It's not every day that teens are allowed-in fact encouraged-to write exactly what's on their mind, and then perform it for the public. But every spring, that is just what the MCC Theater Youth Company does. Funny, dramatic and always poignant, this all-teen cast works together all year, creating this honest and personal performance. Write this event into your calendar now- and don't forget to make a reservation! These shows book up fast for a reason.

 

UNCENSORED May 1-3, 7 pm o $5 o Zipper Factory Theater, 336 W. 37 St. (212) 727-7722, ext. 222


SPOTLIGHT ON A NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE

By Michael Ramirez, Senior
Grover Cleveland High School

The Peoples IMprov TheatreImprov has taken over! The thrill of watching comedy created on the spot is fascinating. It's creative; it's impressive; it's hilarious, and it's live inside The PIT.

With an enormous cast of young improvisers, The Peoples Improv Theater has become a hugely popular stop for on-the-spot comedy. This dedicated theatre has achieved an excellent combination of amusement and hospitality for its audience. The big red door on West 29th St. welcomes its audiences into a cozy and carpeted waiting room on the second floor, where an equally warm receptionist awaits to greet and serve the guests a wide variety of drinks (non-alcoholic for us under-age attendees). The highly energetic comedians hit the stage every night to present an impressive array of sidesplitting shows. Many of these include some audience interaction, beginning by first asking the audience for a suggestion or a word, and then proceeding to create, off the top of their heads, witty scenarios, wild situations, and even songs with these suggestions. The audiences often love the various characters, and the humor can grow so intense that you can see the performers themselves strain with the temptation to laugh.


This magic happens on an empty stage, with nothing but a couple of chairs and a group of performers. At the end of every night, The PIT offers "Free Jams," which gives the audience the opportunity to speak with the improvisers, and even perform along with them. Improv shows at the PIT are often just a $5 charge.

 

The Peoples Improv Theater will literally "improv your life."


Along with these staple improvisation shows, The PIT is also home to a range of well-known sketch and variety performances that bring diversity and a wide selection to the theatre. Among the shows are the award-winning The Apple Sisters and the talented and critically acclaimed group of four, Drop Six. These shows usually take place on weekends, with tickets at the unbelievable price of only $5-$8.


But The Peoples Improv Theater doesn't stop there. They know that the public loves to improvise just as much as they love to watch, and so the good folks at The PIT are also dedicated to teaching young, aspiring students the tricks of the trade. They offer a full-fledged improv and sketch conservatory along with kid and teen improv lessons, and classes in stand-up comedy as well. The PIT also reaches out to students who are interested in their performance writing classes, which consists of former Saturday Night Live, The Daily Show, and Letterman writers who teach writing styles from sitcom to sketch to comedy screenwriting.


So whether it's to check out one (or many) of their original shows or to take one of their classes, The PIT is the place to be for just about everything in the world of improv comedy. Perhaps I forgot to mention the best part: As a present from The PIT, Wednesday's shows, as well as weekday late night performances, are all free! So head over to 29th Street and you'll discover that The Peoples Improv Theater will literally "improv your life."

 

The Pit (Peoples Improv Theatre) Prices vary by performance, many for $5-$8 o 154 W. 29th St. www.thepit-nyc.com


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