CageMatch (Improv Comedy Show)

Reviews

• Colleen M.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) July 26, 2017

  I have visited ImprovBoston twice now, and it has been a pleasant experience both times. I have seen the Mainstage show and the Faceoff show. There is a wide range of comedians present at both shows. The drink and food selection is poor, as I was hoping for a semi, or more ideally, full bar. It was very close to the subway stop, so that is convenient. If you are in the area, I would definitely check out the Mainstage show one night.

• Rick M.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) July 15, 2017

  At the recommendation of a friend I've been visiting Improv Boston fairly frequently as of late.
  
  They offer several different show each weekend night. I usually catch the 10(ish) show and often stay for the last. The talent seems to range from local comedians and improv groups, to regional and the occasional national stand up acts (they had Maria Bamford a few months back). While the level of talent may vary, and some acts can go on a little long (that's part of honing ones craft), ImprovBoston is always a fun place to visit friends or a date. You really can't go wrong.

• Jonathan S.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) July 7, 2017

  I have been to ImprovBoston for a number of performances, and they are all different, and tailored to different audiences. The best advice I can give is to be mindful of what show you plan to attend, and set your expectations accordingly.
  
  When the casual audience visits a professional theatre they typically expect professionally trained actors, saying and doing things that they can casually find entertaining. If that is your cup of tea, go to the main stage show. The performers are well trained, vibrant, enjoyable, and ready for you to kick back, and have fun.
  
  Most theatres stop right there. They want the best performers they can get, and every one else can take their seats in the audience, you chumps. ImprovBoston is not like that. IB also offers a number of forums for performers in various stages of development to get stage time, and try out their skills on a live audience, for that IB gets big props for remaining a community based organization.
  
  For the truly adventurous IB also encourages you to take training classes. You hated what you saw on stage? You think that you could do better, bro? Maybe you just like attention? Then they host a curriculum of improv classes from 101 onward, led and directed by those same professionally trained actors from their well known teams. This is your chance to better understand the mechanics of how actors cooperate to build these shows in real time, and maybe gain a better appreciation for the process. Then each class session ends with a student showcase where friends, families, and random reviewers can drop in to see your growth as a performer.
  
  Who knows? Next time I could be reading Yelp reviews about you, buddy.

• Dave S.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) June 26, 2017

  Hilarious MainStage show! My wife and I brought our wedding after party here, and worked with the staff to get a large tickets in advance of the show. That process went very smoothly, so I'd highly recommend a show if you have a large event you want to entertain.
  
  And entertain the cast did! Our entire group had a great time, and really enjoyed when we ended up getting pulled on stage and providing a bit of inspiration for the next sketch on the docket.
  
  Overall a great night and a great experience. Definitely worth checking out the next time you are in Cambridge!

• Jennifer W.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) May 20, 2017

  Mainstage is hilarious at ImprovBoston!!!
  
  The last time I was here, it wasn't that funny (probably because it wasn't their main stage performance), but my boyfriend and I decided to go back because we have free tickets.
  
  I'm so glad we came because it's freaking hilarious and I love that they are a non-profit. It's a really good show and I would definitely return!
  
  Everything is made on the spot and all the performers did a great job engaging the crowd!

• Naureen R.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) December 29, 2016

  Studio locations are a bit confusing, we ended up at the teaching center first only to find the doors open and lights on, but no one at all to guide us.
  
  Once we found our way to the actual theatre, we had a GREAT time! The improv was pretty good, and the staff was pretty kind. Wonderful value for the price, I'll be back next time I'm in town!

• Sarah M.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) October 29, 2016

  A hidden gem, to say the least.
  
  Before coming here, the cynic in me assumed there was no way improv in Boston could actually be funny. I believed that all funny Bostonians made pilgrimages to either New York, Chicago, or LA, and never returned to our quaint, puritanical stronghold.
  
  Wrong-o!
  
  IB shows are hilarious. Longform improv-- scenes that are often ten minutes or more-- shines at IB, especially at Harold Night (every Wednesday), where teams are given one word from the audience and use it as a jumping point to create a 25-minute long story. Also check out Friday night's CageMatch, where teams compete against each other, the Sunday night Jam, and the special shows they have throughout the season (like, It's Allston Christmas, Charlie Brown!).
  
  If you wanna be funny yourself, IB offers some of the cheapest improv classes around (when compared to Second City or UCB), AND you get into most shows for free when you're a student. Pretty awesome, no?

• Rob M.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) June 3, 2016

  Great venue! Impressively funny. Their improv skills are so good it makes you question how much is made up.

• Kim S.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) February 12, 2016

  I'm currently enrolled in their improv training program, and have met some amazing people along the way. I also love to bring friends and family to shows there (it's a cheap and great way to have a fun night in central square). There's sketch comedy, improv, and stand-up five nights a week, so literally endless opportunities to laugh your ass off. Additionally, whenever I walk into the building, I'm always greeted by friendly staff and crew which is a refreshing change of pace. Everyone there is great, now go sign up for a class!

• Christine G.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) December 23, 2015

  Go watch a show or take a class!! Seriously - it's in a great location (right on mass ave) and always has hilarious local acts performing. I took improv 101 & 201 there and actually walked away with some insight. I have no aspiration of becoming a comedian, but the classes were great growing exercises and really built up my confidence and comfort in public speaking. The teachers are all supportive and offer awesome constructive criticism, and it's a lot of fun! Even if you think you can't do it, just give it a try. You'd be amazed at how funny you can be when you're surrounded by such different creative personalities.
  
  I've seen a few shows on the mainstage here, and a couple of experimental shows in the backroom. They also offer stand up and sketch writing. Really such a cool place to have in the community and I don't regret taking classes at all.

• Andrew W.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) December 5, 2015

  Overall 4.5/5 (rounded down cuz of some glaring con issues)
  
  Service 5/5
  
  Show 4/5
  
  I went here on a Saturday night and attend the 9PM Battle Royale. As from as i could see there was only street parking. Though this place is small, the staff is extremely inviting and friendly. They have a station to buy your tickets and the other for drinks (alcohol)/snacks. If your a student, bring your ID youll save about 20%! Typically they allow people in 5 mins before the show and begin 5 mins after the scheduled time. If you do come here, i hope you have a open mind to everything :P
  
  Pros:
  
  -supports local comedians that are actually really funny
  
  -have some more well known comedians that are weaved in the show
  
  -they will make fun of everything. So if one comedian didnt quite hit your funny bone i promise the other will
  
  -close to transportation
  
  -very cheap
  
  -interactive audience
  
  Cons:
  
  -The stages/room is small so it only accommodated a few people. If your a bit claustrophobic you might not like this place.
  
  -They also have a high powered AC running so you might be a bit cold.
  
  -The walls are really thin. So if another show is going on, you can occasionally here them.
  
  -Comedians are hit or miss sometimes.

• Leyani L.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) July 6, 2015

  Boston is pretty much a ghost town on Sunday evenings. Thankfully Improv Boston saved my life this past Sunday. I laughed much more than I should have but I regret NOTHING! It was a full hour and something of none stops laughter and shenanigans. Every guy/girl that got on that stage was amazing. Each one of them had a different weird story I could relate to. It's a free show and you get to support everyone; from your local barista from the Financial District to the librarian that works in Southie. I loved it and I will most definitely come back and keep on supporting this local great talent. I recommend it to everyone and anyone!!!!!

• Jason S.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) March 29, 2015

  Fun experience, small intimate theater, cheap drinks, but for me wasn't very funny.

• Andrew S.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) January 18, 2014

  Great performers who keep the audience entertained! Also, the cheap drinks helped out as well! Improv is always hit or miss and this past friday mainstage was a hit!

• Carrie B.

  CageMatch (Improv Comedy Show) December 30, 2013

  I've gone to probably a dozen shows of all different styles, and they never disappoint. There's something for everyone - stand-up, games with audience involvement, Harold structure with different scenes, and my personal favorite, sketch cage match. It's a fun activity for when you want to go out but still be low key. Or, a warm-up for a big night.

• Monique S.

  Harold Night - Top Shelf (Long Form Comedy Show) November 27, 2013

  We went for Harold night , and I was not expecting much. I'm a stand-up fan. But the teams brought their A-game. A fun, interactive show.
  
  The bar is very reasonably priced with beers and ciders around the $5 range.
  
  The seats are old school auditorium style seats, but every seat is a good seat since the space is small.
  
  I'm definitely going to check it out again. The audience can participate in improv games after the show, but only after they've attained level 3 improv status, whatever that means.

• Sarah B.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) October 19, 2013

  Hands down best comedy spot in the Boston area. Improv, stand-up and sketch of amazing quality - plus it is located right off the Central T stop and has a bar out front. You can't go wrong!
  
  This is also a great venue for kids' birthday parties, bachelorette events or holiday parties.

• Nichole L.

  The People's Show (Stand Up Comedy) August 8, 2013

  Laugh your butt off here. Get place to go late night on a date with your loved one!!

• Eliza F.

  Mainstage (Improv Comedy Show) April 14, 2013

  A friend from out of town, who does lots of improv at home, suggested that we go to ImprovBoston's Saturday Night 8pm Main Stage show. It was great! Having seen improv at multiple venues in Chicago and Colorado, I was very impressed. The show was probably the fastest, most witty improv I've ever seen, had musical accompaniment, and improv'ed songs to boot! I will most certainly be back.

• Lisa I.

  Battle Royale (Sketch/Stand Up Comedy Show) February 20, 2013

  A fun, different way to spend the night. It can be hit or miss - some nights it's hilarious and some nights are just odd. But it's cheap and you can usually get walk-in tickets. Worth a shot if you're looking for something different to do!

• Laura J.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) January 6, 2013

  Great place for local live theater productions on the cheap.

• Phil B.

  Harold Night - Fresh Blend (Long Form Comedy Show) September 7, 2012

  Love this place! Harold Night is so good, although I kind of miss the old prices.

• Bri G.

  Face Off (Improv Comedy Show) June 15, 2017

  Did not leave comment