Peoples Improv Theater

The Peoples Improv Theater, also known as The PIT, is a comedy theater and training center based in New York City, founded by comedian Ali Farahnakian in 2002.[1] Shows performed here include improvisational comedy, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, theater, and variety shows. Shows are hosted both by "house teams" (comedians hired by the PIT) and by outside comedians.[2]

The PIT
The Peoples Improv Theater's Flatiron location, containing the Striker and Underground stages.
TypeTheatre group
PurposeImprovisational comedy, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, theater, and variety shows
Location
Artistic director(s)
Ali Farahnakian
Notable members

The PIT consists of three venues: Striker, Underground, and the Loft, located in the Chelsea and Flatiron neighborhoods of Manhattan.

Notable alumni of the PIT include The Office actress Ellie Kemper,[NB 1][3][4] comedian and voice actress Kristen Schaal,[NB 1][5][6] and comedian and actor Hannibal Buress.[7]

History

The Peoples Improv Theater's Loft location was founded by Ali Farahnakian and Armando Diaz in 2002 and continues to have shows. The PIT moved its headquarters to its location (123 East 24th Street) on December 31, 2010. As of September 1, 2015, the original location of the PIT became known as The PIT Loft and officially became the third venue of The PIT.

Every Wednesday is designated "Super Free Wednesday" in the Striker location; all of the comedy shows by house teams are free, including musical improv troupe Vern that has performed weekly since 2014.[8][9]

In 2018, Farahnakian opened up a new location in his home state of North Carolina, called The PIT Chapel Hill (462 W Franklin Street).[1]

The PIT also publishes comedy sketches to a collective YouTube channel named PITtv.

See also

Notes
  1. house improv team: Big Black Car

References
  1. Fernelius, Katie Jane (29 November 2017). "The PIT Wants to Fill the Disgraced DSI Comedy Theater's Void. But Will It Just Replicate the Same Toxic Culture?". INDY Week.
  2. "SKETCH HOUSE TEAMS". Peoples Improv Theater.
  3. "Scott & Ellie". www.jesterjournal.com.
  4. "Ellie Kemper". The PIT. Archived from the original on September 6, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
  5. Kharakh, Ben. "Kristen Schaal, Comedian and Actress". Gothamist. Archived from the original on 2018-02-25. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
  6. "Kristen Schaal". The PIT. Archived from the original on September 6, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
  7. Hoare, Peter. "Meet the Most Sought-After Man in Comedy Right Now: Hannibal Buress". Complex. Complex.
  8. Desk, BWW News. "Magnet Theater Announces Lineup For 10th Annual New York Musical Improv Festival". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  9. Desk, BWW News. "TRUDY CARMICHAEL PRESENTS: THE IMPROVISED ONE-WOMAN HERSTORY! to make a daring Premiere at The NY International Fringe Festival". BroadwayWorld.com.

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