Best Improv Comedy In Charlotte

The Daily Meal Staff|Sept. 15, 2014 7:00 am EST

Improvisation, or "improv" for short, is the ability to act or to react without knowing what is coming your way. Performing artists, including musicians and actors, must have this skill in their repertory to rise above a written score or script and demonstrate their virtuosity. For comedians, the ability to deliver a retort at times to a detractor in the audience is an essential survival skill. Charlotte and the surrounding area has an active improv comedy scene. Humor alone, however, is not the only mission of these groups. Education can be enhanced through a comedic presentation. Confidence and leadership skills can be developed through improvisation skills. Listed here are some organizations that are Charlotte based, perform publicly and provide workshops and classes for any level, from beginner to those with theatrical experience.

Charlotte Comedy Theater
Wet Willies
900 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28206
(803) 792-1608
www.charlottecomedytheater.com

Not to be confused with the Comedy Zone, the VIP Room in Wet Willies bar is the location for Charlotte Comedy Theater. The Friday and Saturday performances, whether short form, long form or a special event, are R-rated shows. Reservations are strongly suggested due to the popularity of the performances and limited venue space. Invitational shows include local improv groups asked to come and join the fun. Training workshops, also at Wet Willies, are another part of the Charlotte Comedy Theater experience.

Improv Charlotte
UpStage
3306-C N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 430-4821
www.improvcharlotte.com

UpStage in NoDa is home to Improv Charlotte on First Fridays. Audience suggestions are entertained and nothing is planned ahead of time. Enjoy dinner while you laugh by making an advanced reservation. Cast members are volunteers and profits go towards training, marketing and charity. Improv Charlotte takes its act on the road for schools, businesses and other special requests. Send an email to improvcharlotte@gmail.com for more information.

Over the Counter Improv
Actor's Theater of Charlotte
650 E. Stonewall St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 618-4203
www.otcimprov.com

Actor's Theater of Charlotte is home base for Over the Counter Improv. Aside from its shows and classes, it provides guidance in life skills. Topics including corporate leadership are honed in their workshops through comedic improvisation. "Marriage talk" is another interesting subject for improvisational conversation skills.

Improv Vikings
(704) 728-6522
www.charlottecomedyinvasion.com

Declaring, "We're Vikings, we travel," the Huntersville-based Improv Vikings perform all over Charlotte. Just as Norse sailors of olden times rowing a ship, teamwork and the group are most important to this organization. Together for one year, the ensemble members have a more than average collective experience. Their most senior member worked with Chicago's famed Second City, comedy's top improv theater which has yielded many a major comedian. The group's popular Improv drop-ins are a way for beginners to ease into improvisation. Leadership development workshops are also offered to Davidson College students. Those interested in auditioning with three years or more of experience may have an invitation to a rehearsal. For details, email ImprovVikings@gmail.com

Planet Improv
Actor's Crib
7017 Streamside Drive
Charlotte, NC 28212
(704) 301-1564
www.planetimprov.com

Also known as "The Chuckleheads," the ensemble at Planet Improv works with individuals, corporations or churches to provide specialized comedy presentations. Any subject can be personalized to fit the wishes of the contractor. The group's brand of improvisational theater can be educational as well as entertaining. The assembled audience will not be passive, but are encouraged to participate. Game show themes and music are entertainment elements that all will enjoy. Email scott@planetimprov.com for more information.

Jacquelin Celeste Peters has produced award winning radio programs at WPFW Pacifica-Washington. She is a Culture and Events Examiner in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she calls home. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.