Best Improv Comedy In Minnesota

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

Improvisational comedy, also known as Improv, is a unique brand of comedy that operates without a pre-written script. In many ways, it is a more impressive form of comedy, one that really gives an actor or player the freedom to perform completely honestly, while still collaborating with the rest of a team. Ultimately, it's a night of laughs; a night of pure fun. Check out some of the following acts to see for yourself.

(credit: CBS)

HUGE Improv Theater
3037 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 412-4843
www.hugetheater.com

Dedicated to the art of unscripted comedy, HUGE Theater has been making people laugh since 2005. What truly sets this Minneapolis theater apart is its dedication to long-form improvisation, which offers audiences a look into some of the most honest improv comedy. Long-form brings full stories to life without set rules and thus can accommodate the hilarity of real life and its characters. It's truly a special event, and luckily for us in Minnesota, can be enjoyed almost every night of the week.

Comedy Sportz
3001 Hennepin Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 870-1230
www.comedysportztc.com

For a guaranteed night of fun, Comedy Sportz is second to none. Classic for families, date night, drunk with friends or all of the above, Comedy Sports has helped make Uptown a comedy destination for years. Theater as a game? This is it. Two teams of comedians compete for points based on audience suggestions and audience enthusiasm. It's an interactive experience that will have you in stitches all night long.

(credit: Brave New Workshop)

Brave New Workshop
824 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-6620
www.bravenewworkshop.com

One of the most iconic independent theaters in Minnesota, Brave New Workshop has been producing improvisational comedy (as well as music and writing sketch comedy) longer than any theater in the United States. Anyone who thinks that Midwesterners aren't funny hasn't been to BNW, but it's more than just silliness. This theater is dedicated to the art of comedy, something that is often forgotten. Improv takes place every Friday and Saturday night, and is not to be missed.

Renegade Improv
Teatro Zuccone
222 E. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-6775
www.renegadetheatercompany.org

Just because it's one of the coldest cities in comedy doesn't mean Duluth doesn't know how to have a little fun. Every Friday and Saturday night, you can catch some of the funniest improv comedy courtesy of the Renegade Theater. And whether you're from the northern part of the state or jut visiting, you're sure to be doubled up laughing by the end of the show. For four years now, Renegade has packed the house at the Teatro Zuccone, and shows no sign of slowing down.

Meat & Cheese Improv
www.meatandcheeseimprov.com

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly event or something a little racier for adults, the team behind Meat and Cheese will deliver the laughs. Literally. The traveling troupe does private events and parties of all types, and will travel all across the metro to bring their twisted brand of comedy and music to you. There's something special about a show that is performed just for you, especially when it is hilarity a la "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" For your next event, don't hesitate to inject a little Meat and Cheese.

Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.