The Improv, the famed stand-up comedy club chain dating back to the 1960s, has returned to its roots with a new club in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, marking its 25th U.S. location.
The move places the company back in New York for the first time in three decades. Founded by Budd Friedman, The Improv originated as a modest, 50-seat converted restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen before growing into the largest network of premium comedy clubs in the United States.
The Brooklyn Improv will showcase stand-up from comedic icons and up-and-comers alike. Already, the venue has seen performances from Trevor Wallace, Michael Blaustein, Mojo Brookzz, Joey “CoCo” Diaz, Mark Normand, and more.
“We are thrilled to be back in New York, where our journey started more than 60 years ago,” said The Improv’s Chief Programming Officer Erin Von Schonfeldt. “The Improv has always been the home of the best artists of the past and the future. We proudly present prominent comedians, find new voices, support the community, and help shape what’s next in comedy.”
The Improv returns to New York in partnership with The Second City, the Chicago improv comedy company and training center that launched the careers of Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Stephen Colbert, and many more. Thus, in addition to stand-up, the venue will be home to the Comedy Training Center by The Second City.
Liz Howard, Co-President and Executive Producer of The Second City, said, “We are so excited to be partnering with the Improv and welcoming them back to New York. We look forward to complementing The Improv’s world class stand-up comedy lineup with our Training Center and together molding the next generation of comedy talent in New York.”
Check out the Brooklyn Improv’s upcoming lineup below.
May 14-16: Nate Jackson
May 21-23: Nate Jackson
May 28: Subway Takes Live! With Kareem Rahma (SOLD OUT)
May 29-30: Eric D’Alessandro
June 4 Danny Polishchuk
June 5 Tumua Tuinei
