Improv Asylum

First, this is a review of Improv Asylum’s classes aka the «Training Center.» My opinion of the Improv Theatre, i.e. the shows, is that they are generally fantastic –and often much fun. The story regarding the classes can be much more mixed. But good things first: the classes can be a lot of fun, can be challenging if you are an introvert, and the great majority of the teachers are all charming, open-​minded, and easy going –but, alas, not all of them.
After a very encouraging few classes, we had the misfortune to be assigned to Jeremy, which should have been in many ways a treat as Jeremy is the artistic director of the training center. Nevertheless, Jeremy was never happy about teaching the class (it not only showed, he told us early on) and proceeded to be ruthless and cruel in its criticism to everybody in class –throughout. The weakest member of the budding class took the brunt of his criticisms –and this was mostly everyone as our class size reduced further and further to the point where we were way too small to do much. This is not to say that Jeremy does not know what he is doing –he does, and he certainly knows what is effective improv. Nor is it to say that he is not funny –Jeremy is very much funny, but his focus was certainly on the cruel aspects of comedy with the students being the object of his wrath (plus his staff and admin assistant as well).
There was clearly a mismatch between what Jeremy as our instructor wanted done and what we his paying trainees expected. For the first classes we had other instructors. Had he been there, he would have heard that –in the opening Q/​A– only three people actually wanted to do improv on stage –everybody else wanted to explore different aspects of improvisation to become better in their professional lives or self-​expression. Jeremy instead clearly wanted to be surrounded by a group of adoring dedicated improv performers that could be subjected to the harsh treatment that a master teacher can dice, to have us pay our dues on our way to being on-​stage.
But we just wanted to have a safe, warm space where we could dip our toes on improv and –if everything would have worked well– continue on and maybe try it with an audience. Frankly, one star might sound harsh –yet, several teachers such as Christine, Brian, Alex, and Joey really strived to make us become more secure in our improv choices and wanted us to continue. Yet Jeremy made sure to nullify all of this work and was downright cruel with the paying participants of his classes. That is unprofessional, goes against great work that other teachers do, and against the financial health of Improv Asylum, and especially against an open, joyful approach to comedy.
p. s.: There is something our teacher did right, and that was to try to tone down much of the comedy around «wronged» men and their girlfriends, which can get out of hand when most of the crew is male.

Love the Improv Asylum! at $ 15, it’s a perfect budget friendly night of fun. Also pretty popular for bachelor/​bachelorette parties. The stage isn’t elevated and the seating area (arena style) is pretty small, so you’ll be able to see, hear and participate no matter where you fit.
Drinks are pretty reasonable priced, but keep in mind if you’re planning to double-​fist that there aren’t cup holders. You can go back out to get another drink, but you wont be able to sit back down until the «scene» is over.
Another tip: I know that you’re going to Mike’s or Modern while you’re in the area. Just eat your dang cannoli before going to the show, because you can’t bring food in with you.
Such fun!

The main stage show is hilarious! We went on a Friday night and were part of a large and enthusiastic audience. Be aware that if they ask for volunteers, expect to be up on stage for a while. A super fun experience while staying in Boston.

Really fun! Tickets are not that expensive and it is a great way to spend the night when friends come to town. This was the first Improv show I attended and even if I was not laughing at every joke, I was engaged throughout the skits. The humor is smart (based on current events) and some jokes put me on edge but it was all good fun.
There is a bar that is open before and during intermissions of the show.

What great fun! It was a really nice evening out and I loved the cast. It was as if we were watching SNL in Boston.
The Saturday show is half skit/​pre-​created material and half improv which is a lot of fun. They asked the audience questions and picked on a few in the front row. Quite harmless and a lot of fun. If you’ve ever been to w comedy show you know you can be a «victim» and you totally could be here.
It’s in the basement of a cvs which makes for a super cool vibe in their black box style theater.
The actors were great. A nice range of comedy and they were mostly spot on. Their funniest skit of the night was basically a take on the real housewives and was HILARIOUS!!!
They have a small bar that is a full bar but makes mediocre at best drinks. The bartender was very sweet but it’s not a «fancy» type bar at all, just a little space for a few beers while you’re watching comedy.
Bathrooms were meh ! As to be expected in an improv theater located in the basement of a CVS…
Check them out for sure. Great fun!

I’ve performed improv, and seen a lot of improv in LA, San Francisco, New York and Chicago. But this review isn’t about me, it’s about y’all looking for guidance.
On a Friday night the entire theater was full, and everyone was laughing, engaged, and seeming to have a real good time. The performers were energetic, trained, and comfortable and confident with a crowd.
So, unless you’re an improv snob like me, you’ll have a good time. Even this old grump found a few things to laugh out loud at.

The shows are usually a mix of sketch and improv and are always a good time. I’ve been to two mainstage shows and Rauch and they performers are always so funny. It’s improv, so obviously not everyone joke is going to be a hit depending on the audience suggestions. That’s totally expected and when you think about how hard improv is, you can’t help but be impressed. Definitely a good time if you’re visiting or a local.

I had a really great time at the Improv Asylum. I went to the Main Stage show on Friday night. We hung out for a while having drinks then went into the stage area. It is pretty small with a real basement feeling. The stage is a square in the center. I’m not sure what I was expecting but I laughed out loud for much of the show. I would recommend it.

Wasn’t sure what to expect walking down into a finished basement but this ended up being a hilarious to spend a night out in Boston, especially for visitors like us. Plus it’s inexpensive-​tickets were $ 15 for the Saturday night Raunch show (midnight).
After a long day/​night of shows the performers finally get to relax a bit and drink during this show. Great setup with the stage in the middle, that way almost everyone has a good seat. There is a bar outside the main stage area for drinks, only the bare essentials though. Not getting anything top shelf but gets the job done. Some of the actors were better/​funnier on the fly than others but that is pretty standard. They highly recommend participation from the audience and it definitely gives everyone a good laugh so don’t be afraid to join in on the fun.
If you’re looking for something to do that’s fun and cheap, I strongly suggest stopping by here.

It was something totally different than what we’re used to in Miami. We went with some friends from Boston who highly recommended this place and actually purchased tickets for us, forcing us to go. We’re glad that they did — this is a brilliant idea for a show.
It’s a super sketchy place, looks like an abandoned warehouse inside. I believe tickets are reasonably priced. There’s a small bar in the front, no drink service inside so definitely stock up before the show starts.
The «raunch» midnight show was hilarious — completely improvised, which was the best thing about the late show. Although, I did think it would be more «raunchy». The comedians are all hilarious and you’ll be laughing most, if not all night.
We did think the line was a bit unorganized, as they will sit you «as is» and aren’t really nice in accommodating larger groups — they were actually pretty rude to be honest.
You’re also not allowed to bring in food/​leftovers; they will write your name on it and place it outside for you to grab on the way out (someone almost took my Mike’s!).

This place is awesome! A few other reviews suggested arriving early because the shows sell out fast. I arrived 45 minuted before the Sunday Night Show was scheduled to start and had no problem getting tickets but the place filled up fast so definitely plan ahead.
The show was very well done, I was laughing the entire time. The comedians involve the audience by asking them to shout out say a random location for the next scene to take place.
There is a bar in the area where everyone gathers before the show begins and it stays open throughout the night.

Absolutely hilarious.
It’s one of those shows where you laugh so hard it hurts.
Very well-​executed improv comedy.
They also have a bar! yay

I laughed twice during the whole show, along with the 2 friends I went with. Maybe just an off night, but everyone who was laughing was pretty… umm…inebriated

I ordered tickets a week in advance online… except when I clicked on purchase, I was greeted with an error message. Later, when checking my bank account, I noticed I had been charged for the tickets (*ahem* $ 60!) @ the Improv Asylum via their online ticketing service, Vendini. I then spent the remainder of the day attempting to call, tweet to, and facebook shame Vendini into responding. They had no solid answer to give me unfortunately, and recommended I call the box office to purchase tickets. I was assured my money would be deposited back into my account as the transaction did not go through.
So, by Wednesday I had tried calling the box office, around 5:30pm, and no one answered. Their voice message stated that tickets sold via phone would incur a $ 3 service charge… I left a message as instructed including my name, telephone number, the date and time of the show I wanted to see, and also explained my situation about the ticket sale not working online. I explained that I was buying the tickets for my mother’s birthday, and that she was flying out from Seattle for the weekend.
I never heard back. Nothing. No one called, or attempted to call me back. I have to imagine they don’t even check the voicemail. How awful. So in addition to not seeing the show, we cancelled our dinner plans which were also on Hanover because why make the trip to the North End if we aren’t going to see the show?
Horrible disappointment. I never made it, and don’t ever intend to after this experience.

I’ve been here countless times and it had yet to let me down. They mix up improv and written skits. They have me laughing all night.
Would definitely recommend the late show on Saturday nights. They follow it with a free show at midnight (if you have a ticket to a show from that night). They start drinking and lose any sort of filter they may have had.
Tickets aren’t to bad and it makes a great date, especially with the location in the north end. Will definitely be going back again.

Went this past weekend and loved it. I went to the mainstsge show at 10pm and the show is structured in such away that it’s guaranteed to be funny every time. The actors have tremendous skill and artistic range that will leave anyone rolling with laughter.
For the price this main stage show is a must do and must see in Boston. It’s top notch comedy any way you look at it that is really professionally done.

Went to a show for the first time on a Thursday evening and had such a great time. It was the main stage show — we showed up at 7:45pm for an 8pm show and unfortunately missed the first round of drinks because we weren’t there early enough to get in line. Not that drinks are a necessary accessory for improv shows, but when your neighbor is pouring himself another glass from his pitcher of beer it’s hard not to be envious.
Nonetheless, the show was great fun — they had a good divide of audience participation, improv and sketch comedy. I definitely would go back for another show.

We had a very enjoyable time laughing at the «Afternoon Delight» show. The actors were comedic and highly entertaining. The show was similar to the format of the «Who’s Line Is It Anyways?» Show. The actors involved the audience throughout the show and there was never a dull moment. Plus is there is a bar with pretty reasonably priced drinks. One drawback is the venue is not handicapped accessible which made it very difficult for two members of my group getting down a flight of 20 or so stairs with no elevator. Overall, we had a fun afternoon full of laughs and I will be back for sure!

The Improv Asylum makes for a wicked fun date night or group outing. My husband goes here once a year with a bunch of his buddies, and my family took me to the Improv for my birthday. The cast is great and you’re sure to fall in love with at least one of them. Each member has a unique delivery that can be appreciated by all types of audience personalities. They’re confident in their delivery, as they really want your laughs, and it shows. There are a few times during the performance where audience participation is encouraged, especially in the second half of the show. It’s a very tactile move on their part, as most Improv-​goers are liquored up by the bucket of beer at that point. The cocktail area that you hang out at right outside the theatre has very low ceilings and a smallish bar with some seats and tables. Check out the little slips of paper with fun topics on them… the performers select a few to go by during one of their sets. Get ready to laugh.

My friends and I went to their holiday show and we all had a great time! I had never been to an improv show and wasn’t sure if I would be a fan. But the cast were fantastic. I honestly don’t know how they are so good at what they do!
We were told that if we come back in a few hours, we can see the show against humanity for free. So we passed the time around Haymarket and came back for the midnight show. The Show Against Humanity was not as funny as the holiday one but it was still a lot of fun. There was an audience member who was very intoxicated and started shouting things and interrupting the cast members. But the cast handled it well and remained composed.
I would definitely recommend for a date night or a night out with friends!

Every time I go here I laugh so hard, I can feel it in my abs the next day. I usually come here with 5 – 6 other friends, and they are always accommodating to us, and we get good seating.

Came to see their 24 hour show. It was a great deal. You get to come and go from 9pm — 9pm the next day and it was for a good cause. They had interviews with local celebrities and then did improv scenes based on those. They had auctions for al sorts of items from spas to yarn to gift cards. The «inmates» did an excellent job. We laughed so much. They did serious scenes, interogation scenes and so much more. This was so much fun. I loved being able to come and go and enjoy the show in between curisng around the city. They also have a bar for your pleasure.

Great show — This was my 2^nd time going to view a show here and it’s different each time. Each show has a different theme and it was a holiday theme tonight.
Being an improv fan, I had high expectations and wasn’t sure how I was going to enjoy this theme but it did well. There was a cast of 6, 3 men and 3 women and each made their roles shine. Every individual actor know how to quickly adjust to switch of scenario quickly. They attempted to act out the main family holiday complaints, kids on video games, people on their phones or constantly taking selfies, oh and my fav just the «fam lingo» of everything by eye contact lol.
The show usually fills up fast and they ask to arrive 30 minutes prior to show time to try to get everyone seated so the show can start on time. It’s in a basement but not creepy. The seating wasn’t bad, regular cushioned metal chairs and only the front rows have cup holders. They serve alcohol which is great and also have an intermission before the last half hour of the show. They were interactive and made everyone feel «included».
I gave ⁴⁄₅ stars because the couple behind us kept bumping into our chairs, being on obnoxiously loud and burping the entire show which took away from the experience. Great location for taking the mbta or driving. They validate for a specific garage as well. F you attend a show, you are welcomed back for FREE to enjoy their midnight raunchy show, which I’ve been to and it’s pretty funny also. Also, if it’s your birthday or you being a friend there for their birthday, let the crew know in advance, they’ll add your formed into their skit and make it hilarious! Make sure your friend isn’t shy though, they get brought down to center stage
Hungry after the show? Grab dinner at any restaurant in the area, you’re in the north end and can eat at any restaurant to grab some great Italian food! I would definitely return for another show.

Been there three or four times and always had a good time:) Nothing fancy, old school at its best and the North End is great:)

The best night in a long time! My friends and I have been coming here for years and I don’t remember the skits being this funny. I love that you can purchase a bucket of beer and just have a blast and laugh your butt off. Thanks Improv comedians for a great time!

An absolute blast!!! Make sure to buy tickets early since they sell out fast. I have seen the Cards against Humanity show twice and love it just as much the second time! The location is in the heart of North End and stairs take you down to a speak-​easy-​ish cellar setting. The comedians are always on point and love to involve the audience. Good time guaranteed!
P.S they have a bar where you can buy wine by the bottle for the show (what could be better?)

This is a great place to relax and have a good laugh. The humor is spot on, the talent is incredible. I would not recommend for people under the age of 15 but it is a perfect place for a night out with an older family.

***Regarding unprofessional customer service outside the facility
In the early hours of September 20^th 2015, my friends and I attended the midnight «Rauanch» show, in which we have attended many times before. While attending the show my friends and I purchased «The Bucket» for the first time. The bucket, contained four alcoholic beverages. These said beverages were consumed throughout the show. Once the show was over my friends and I proceeded to the marked exit leading to Hanover Street, passing several employees, bucket in hand. The bartender did not specify «The Bucket» needed to be returned, nor were there any written signs stating the bucket needed to be returned. We assumed, due to the high rate in which we paid for the bucket that it was in fact a souvenir. However, while trying to purchase food at a local bakery after the show, one of your «so called» managers aggressively approached myself and one of my friends. This «so called» manager proceeded to interrogate us. During this interrogation she intentionally humiliated us in public and called us «ASSHOLES» and grabbed the bucket. I feel as though this is unacceptable and unprofessional because this manager is a representation of your business. After this incident, it is fair to say you have lost a few customers. My friends and I will no longer be attending your shows.

I haven’t had so much fun in a show for a very long time. The cast was awesome, the audience was super fun and the gags were as good as you could expect from an improv show.
The stage is in an old cellar and thus looks a bit old and not very fancy. But this perfectly goes with the improv theme, so I would call it a perfect atmosphere.
If you want to have a great night, try this out!

Love the Main stage show and always have a great time there. The main stage show is really a good balance of scripted and improv comedy. They take audience suggestions or use their cell phone texts in story lines. What I really like about the show is that they change it all of the time and they keep up with current events. This is a great place to go on a date or with a group of friends.
The location is great, you are right at the front of Hanover st in the North End. Grab some dinner before or after and it will be the perfect night out on the town.
If you want to go to the Main stage show on a Friday or Saturday night make sure you book your tickets early online so you get the best possible seats. Front row seats are obviously awesome but just a warning, you may be pulled into the show or used as a human toilet (as my date was!).
Improv Asylum does have a bar; they offer beer and wine. Another thing they offer is a bucket of beer. You are only allowed two drinks (or one bucket) per person, so make sure you have full drinks when headed into the show. You can purchase additional drinks during the intermission. Pricing is very reasonable for the beer and wine.
Be mindful that there are crazy steep stairs when entering and exiting the Improv Asylum, keep your 5″ heels at home or you will be crawling!
Parking is easy and cheap at the Parcel 7 garage with validation, just make sure you are under the 3 hour time limit and have enough time to leave the garage.

If you are looking for straight up comedy, you’ve come to the wrong place. If you are looking for belly laughs… definitely the wrong place. The improv asylum has taken a turn for the worse. I used to come here all the time after dinner in the north end… now after the last three times I’ve been here in the last couple of years, I can officially say it’s a waste of money. Most of it is not improv at all… its rehearsed bits about current events that they deem to be funny. Bunch of wanna be actors that need their start somewhere. I remember once upon a time that they had some real talent pass through those doors. Sadly, I think this place will be out of business before too long.
And the drinks? The drinks are awful. They just pour a bunch of second rate liquor into overly iced Dixie cups and throw some sugar into it, selling it for 10 bucks a pop. I even decided to go with beer instead and it was flat. This place can’t seem to do anything right anymore. So sad.

This place is so much fun! I highly recommend the midnight raunchy show. Their improv is always on point and I love the rap battle they do at the end.
They also have drinks, which just adds to the fun! Wine, beer and cocktails. Come after dinner in the north end for a great night, bring a friend (or five), get in the door quickly so you have seats close to the central stage, and get a bucket of beer.

Went on a Tuesday night, tickets were only $ 5!
There was a few different groups performing that night and a lot of the skits were hit or miss, but for the most part my friends and I couldn’t stop laughing.
The plain black tees were the best. Highly recommend checking it out, it is inexpensive and a fun way to spend the evening.

Gr8. Came here last week for their Main Stage show for boyfriend’s birthday. Printed out tickets ahead of time and went in directly for seating. Had garage ticket validated afterwards for just $ 3. Amazing show, funny skits, and a good crowd of people. Will surely be back for another 90 minutes of laughing + 10 minute intermission.

This place was SO much fun! A must do for any Bostonians looking to mark things off their bucket list! I went into the asylum thinking that it would be more or less a stand-​up comedy show. hadn’t done much research about it. just wanted to pop in and check it out on a whim with a friend. It was soo cool! It is a group of 5 – 6 that act out witty scenes concerning every day life and various topics. They take suggestions from the audience in order to stem their improv scenes so each show is completely unique and up to the crowd to make worthwhile. Def recommend the midnight «Raunch» performance. It was completely awesome, and I’m super happy they actually used one of the things I shouted out! :)
Use your Levelup to get a discount here!

One word: Obsessed
Two words: SOOOO Funny
three words: I can’t even
Four words: you HAVE to go.
We went to the midnight «raunch»… which was fabulous. I presume any of them are good. but going at midnight and having drinks. just was the perfect recipe of happiness. Definietly go. Definietly go more than once. Such great talent, and such a good experience.

My friends and I decided to come here during a huge storm a few days after New Years. We were sick of being stuck inside our apartment for two nights a row, so we ventured out to the North End to Improv Asylum. We did not know what we were getting ourselves into… was it going to be a great show like everybody said in the reviews or was it going to be a mediocre show? Whatever it was, we were willing to brave through the storm to get here!
Let me tell you… IT’S SO WORTH IT. So next time you wonder if it’s worth it to come here in the midst of a blizzard… yes! Yes it is worth it. If a 4’11″ girl like me can brave through the storm to get here, you can too… rain or shine. But yes, you get my point.
Onto the actual review… This place is great. If you are a student, you can get a discount. Tickets are originally $ 25. But even if you pay $ 25 for the ticket, it’s still worth it because there are shows afterwards, and you can stay for free. You’re basically paying $ 25 for two-​three shows. Depending on how long you want to stay.
My friends and I went for the main stage crew at 7:30. We were planning to leave after that, but the next show was the Cards Against Humanity show so of course we were gonna stay! Both shows got us DYING of laughter. I just don’t understand how they could improvise right on the spot and think of something so ridiculous and funny like that.
If there was an extra star, I would give this comedy club another one for Matt Catanzano. He is part of the main stage cast and boy is he handsome! Great actor too so that is a plus. My friends and I had the privilege of taking a picture with him during the break between shows. Don’t get me wrong… other actors and actresses are just as equally amazing as him! They all work so well together and you can see it in the comedy shows. I think that’s what makes this comedy club so successful. Keep up the good work!