Arcade Comedy Theater, Pittsburgh

What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?

Arcade Comedy Theater is Pittsburgh’s only non-profit comedy theater featuring at least six shows every weekend. We’re BYOB and we have free video games in the lobby. We offer classes in improv, stand-up and sketch comedy, and an enthusiastic community of students and performers. For those brand new to comedy, we recommend Improv Pop-Up Night: a low-pressure way to learn what improv is with a social mixer (with snacks!), a fun improv class, and admission to a show.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?

In 2013, the Arcade founders were inspired to create a theater that showcased a variety of comedy performances–from stand-up, sketch groups and improv teams to musicians and magicians–in the heart of Pittsburgh’s cultural district.

What do you love most about your job?

I love when comedy is a platform for real human connections. Sometimes people come to shows or classes because they are going through big life changes or a difficult time, and laughing hard every week is something they really look forward to.

What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer?

The best reactions are the students who sign up thinking they’ll take an intro improv class for fun or to get some experience public speaking and get hooked. A year later, they’ve completed the improv program, joined a student team, are active on our discussion group and are creating their own comedy shows!