Steel City Improv Theater

I loved it here and will definitely be back. It is fun, crafty, and a great evening of inexpensive entertainment. The improv actors are very skilled, and they seem to offer something different nearly every single weekend. The theater has a fun, indie feel to it. I have enjoyed this type of improv in many cities where I have lived and am glad to have something of this nature here in PGH.

The best improv comedy shows in Pittsburgh! The shows and classes are great and The Union won an award for Best Comedy Troupe in Pittsburgh last year!

Have to say up front, the fact that this place moved to a new venue is a blessing and a curse; on the one hand, the neighborhood it's in now is much safer (an important factor for people like me who have to walk back to a car alone in the dark after these shows), but it's now further away and parking can be harder to find. Life gives and takes, I suppose...Now, to the meat of this review: while my favorite place for cheap improv is actually Pittsburgh's Friday Nite Improv show, I'm still fairly fond of Steel City Improv Theater. Pittsburgh has an amazing improv scene overall, which I didn't actually realize until speaking to the folks here almost a year ago. Steel City stands out from the local crowd in part because of its emphasis on long-form improv (doing a longer, "themed" comedy show, as opposed to what amounts to a three minute stand-up piece in short-form) and also because of the classes that it offers. Seriously, locals - if you're looking for a place that actually has classes for improv, this is the place to go; I've only ever heard good things about the classes, and a couple of my friends who took them have moved on to form their own comedy group.Also, the people who work or volunteer here, and the people who come through performing, are all kind, polite, talented folks - an absolute joy to talk to and to watch, even if the shows don't go quite as well as we want them to. You can just tell that everyone is having a good time - the most important part of a comedy show!All in all: can't say I've ever had a bad time when I've gone here, even if I'm not always a fan of "long-form improv." I say, look up some show times, schedule a dinner date and head here for some entertainment one night - you won't be disappointed. A note to parents: realize that these shows are performed by adults, for adults, so unless you want your kids repeating swear words all the way home, find a babysitter. Think of it as a great excuse for a date night.By the way, bring a few bucks to pay for the tickets ($5) and for some cheap beverages (alcohol's available) and snacks.

If it's a Friday or Saturday night, chances are you'll find me at Steel City Improv Theater. If you are looking for quality long form improv in Pittsburgh, this is the place to go. Tickets are affordable ($10 or less), the space is comfortable, and drinks/snacks are available for next to nothing! I've taken classes here, and can't believe how far I've come as an improviser. Friends and family whom I've brought to shows have always had a great time. Just up the metal stairs in front of the theater, there are tons of options for drinks and dinner before/after. Street parking is abundant on Ellsworth Ave and the side streets, or the new parking garage on Centre is totally walkable. Steel City Improv Theater is a great place to start out a Friday or Saturday night. It's always a wonderful community, full of laughs, acceptance, and damn good improv.

I always enjoyed checking out local improv when I was an undergrad; unfortunately, too many places just fell so...flat. Too often I would show up excited and leave unimpressed. When a friend of mine had his little sister coming to town, he needed something to do around the city that didn't include going to a bar.Then we found Steel City Improv Theater.Hilarious and talented individuals deliver improvisation at its finest. Come in for their free Monday nights, or enjoy their more elaborate Friday/Saturday/whenever shows. They usually have a post-show drink at Bites and Brews, and they always end each show inviting the audience to come out and hang. The theater offers classes and usually has special events--what's not to love?I couldn't recommend supporting a better advocate of culture and arts in the area.

Amazing instructors! Incredibly amusing and fun experiences! Interesting people! Great gift from my husband.

Absolutely great venue. Had so much fun there, super great staff. They went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a good time!! Can't wait to come back.

I had the pleasure of visiting SCIT twice this past weekend while in town for an event. Both Friday night and the event on Saturday were awesome! The improve players were hilarious, the staff was great, the place is clean and setup great, it was a fantastic experience.

4 shows a week. Lots of fun! It's tucked away so it's a little hard to find. But that kinda makes it a hidden gem.

Love this theatre! It's a great place for a date night (especially after dinner at Noodlehead) something fun and different to do with out of town guests and the best part is the free trial class for those curious and interested in improv. Warning: I didn't really know what improv was or what it entailed until my boss recommended I try doing improv to get me out of my comfort zone and think more on the fly. I signed up for the free trial class and had a blast meeting new people, letting lose, and being present. After the free class, I signed up for the 6 week Level 1 series. I'm the type of person that has a hard type letting go and turning off work. When I would attend my Level 1 improv class, it gave me the opportunity to constantly learn something new every week, become part of a supportive and encouraging community and actually have fun. While I was a anxious of the thought of a 3 hour class every week and a class performance to round out what we learned, I would highly recommend someone who wants to give improv a try to just sign up and do it.Justin and Scott (the instructors) gave me the confidence and perseverance that anyone can do improv as long as you be honest with yourself and stay in the moment. Also when you step into that door as a student or someone who just wants to enjoy improv for an evening that you are enough. There is an feeling of being welcomed by everyone and like you're part of the improv family.Check out Steel City Improv the next time you're in Shadyside/East Liberty, you will definitely get a good laugh and lots of happy endorphins!