WHERE DO I PARK?
In addition to our free parking lot, there is consistently available FREE STREET PARKING located on both Quarry and Elizabeth. Lock your cars. Cuz it’s a big city not cuz it’s a big problem. Click here for details on where to park.
CAN I HECKLE?
No. You’ll be shocked at how quickly you’ll be asked to leave, without a refund, if you disrupt a show. If the performers need something from the audience, they’ll ask, otherwise just sit back and enjoy the show.
WHAT IS SKETCH COMEDY?
Sketch comedy, unlike improv comedy, is COMPLETELY SCRIPTED and rehearsed. Some of the most famous examples are Saturday Night Live, Key&Peele and Monty Python. Like improv, sketch comedy usually features multiple performers but can be done by solo performers. The difference between solo sketch and a standup comedian is that solo sketch is more theatrical and would almost always include props, costumes and multiple characters being played by the same performer. Sketch comedy can be absurd or satirical or political or all of those things.
WHAT IS IMPROV COMEDY?
Improv (short for improvisation) is a form of comedy CREATED ON THE SPOT, with no script. The most famous example is the TV show “Whose Line Is It, Anyway?” A show usually features multiple performers but can be done by solo performers. The audience offers suggestions for scenes or songs and the cast makes them up on the spot. This means every show is original. Every scene is done for the first AND last time. Every night The Comedy Project is open, there’s something new on stage and if you miss it, it’s gone forever.
WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE FOR A SHOW?
The theater opens an hour before showtime so come in and get a fancy drink or snack. Shows start at showtime, so please be on time.
HOW DO I BUY TICKETS?
Right here on our website or at the theater before the show if there are still tickets.
WHERE DO I PICK UP MY TICKETS?
You don’t 🙂 You can print them off at home if you want but we’ll have a record of your ticket purchase at the box office and can check you in.
HOW LONG ARE SHOWS?
On Friday and Saturday our 8pm shows run about 75 minutes.
Thursday shows and Friday and Saturday late shows run about an hour.
FOOD? DRINKS?
We have a full bar and one of the best selections of MOONSHINE anywhere! Plus some “upscale bowling alley” cuisine like soft, hot pretzels, soft, warm cookies, Popcorners and non alcoholic beverages.
DOES TCP HAVE A MINIMUM AGE?
We do not have a minimum age for shows but under 18 be accompanied by an adult after 9pm.
WHAT RATING ARE THE SHOWS?
Most shows (NOT INCLUDING “Comedy Outlet Mondays” are PG-13 but adult-oriented and the late night shows are more likely to push that envelope. Specific shows will be family friendly or clean comedy so read the show descriptions.
DO YOU HAVE STANDUP COMEDY?
We occasionally have some cool shows that feature standup, like the “Feedback Standup” show and “Weirdos”(characters-only show) but generally don’t have traditional standup shows.
DO YOU HOLD AUDITIONS?
We will have auditions for “The Dispatch”, our house team(s) at least once or twice a year and will announce them at the venue, here and social media. “The Dispatch” is where we will pull people up to the paid, mainstage cast.
HOW DO I GET ONSTAGE?
- If you haven’t done much/any improv or sketch comedy, the Training Center Program classes are a good way to “get into the system” but are by no means required. It can be extremely beneficial so you can gauge your interest and we can be introduced to you and your talents. We offer a full range of classes in sketch and improv comedy as well as comedy writing. New terms start approximately every 2 months. Please check the Training Center site – TCPTCP – for more info.
- Comedy Outlet Mondays happens pretty much every Monday and while we don’t produce this event, it is always a great way to test things out, so consider signing up for some time and showing the world what you’ve got. Use this form to submit!
- Open Jam – Any Monday night when there is a Comedy Outlet Mondays show, there’s also a completely free, open improv jam after the show, usually around 8:45pm. This is a great way to meet some people and try out some improv in an incredibly welcoming environment.
WHAT IF I HAVE A SHOW IDEA?
If you have a show or show idea that you think we should know about, let us know! As long as it’s boldly comedic and good, we’re interested.
CAN I TAKE PICTURES?
Yep, just no flash please. And no video. Thanks.
CAN I BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE / GIFT CARD?
Yes and they can be used just like cash for tickets, classes or merchandise. They can be purchased online and printed at home or purchased at the theater during normal business hours. Buy one right now if you don’t believe us! CLICK THIS!
WHERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO EAT?
If you want something we don’t have, in addition to our neighbors The Mitten Brewing Company, Long Road Distillery, People’s Cider Company, Chicago Style Gyro, American Dogs and More, and of course Taco Bell, we’re also just a few blocks away from the plethora of options down on Bridge Street.
CAN I BRING MY PET TO THE SHOW?
No. We only allow service animals into the theater.
CAN I BRING MY BABY TO THE SHOW?
No.
I HAVE A GROUP THAT WANTS TO COME SEE A SHOW. DO YOU HAVE GROUP SALES OR DO YOU DO PRIVATE SHOWS?
If you have a party or group that wants to come see one of our already scheduled shows, simply email info@thecomedyproject.com to let us know you are coming and we’ll have a table set up for you. If you are interested in a private show, onsite or off, email info@thecomedyproject.com.
CAN I RENT THE SPACE?
Yes, we’d love to be part of your event so please visit our Private Events page for more information!