ImprovBoston facts for kids
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| Nonprofit | |
| Founded | Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. (January 1, 1982) |
| Founder | Ellen Holbrook |
| Headquarters | 620 Mass Ave Cambridge, Massachusetts |
ImprovBoston is a special kind of theater in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It's a nonprofit group, which means they use their money to help their mission, not just to make a profit. ImprovBoston is famous for its improvisational theater, often called improv. This is where actors make up scenes, stories, and songs on the spot! They also teach classes in improv, stand-up comedy, musical improv, and even how to write funny sketches.
Contents
The Story of ImprovBoston
How It Started (1982–1993)
ImprovBoston began in 1982 thanks to Ellen Holbrook. She had studied improv in Chicago at a famous theater called The Second City. Ellen brought her skills to Boston. She gathered and trained groups of improvisers. These groups then competed in fun "Improv Olympic" shows.
In 1983, Ellen Holbrook, with Nicholas Emanuel and Katy Bolger, officially started ImprovBoston. The group performed in different places around Boston. In 1984, ImprovBoston became a nonprofit organization. They moved to Ryles Jazz Club in Inman Square, Cambridge. Their shows were always changing. They often included improv games based on ideas from the audience. They also had musical improv and funny song parodies.
Finding a Home (1993–2000)
In 1993, ImprovBoston got its very own theater space. This was the Back Alley Theater in Inman Square. Nancy Howland Walker was the Artistic Director at this time. The main cast performed late-night shows. Soon, they added prime-time shows too.
Nancy also helped bring "Theatersports" to New England. This became a popular show on Thursday nights. The cast grew a lot during this time. Later, Larry Pizza and Ron Jones took over as Artistic Directors. The theater started to explore new types of improv shows. They went beyond the usual short games.
Growing and Expanding (2000–2008)
In 2000, Will Luera became the new Artistic Director. He brought many new show ideas to ImprovBoston. This included the "Micetro" format, which is a popular improv show style. In 2005, another group called "Wrong Kind of Funny" joined. This helped create ImprovBoston's Family Show.
In February 2008, ImprovBoston moved to a new place. This new venue was in Central Square, Cambridge. Will Luera helped the theater grow a lot. They added many new shows and formats. The theater was open five nights a week!
Some of the new shows included "The Hump" for experimental improv. There was also "The Great and Secret Comedy Show" for stand-up comedy. "Showcase Shows" featured new improv ideas. "Sgt. Culpepper Improvisational Jamboree" on Sundays had shows by college groups. It also had an "Open Jam" where audience members could join in.
ImprovBoston also started annual special productions. These included "GoreFest," a spooky musical for October. There was also "The ImprovBoston Holiday Spectacular," a holiday sketch show. The "Comedy Beanpot" was an improv tournament for college teams.
Recent Years (2020 to Now)
In 2020, the theater had to close its doors. This was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A small team worked hard in 2021 to bring the theater back. Even without its own building, ImprovBoston kept going. They continued to offer classes in improv, stand-up, and sketch writing. They also performed shows in other theaters around Boston.
In 2023, ImprovBoston changed its look and updated its website. They also fixed up an office space across the street from their old location. This new space became a small, new theater. ImprovBoston continues to teach and perform, bringing laughter to many people.
Famous People Who Started Here
Many talented performers have been part of ImprovBoston. Some have gone on to become well-known actors, comedians, and writers. Here are a few:
- Adam Felber
- Cameron Esposito
- Christopher Nowinski
- Faith Soloway
- Jen Kirkman
- Jenny Zigrino
- Jessimae Peluso
- Josh Gondelman
- Katie Nolan
- Lou Wilson
See also
- Improv Asylum
