thinking about going to a class, but haven't made it yet. The Torch Theatre has limited parking in front, but lots of space behind the building. The lightrail is very close if you don't feel like driving. Across the street is Hula's, a great spot for a snack, dinner, or just drinks. read more

The Torch Theatre - "The Phonies" improv group. - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

We had a fun time here for the skewed news hour. It's not easy being that funny with a newspaper article only to go off of, but this talented cast of individuals all have what it takes to make it work! It's a small intimate theater maybe seats 25 at most. You (the audience) get to choose from newspaper articles they leave out. For my article I chose the "smoke free apartment communities are trending". Not an easy topic and of course one scene went to another wherever the topics took them to. They were easily able to wrap them at the end and tie them into a nice rounded show. Really enjoyed it and while only a one hour show wouldn't hesitate to go back again. It's funny where the mind can take a subject, and entertaining as well. That's improv at its finest! read more

The Torch Theatre - Your basic black stage! newspapers to cut out articles for improv - Performing Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Downtown Phoenix has something really amazing, something that makes it stand out in the national comedy scene. It's called The Torch Theatre, and it's the only space dedicated to long-form improv in Arizona. The theater just opened this year, and it's wonderful to see this venue created by such a talented group of improvisers. The space is used to host classes and weekly shows, and the group behind it also puts on the annual Phoenix Improv Festival, which brings in prominent comedians from around the country. I went to the theater for the weekly Cagematch competition, where a challenger team takes on the champion from the previous week. The teams can perform any format they want, from one long scene with a single suggestion to short-form games throughout the show. You never know what you're going to get, and that's part of the fun. Audience members determine which team makes it onto the next week. This was just one of three shows that night, and every Friday and Saturday, there is a ton of programming to choose from. Tickets generally range from $5-$10, and the full schedule can be found here. It's fun to check out a lot of different types performances, and it's a great way to get immersed in downtown Phoenix culture. read more

I was expecting something else, like laughter, or funny, maybe even irreverent but no, that wasn't the case. If I didn't had this expectations, perhaps I shouldn't had gone, because well... it's a comedy club/theater. Then again I might not have the sense of humor needed to appreciate this lack of comedic humor. I don't think I will come to this theater again soon, maybe once I forget about it, I could be tricked into visiting this theater again. If you are looking to kill some time, maybe this might be for you, just don't have expectations. read more

I love coming here for an inexpensive night out. This little theater is Phoenix's "home for long-form improv." You get to have some great laughs, meet funny people, and cap it all off with a few cheap well drinks at H.B. Handratty's. A lot of people take classes here and then form a group with their classmates or friends, so the Torch has a great diversity of acts of local talent making up 20-30 minutes of comedy on the spot based on your suggestions. Beware, though, you might just walk into a show where you're expected to participate! read more

This small black box theater next to a pet salon is one of the best improv theaters in Arizona. Double Decker on Fridays at 8 is one of the best shows you can see at that time. Deborah is a fantastic team and it would be a crime if you didn't check them out at least once. read more

The theater is small, but the fun is huge! (see what I did there?) I had the opportunity to be a part of The Neighborhood last night. I've known about the theatre for awhile now, but had never been to see a show. They were great! I was quite impressed with how they took my silly stories and made them so much more exciting and hilarious than my actual life! The troupe works very well together. I did a lot of laughing. I definitely want to see more of their shows. It's different, and an inexpensive night out. They also have workshops, so if you ever want to try out improv, there are many opportunities available. Torch Theatre could actually get me into Phoenix more! Who'd a-thunk it? read more

They're doing preview nights ahead of their grand opening in a few weeks. $5 for the show - you can't go wrong! We saw 3 improv groups Saturday night featuring 15 or so actors. Very accomplished and very entertaining. They offer improv classes and a 'teaser' class to get your feet wet. I'm seriously considering being there the next one - Tue July 5. read more

I'm a big fan of long form improv and find the troupes at the Torch Theatre never disappoint. My favorite shows to attend are the Neighborhood and Cage Match. At the Neighborhood, the Torch invites a local to come and tell stories from their life. The troupes than perform improv based on the stories. I've discovered some awesome local poets, musicians and writers from these shows. Cage Match is a competition between two troupes. Since it's later in the evening, these performances can get a little raunchy, but I've found the improv artists are more apt to provide more clever and smart humor. read more

Stay away...this comedy ensemble is anything BUT funny! The Trifecta show was horrible, thankfully the last act kept me from walking out. Waste of $10. My friend sent me a txt halfway through it...."I need to go to the bathroom...Hula's bathroom". That's the restaurant across the street. Best laugh I had all night read more

I signed up for the Groupon that was offered this summer for a Level I Improv Class here. I did a little research beforehand and saw that it is a start-up cooperative comprised of local improv talents, many of whom have studied at Second City or with other famous workshops and improvisational groups around the country. I since learned that they are also thrilled to have their own space and have great spirit. I wasn't certain what to expect from improv class- and I was pleasantly surprised! I have been to a few improv shows, including Upright Citizens Brigade and a couple of other shows in LA and here in Phoenix. Improv is an acquired taste for many-- the scenes are often a bit unclear and you have to be really willing to roll with where the actors are going. Since I needed to just let loose and have fun, I figured this would be a great outlet! I worked with Sam, who is an absolute joy and very professional. I worry about a lack of organization when it comes to teaching something that seems very willy nilly, but he provided in-depth step-by-step guidelines to the art of working without guidelines, and that's pretty impressive! Each week featured a different lesson, and there was not a single class where I did not laugh a lot. Along with the class, you are required to see up to 4 shows for free as a student. My favorite is The Skewed News Hour. Members of the audience cut out news stories from provided newspapers and there are scenes put on based on those story suggestions. Hilarity ensues. One show in particular stood out when Warren Jeffs compound was the subject... Imagine my surprise when I found a pool under my chair because I laughed so hard (ok, not really). I have been impressed with this show's consistency and I have also enjoyed a couple of the others. Now it's one of my favorite things to go to Hula's and see an inexpensive show at the Torch afterward and have a complete evening! Spread the word! read more

Never once have I been disappointed by a show I've seen from Torch Theater. Never. In fact, those are usually the times I've laughed the hardest in my entire life. I go so often though, that it means I laugh hard. A lot. I wonder if I can get a physical condition from that. Oh well. It'll be worth it. From tournaments such as Cage Matches and the Phoenix Improv March Madness Playoffs (PIMMP), amazing troupes such as Searching for X, Mail Order Bride, Light Rail Pirates, and Galapagos, and improv classes, you are guaranteed a good time at one of their performances. Do yourself good and hop over to one of their many shows soon. read more

Torch is a little 30 person black box and I love going to shows there. My favorite show is "The Neighborhood" which is on Saturday nights at 9 and is where a local artist tells stories to the audience and then some of the top improvisers In town do their thing based on those stories. It's very funny. Lots of other good shows though from polished troupes that are based here in Phoenix but travel around the country performing to more experimental stuff by students or performers just out to have fun. read more

Saw the Skewed News Hour. Not sure if the performers are the same every week but... it was truly terrible - probably the worst comedy I've ever seen outside of a bizarre open mic night at a pizza joint in Chicago I once attended - and even that may have been better, at least the pizza was good and you didn't feel too bad ignoring the performers. The Skewed News Hour works like this: before the show, audience members go and cut out articles in some current and provided newspapers. They then tack their news articles to a cork board at the front of the room. The show starts. Performers rip a news article off the cork board and then read major portions of the article to the audience. The performers then start a series of skits purportedly "based" off the article just read. Sounds fine in theory, but the reality is awful. Based on the topic of the show you would expect the skits to be somewhat clever and somewhat related to actual current events. Sadly, the only relation the skits had to any news was basically to the general headline of the story. The substance of the news article seemed to act primarily as filler to provide the performers time to come up with skits. Rarely, if ever, did the substance appear in the skits and if it did it was in a very unsophisticated way ("oh! The body mentioned Hong Kong! Let's do this in Hong Kong!"). Honestly, the substance of the skit could have been created (and in fact probably was created) by individuals who have never read newspapers in their lives. For example, an article might mention school reform. The skit may begin in a school, or at a spelling bee, or at something vaguely related to education. However, beyond the setting there would be no mention whatsoever of any newsworthy issue related to education. Nothing about common-core, nothing about charter v public schools, nothing about anything really. Just random, pretty brainless "comedy." If you are hoping to find an intellectual comedy troupe, this is not it. Not even close. But perhaps you don't care about intellectual comedy or lame hooks, perhaps you just want comedy. Even then I couldn't recommend this show. The comedy, notwithstanding the established expectations of what the show might be like, was... not even sub-par. I, and others, felt fairly consistently embarrassed by the quality of the performance. There was clapping at the end of our show, but I think most were claps of relief that our fifty minutes of awkwardness had ended. read more

A really passionate group of artists who are trying to build a place for people to do improv as an art, and not just as something you get annoyed by and want to punch. Has a really cozy interior which is good for this kind of audience interaction. Also, the exterior is near many fine restaurants and within walking distance of the light rail...if you happen to live near light rail stops, this is good. A good time to be had in a good location with good people. With goodness. read more

I'm a level one student at the Torch and I can't say enough about how wonderful it is. Javier makes class enjoyable and safe for all. He's extremely helpful as he provides specific, immediate feedback and praise. I leave class feeling energetic and like I've made some growth. I highly recommend anyone sign up for classes and/or attend shows. Seriously talented people here. Come join the fun! read more

#TorchPhx Please Share This is an open letter to The Torch Theatre Board and to the Torch Theatre Community. Initially, I was going to talk about my history with The Torch Theatre, my relationships with members of the Torch Community, how both had enhanced my life, and how much they mean to me. However, I realize that is moot. Considering how I was treated by The Torch Board, the more important consideration is how members of the the Torch Board are misusing their power to eliminate people from the community and how that misuse of power will affect the future of The Torch Theatre and its community, not only in Phoenix, but also outside of Arizona. When the Torch Theatre Board removed my access to the theater, they did so without any prior warning. I was given no justification for their action, no specific reason for my removal, and no recourse or appeal. I was no longer welcome at The Torch and I was not told why. While I readily admit that I am not perfect, no one is perfect. We learn from our mistakes if given the opportunity. Please know that it has never been my intention to harm, harass, bully, offend, or insult anyone. If I have done anything of that nature, I would like to apologize. However, I don't feel that it is appropriate to apologize without knowing the nature of the accusations. Such an apology would be meaningless to the recipient and the community at large. Now because of my removal, my reputation in the Improv Community is suspect and without any official evidence; only inuendo, heresy, and gossip are being bandied about. The defamation, slander, and libelous comments are hurtful, not only to me, but also to those who care about me. The Board has indicated that they have discussed my behavior with me and that I have continued with the behavior of which I am being accused. This is not true and if they believe it to be so, I again ask for evidence of those conversations about my behavior and the warnings that my behavior could lead to my dismissal or as it was worded--disinvitation. It is my belief that I was not given a chance to defend my position or appeal because their goal was to remove me from the community, not necessarily to make the community a "safer" place. My removal also serves as an example to cast doubt and fear into other members of The Torch Community: Be Careful Or You Too Will Be Cast Out. My advice to the Torch Community is to attend every open Board meeting and keep a watchful eye in order to hold the Board accountable for its actions. Perhaps one day The Torch Theatre Board will adopt a fair system of governance. I can only hope this happens before Torch community is torn asunder. Shane Shellenbarger read more

OMG..Had the BEST BEST BEST experience at our team training on Friday the 30 of August. We had a team builder scheduled at the Torch Theatre and had no idea what to expect. When we entered we were greated by Jackie, our improve artist that would be working with us. She lead us through many numerous, awesomely fun activities that we could use at work, and in all areas of our life. It was fun and it was funny. Jackie was great. All businesses should go through this experience with their teams. We are more cohesive, we are energized, we are connected and have a memory and experience that has made us better in many areas of our lives. It was super fun, and totally worth the cost and then some. Jackie...you are amazing..Yes AND....wonderful and inspiring..Thank you for our fun activity. Improv rocks..:0 Judi Miller read more

My cheeks were sore for the rest of the day after we had a company workshop at the Torch Theater. It really got us all to open up and have an amazing time together. I would recommend this workshop to anyone because not only do you have the time of your life laughing but you also learn skills that can be applicable to any business setting such as creating energy and listening. read more

Hilarious live improv shows for $10 or less? What a deal! I always walk out of the Torch with my sides sore from laughing so much. Love this place. More people should go watch things there! Also went to a free "drop-in" class. I felt like I learned so much! Taking actual classes there would be worth it! :) read more

Great shows here. I have done improv before, but this takes it one step beyond, as I have only done short form. Long form improv is challenging but I love learning it. I am taking Level I and find my teacher Nina to be very supportive. The shows really showcase remarkably talented players. The entire group is dedicated to improv and do it for the love and passion they have. read more

Friendly people, great long form and amazing community. The people here are so passionate about their craft and it shows on stage. The people at the torch were organized, accepting and very knowledgeable about local theater. Love this place! read more

Skewed News Hour Was not funny. It was supposed to be improv, The sketches were rehearsed and nothing to do with the "new articles" the audience posted. A waste of my time. read more

Went to the Torch Theatre for the first time tonight to see Skewed News. I thought it was a bargain at $7 to see a show. Just across the street from Hula's and Maizie's and it is on the light rail so it is a perfect location for a night out. If you take your ticket to Maizie's you get a discount. I thought it was very funny and well worth the time and money. My complaint is that the chairs are a bit crammed together but the theater was far from full so it wasn't a huge problem at all. read more

Last week we had a business team builder workshop with Jackie. Our team who in no way are actors, came together with improv games and exercises that really brought us out of our shell. Not only did it bring us closer together as a team as we were able to loosen up and let ourselves get comfortable with the uncomfortable, but we were able to discuss how it applies to our jobs. Communication is the key within what we do as consultants. A lot of times, we come to the table with different energy levels, different ideas of where we want a "scene" to go, and it just won't work. We have to be able to say "YES" and let the scene happen naturally and not force it. Sometimes it will be funny and other times it will be serious, but when it is done with proper expectations of "anything can happen" and then adapt to that situation, it will have a lot better effect. Jackie was awesome. She was able to work with us to a level of great learning and understanding of how important communication is with every aspect of our lives. We had open discussions of what we could do, in order to be better at our jobs after the things we learned doing improvisation. Our team laughed and laughed at some of the scenarios and things that happened all because we were willing to say "YES" and let the scene roll how it may. I am so glad that my job put forth the time and money for my team to experience this improv workshop. I would love to go again and would definitely recommend it to any team, family, or group of people who want to learn valuable lessons. Absolutely a great way to finish out the week with such an amazing experience on a Friday afternoon. Thanks Torch Theater and Thanks Jackie for being so great! read more

What a fun night! A dear friend of mine was the story teller for last night and I laughed so hard my cheeks hurt! I have always loved improv and these guys were great. Can't wait for the next time : ) read more

It won't alwYs be comedy even if it might be well acted improv. Crowds may be very light

I was not sure what to expect when my group was told that we were going to participate in a team builder there last Friday (08/30/13). I have to say that I was blown away by the process. Jackie was an incredible facilitator, and we had the most fun together we have ever had. I was actually sore the next day from all the laughing; I mean physically sore! It was absolutely amazing and I see us having a hard time reaching the bar for our next corporate team builder that Jackie definitely raised. To have that much fun and to actually have some decent takeaways was worth more than what we paid. This team builder was for our little group, but we are emphatically recommending it to the guys upstairs for all of our employees moving forward! I honestly cannot say enough; definitely as good as it gets. read more

Weekends are always a delight at the Torch. Friday and Saturday nights are filled with intriguing improvised theater. Occasionally there are guests from out of town, but mostly the entertainment comes from local performers, most of whom have been trained here. If you're looking to expand your horizons, they also have a drop in workshop every first Saturday of the month, which might whet your appetite for doing more... And classes are available year round! read more

Although this place is small it packs a punch with the amount of variety it brings on the stage. They do not have a house team, at least not that i know of, instead they have a lot of different groups and performs filling up slots throughout the week and most are great. Depending on what group or show you see you can get some weird stuff but most of it is funny. You can tell this is a very art filled place. Wouldn't really say its the best for taking your kids, they may have a show for that. Parking was a little bit of a challenge. read more

The theater itself is nice and clean. The seating area probably holds about 30 people. Yes the chairs aren't super comfortable but that didn't really bother me. Its a small theater and they are trying to fit everyone they can in. So give them a break. I thought the show was funny! We went to see Tom Blunt perform. I will definitely be back. It is right off the light rail and within walking distance to Hula's. Go and support local theater! read more

We had a fun time hitting the local improv club on a sweet voucher. Had good seats and the show was good. Fun and fast-paced and very funny for local comics. The venue is old and funky in the uptown area of Phoenix on the trail of the light rail. Nice reuse of what used to be a retail storefront and a nice mellow, fun date night. read more

My son and I have been having a blast at the Torch Theatre over the past year. We have both taken the drop in intro class and he has also taken Level 1 and 2 classes. The folks at the theater have been extremely friendly and are very supportive. We are pretty regular at Skewed News Hour on Fridays and have discovered the Neighborhood on Saturdays. Real people having fun. My son has also been in some Bingo Jams and it has been fun to watch.. Great place to get involved with the improv community, learn some stuff and laugh a lot. read more

This past Friday, the Torch Theatre launched the Skewed News Hour. It was a fun and energetic hour inspired by the day's news. As with much live improv, the audience was integral to the process. When we walked in, we were provided newspapers and scissors. We were told to cut out newspaper articles and pin them to a bulletin board. The actors then took the articles one by one and played out scenes influenced by the articles. They did an awesome job of depicting the crazy world in which we live. I encourage everyone to get your weekend off to a fun start by going to the Torch Theatre for Skewed News Hours every Friday night at 7:00pm. read more

The Skewed News at The Torch Theatre has become a Friday night staple of the theater scene. The revolving cast members take a news article selected by the audience, reads the article aloud, and then they improvise scenes inspired by the article and their imaginations. The results are often hilarious. This is a must see show! read more

Great shows and fantastic classes. We've taken the free Saturday class, two of the kids' summer camps, and a couple levels of the adult classes. A little place with big talent. read more

Clean Comedy, this IS NOT. This was an 8pm show on a Thursday night. After 2 F words in the first sentence we were forced to walk out and forfeit our money, albeit a small amount. In fairness, they did accept my digital entertainment book coupon and the tickets were only $5 so I only paid $10 for 3 of us. I had emailed early in the day to make sure the shows were PG rated. I was told they are PG13 but since they're unscripted, will occasionally get worse. I told them I wanted to attend but we'd have to walk out if they got worse today. Turns out, they WANTED us to walk out and waste our money. They made some type of slur against Mormons within the first sentence, as well. In actuality, we're Jehovah's Witnesses which IS entirely different. I want everyone at The Torch Theater to know: We are not enemies to the LGBTQ movement. While we strive to apply bible principals in our own personal lives, people of all sexualities are welcome at our meetings. We do not get involved in politics, at all. Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses have NEVER protested against gay rights or voted against gay rights. What's more is that we believe it is a sin to hate ANYONE, not just in actions and words, but even secretly in our hearts. 1 John 3:15 We DO NOT hate gay people. We strongly believe in the words of Taylor Swift, 'Shade never made anybody less gay!' I had hoped that The Torch would be a place of tolerance where peoples of differing beliefs could coexist, but as it turns out-YOU hate US. It is not my wish to raise or lower your overall rating with this review. However, I will be posting this review on various platforms in an attempt to prevent others from inadvertently subjecting themselves to your prejudice. read more

want a taste of whats great about nyc without leaving phoenix? want to laugh like crazy? then come to a show at torch! i have to admit this place is a lot responsible for easing my east coast homesickness- this place would do any of the UCB theater members proud (that used to be straight where i would take any out of towners to show off new york, and to kind of stalk amy poehler- now that i am in phoenix, the torch it is!). whenever i walk or drive by i get a huge grin on my face and then i can't believe the talent and passion that is right here in phoenix! it is my favorite thing to do in the whole city. woo hoo as good as it gets, indeed, i wish i could give it 6 stars. read more

Fun place to hit for some entertainment. At a good price too. YAY for Torch Theater improv!!!

Every review on here that praises this theatre must be fake or written by people that work there. I'm from Chicago and I have gone to many stage shows, stand up, and improv shows. This was by far the worst theatre/comedy show experience I've EVER had. First of all my fiance and I were the only two people in the audience. There was NOBODY else in there. I thought that to be very strange at first. But once the show started i was pretty clear why. This was not improv. The people on the stage were not funny and not witty at all. A typical Improv show usually consists of exercises where the comedians can feed off each other. But there was no such thing in this show. There were a lot of, "...ums" coming from the actors and moments where they showed very poor improvisational skills. It was very unprofessional and I felt like I was watching a group of awkward people trying to make each other laugh. We walked out of the show after 15 minutes. Imagine how awkward it is to walk out of a theatre where you are the only ones in the audience. It had to be done though. I felt very embarrassed for the cast as well as for myself. The show costed $7 a person, $14 total for the two of us. I wasn't concerned about the money. I just didn't want to waste anymore of my life watching that garbage. read more