Charlotte Comedy Theater CHARLOTTE, Charlotte

The performers of Charlotte Comedy Theater know how to make audiences laugh, and they have the accolades to prove it—they were voted 2012's best improv- or sketch-comedy group by readers of Charlotte magazine. That talent could be due to the influence of their founder, Keli Semelsberger, who studied with noted comedians in Chicago before bringing the exhilaration of living in the moment to Charlotte stages. Or it could be simply because their off-the-cuff, completely unscripted shows—which include both long- and short-form improv—are just plain funny.

Many of those quick-witted players honed their craft in Charlotte Comedy Theater's own training center, which hosts classes for aspiring improvisors of all skill levels. Outside of their theater's four actual walls and largely metaphorical fourth wall, company members also lead team-building programs designed to build trust in groups through entertaining exercises and thrilling excursions into nature.