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The PIT in New York
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New York, New York County, New York, US
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Comments (163)
Have seen many hilarious shows at The PIT, and held my son’s sixth birthday party here last weekend, with an improvised musical about him and his best friend, who he shared the party with. The performers wowed all of us with their voices and sense of humor. All of our guests had a blast. The staff did an amazing job. Planning was easy, and they took care of everything on the day of. Love this place!
I ran a virtual improv session with my team and everyone had such a great time! Dana was an absolutely incredible instructor and really brought strong energy. Our whole team was smiling and laughing and everyone really enjoyed the session! Highly recommend for work teams or even a group of friends!!
Great place to catch something different culture. Multiple shows in the evening. Bar gets loud before the shows.
This month the PIT performed a fun, celebratory live virtual improv show at my organizations first virtual conference. It was a big success! The audience had a great time and it was a wonderful way to bring people together during a virtual conference. The PIT team was positive, prepared, and brought a wonderful energy to the event. We look forward to having perform again at our events!
Have been going here for years and it seldom disappoints! My favorite improv venue by far! The performers and crew are all super polite and fantastic. I recommend VERN (improvised musicals on wednesday nights!).UPDATED 2021 EDIT: Yall are not closed?!?!?!? HALLELUJAH!2021 EDIT: Aw no they closed, I MISS THE PIT SO MUCH EVERY DAY!!!!! It was one of the most lively, cozy, friendly place in the city. Love you guys and happy trails!!!
The PIT recently hosted my 10-year-old daughters virtual improv birthday party and it was AMAZING!! We tend to go big for bdays and I was feeling anxious about finding something that we could do safely and help make a tough year special. Throughout, Mac had great communication and helped me get comfortable. After I got the downlow, I knew this was the way to go.They crafted different improv games around my childs interests and the cast did an amazing job at 1) being funny 2) involving the kids without pressure an 3) making all the kids feel excited and welcome to participate. My daughter is a theater kid and loves being in the spotlight, but all participants--kids and adults alike-- were smiling the whole time.We received a recording of the performance that still makes us crack up. We found the PIT NYC party idea because of the COVID pandemic, but I would absolutely consider doing this again in the future. Usually I feel like Ive been hit by a truck after her birthdays after cleaning the house for days and entertaining a dozen kids for a few hours. Also some of our out-of-town friends who wouldnt otherwise be able to attend were able to participate.This group is just seriously awesome. Thank you all of those who made Rs birthday special!!
Improv had always seemed daunting and intimidating to me. However, we recently did an online workshop with the PIT and it was a blast! We were broken up in smaller groups and Joy was literally a joy to work with. I felt very comfortable and we learned a few things together - but more importantly, we had fun!
We picked The PIT for a remote improv workshop for our company. On the planning and the organizing side, thanks to Macs help, everything run smoothly. The workshop itself went great: our three groups were led by Dana, Joy and Patrick. The exercises were slightly different for each group, as each instructor has his/her style, but they were all developing the same skillset and goals that we had pointed to. All groups participants enjoyed and we received only positive feedback :)
Had an absolute blast watching the North Coast hip hop improv here on a Saturday night! Went with my boyfriend for a 9pm show and it was great! $10pp for a ticket and no 2 drink minimum needed. Everyone was so talented and funny. Highly recommend! I would definitely come here again
If you came here to see someone you might be fine but...I wandered into this place during early evening happy hour for a drink. I ordered a beer on tap and before I could finish an announcement came on that I had to pay $5 to stay for whatever show. My check came and my happy hour beer was $9. I am a fan of comedy but used to going to less rip you off venues with more charm in Brooklyn. Never again.
It would have been a 4 or 5 stars because i loved the look and feel of the place. The service was good and this was right next to Baruch where i went to school. I was there yesterday to support a friend performing that night and was being served by a female bartender. I got 6 blue moons for two people for about 40 bucks before the show. Thats reasonable. After the show i decided to get one more for the road. The place accepts cards only and the male bartender charged me $10.89 for that blue moon. I guess he figured I was too busy with convo to notice and he was probably right. I only realized as I was on my way home. Not gonna call them but the most I could do was this. Pay attention, patrons!
Great small venue to see a show, friendly staff and reasonably priced bar.
Great spot for improv. Lots of talent in a small location. I personally am a fan of the superfree night which, as the name implies, are free. Nice bar, reasonably priced, and you can bring drinks into the theater.
I worked with Mac (Director of Corporate Partnerships) to arrange a mini 1-hour improv workshop for me and 2 of my colleagues. Mac helped to make sure the arrangements fit our schedule and budget. On the day of the workshop, Mac was there to greet us with a warm welcome and also took time to show us around and tell us a little more about the theater. Our Workshop Instructor Dana was high energy, knowledgeable and supportive as we experimented with the different improv activities. We enjoyed being able to express ourselves in ways we dont always let out in the office. It was a great experience, and we would recommend this to other groups!
We went to see an improv musical on a Thursday. It was such a great show--we saw two different groups perform. Theres a bar area outside to hangout in before the show starts; there is limited seating, but bar staff was really friendly. This is a great place to catch a fun and entertaining show with friends--its always something different!
Its hard to sum up how amazing of an experience Mac and his team were able to create for our employees during my companys 80-person corporate improv training at The PIT this December. Their improv expertise, coupled with impeccable customer service and precise attention to our unique needs, really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a number of our team members. They worked within our budget but sacrificed nothing to ensure we got the training we were hoping for. Mac and his team deserve all the accolades…there really is nothing but praise to say about the planning and execution of our training at The PIT. Superb.
I cannot say enough great things about the PIT and their team. We booked a 20 person team building improv session and coming out of it, of all the team building activities that we have done around the city (we do them quarterly), we took more away from this time collectively than any other that weve ever been to.I worked with Mac at PIT to plan the event and he was amazing to work with. Super responsive and always kind and patient in answering all of my many questions! The session leaders were Matt and Jamie and we couldnt have asked for two better people to lead our teams. They asked what we hoped to get out of the class ahead of time and they based the activities on the our needs. We walked away with a deeper understanding of each other and a whole new set of tools to help us communicate with one another.I highly recommend the PIT if you are looking for fun, unique and effective team building! Thank you Mac, Matt and Jamie!!
Great place to see some live improv theater! Their beers and drinks are pretty cheap. Also every time Ive visited the performaners were top notch. Ive been a few time to their classes & some jams which are really welcoming! They do musical improv (lyrical & rapping) and have a dedicated hype man for added emphasis (hes hilarious)! And they take complete beginners & can pair you up so that your experience is fun & engaging. Its a great place that I recommend at least once if youre in the area for sure!
I have been to this venue a few times over the past couple of years. It is a nice venue, however (and this is a big however) there is NO air conditioning at all in the basement. The main level is comfortably air conditioned but the basement (where I saw a friend perform) is NOT. Please fix / install Air Conditioning in the basement. It was like a sauna down there. I have asthma and felt very uncomfortable downstairs.
I attended an amazing Drop-In Audition Practice taught by Patrick McCartney, and I learned so much!!! Patrick provided amazing feedback that helps me a lot with the monologue I am on working on. I highly recommend attending his workshops, and attending PIT classes in general. Great experience!!! Thank you!!!(In addition, I also love PIT for their Improv Jams and Open Mics, and I highly appreciate the space in general - such a great atmosphere, and everyone is super friendly! Thank you so much! Keep up the great work!)
This review is specifically for the Improv Drop in classes. I attended 2 .. although a little pricey, i thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hours. I attended one with Jason Specland, and he was an absolute delight as an instructor. There wasnt a single dull moment. Although it has been over a month, i remember everything he taught. I would definitely recommend taking a class with him. He sure knows his stuff.
Ive been here for two shows, one with an improv group, and one featuring prepared presentations by comedians on celebrities, the latter of which we left early, because it was so unbearably cringey and dumb. Both were honestly awful and not funny at all, unless youre extremely drunk, which most of the audience was. The jokes feel forced, and Im also not a fan of the basement auditorium with its limited seating, dank feel, and loud echoes. Theres far better comedy clubs in the city.
Ill just describe them as very sweet. The prices are fordable and the shows are entertaining. Where they are located you can usually find parking which is great. what I dont like is you have to have cash when you go in because they have an ATM machine but they charge you $5 to use it. But it is New York so perhaps thats why its that way but I really think its sad that just to get some cash you have to spend five more dollars to access the AMT in their building.
Words can not express the memories this place (the PIT) made for my son’s 16th birthday party. We wanted something different. My son loves Broadway and also has autism. Although you do have to provide your own decor/food, I would do it all over again. The staff was amazing from my first phone call. The owners, worked with us to plan out the improv show that my son kindly made himself a part of, lol. The actors were awesome... I highly recommend it!!! Book your next event here!!
I participated in a Digital Teambuilding Improv Workshop with my Exec team at work, and it was a great experience! Dana was our instructor, and she guided us through the improv session with energy and ease. It was very engaging, even as a Zoom call. Mac also did a great job in the planning stages listening to what our team hoped to gain from the session, and got to know us before it even began. Highly recommend for any team!
I booked a private session with 7 other business owners to help improve our ability to communicate with our clients. Ali was fantastic! I highly recommend improv training for any business team, large or small. Mac and everyone at the Pit were great and easy to work with.
Nice little place with two theaters. One large one and a smaller one on the lower level. I watched both the improv and sketch comedy and it was pretty good. Kind of a hit or miss depending on the show but its a good experience for a very low price.
I went to the PIT to support my room mate who was having and improv grad show in the basement and was so pleasantly surprised by the whole vibe of the place. Very laid back and friendly ticket booth and bartenders. The show was entertaining and the drinks were on par with the rest of it. Definitely recommend.
From the intial phone call for a quote to email communication to back and forth calls to the official event day - Mac too care of us like royalty. We had about 20 employees for a team building event and we had an absolute blast! they organized two instructors and with the team I was on- our instructor (jamie) was really great with communication, fun and got the ceo and cfo to reveal their fun nature ! I loved every minute of it and cant wait to go back and join some classes for my own fun!
The PIT is a great place to grab a drink and see an awesome Improv show. I like to go on Wednesdays because after 6pm, all the shows on the upper level are free 99. Awesome. The shows are pretty funny too. Or awkward, which translates into funny. So, its all good,Theres a nice bar in the lounge area. They even have a few bar eats too, though Ive never tried them. Catch a happy hour special to make your improv sesh even more fun.Its a good place to hang out with friends, or to take a date!
The shows are fun, great and local improv people stick around for fun, refreshments, and to hang with you. See an incredible show for cheap and then have a few at the most reasonable prices in Manhattan. Improv makes you laugh and alcohol helps. Go go go!
I enjoyed my time at the PIT.I went through all 5 levels when I lived in NYC 2011-2012.I had Meg, Ashley, Scott, Nate and Ali as my teachers.The PIT is a fun place to perform and connect with other comedians.Wednesday night house teams were always fun.If you can I recommend interning for nearly free classes, it is a fun experience and a great deal.
This was my first time seeing improv and I was disappointed. I had gone to see Big Britches, but at 8 (when the show was supposed to begin) my boyfriend and I heard no announcements for the show. So we asked the ticket attendant and he told us it was about to begin downstairs. We went down and had to sit to the side because there was no room in front of the stage. After about 5-10 minutes we found out we were at the wrong show. On top of that i had a hard time seeing the show because the performers would gather around the sides of the stage blocking the show. The show wasn’t funny and I’m sad I was misdirected even after informing the attendant which show we were seeing and that it was our first time. Luckily it didn’t break the bank.
The venue is fine, but lets talk about this unabashed racist statue dressed in a santa suit.You should be ashamed.
If you like improv, youll love this place. The bar in front was playing Cartoon Network (already my style) and the bartender was personable. They have two stages and a few regular shows with improv and, amazingly, even musical improv. I had a great time and would recommend this place to anyone who enjoys a laugh. Check their website-- sometimes the shows are free!
Much love for the PIT. Theyre not as crisp as Upright Citizens Brigade, but theyre still great. Plus, I love that you can show up 10 minutes before a show, buy $5 tickets, and then see a show. That low-key approach is great, and I feel like if I lived closer to PIT, Id be there all the time.I also saw a sign for drop-in improv classes. Tempting tempting.
People are nice. Space is cool. Drinks will get you on $ but thats okay because the shows (re: North Coast!!) are always so good!
I admit that I definitely expected a sticky-floor, not well-maintained comedy club but I was impressed by the fast ticket counter service, pleasant staff, comfortable theater (Striker) and the really packed bar that offers really cheap drinks. Decent prices and nice decor.
Excellent spot for improv in NYC. Lots of talent in a small location. I personally am a fan of the superfree night which, as the name implies, are free. Nice bar, reasonably priced, and you can bring drinks into the theater.
Cool space, has a bar, seating in the theater is comfortable. Variety of shows and open mics available. Check it out if you are into comedy aka laughing, doing or receiving - for practice and fun.
I didn’t like the improv show I saw. I don’t think anyone could relate to his performance so if he was trying to be funny I didn’t hear a single person laugh. I was about to walk out in the middle of it but waited to be respectful of the performer. I think I’ll give it another chance but not that show.
Catch some awesome improv, character shows, and sketch shows. $1 student tickets for any student ID. Super Crazy Fun Time Variety Game Show Hour and The Magical World or Musical Improv are the best shows.
Did an open mic here very supportive crowd of fellow comics the m.c. didnt show (very typical) they allowed 12 comics to sign up but didnt let more than 7 get on stage I wonder what happened to that extra $25. I would love to rate them higher if they were a little more organized they would be a 5 🌟 spot for any open micker
A lot of political anti-Trump jokes - many made by a self deprivating female comedian. Very conflicting message.Also, the Tinderella show was only 30 minutes. I thought it would be longer. But all in all I had fun.I did go back to see another show featuring North Coast and they were really, really good!
The Peoples Improv Theatre is easily the funniest place in all of Gramercy. I love coming to the Love Bar and catching up with the friendly bartenders before partaking in fresh popcorn and the changing selection of indie draft beers. While the cocktails are still a work in progress, the comedy side of the venue hits its stride easily with free improv shows on Wednesdays and awesome variety acts like Running Late with Scott Rogowsky and Political Subversities. If youre an aspiring performer, there are also plenty of chances to Follow the Fear, as founder Ali Farahnakian might say, at daily open mics.
Honestly the show i saw was pretty terrible
Terrific well prepared food. Decent wine list. Friendly staff. Priced so you dont need a second mortgage. Located in the thick of things
Nice club, saw a great show called Laughs for Puerto Rico
Saw The Optimist and was quite wonderful. Theater was nearly full for a busy night. After the play the bar was packed and we got to see the actors.
Cool, affordable venue for comedy shows with a very fun energy. The bar is a bit overpriced, but thats to be expected in NY. Highly recommended!
Really nice theater where improvising is playing. Many different plays the same day at different hours
This is a great venue for grabbing a drink and seeing a comedy show. If you want to try doing improv you should come here too, or put up a show of your own.
Super funny and smart :) Loved the experience there. Weve had a team outing there where actors made a musical based on our office! So cool!
Come in for an evening of laughs!The PIT does also organize improv jams twice a week.And you can try the improv experience yourself by taking a class! Drop ins are $25 and you have a package of 4 classes level 0 for $99!
Extremely wide variety of shows, whose producers are given great freedom to express their vision. Friendly staff, beautiful spaces, and a welcoming community.
I know theres different comedians each time you go but my experience was pretty trash, I fell asleep and theres gotta be someone in the soundroom that they pay to laugh obnoxiously loud when nothing is really funny.
I come to the PIT pretty often. Its a funny and inexpensive place to experience live comedy. Ive never seen a show here that I hated! Check it out!
Great little venue. There were many acts and more than one active comedy room. It is a little cramped but that is to be expected for nearly any place in Manhatton.
Intimate space to catch some sidesplitting improv – especially on Wednesdays when all the shows are free from 6-11pm. They serve wine and beer too!
Great place to hang out after a show. Saw The Chris and Paul Show here. Recently saw Paul Valentis mYshow. Would definitely go back based on those experiences.
Im GOING to be taking classes. NOT here though. Ive had nothing but bad experiences with their website. And call and theyre not helpful. Just disgusted and disappointed. Certainly wouldnt take classes at a place so disorganized.
Loved it there, doing lots of shows and improvs since J arrived to new york. Magic atmosfear
The Pit is the place to go for taking improv lessons. Just had my second lesson of Level 1 and would highly recommend anyone to take a class.
This show was by far the worst comedy show I have ever seen. Not because of lack of effort. Just lack of comedy, arcade Andy is great though.
Theres a reason why they regularly give huge discounts on their classes and the classes still dont fill up. Armpit of comedy schools.
The PIT did a fantastic job for a 7th birthday party. The personalized show as excellent and so much fun.
Great date night. Lots of different shows each night. Talent can vary but the reasonable cover makes it worth while.
Very fun performance spaces (basement and Stryker stage) with a casual, medium sized bar and great comedy acts.
Best improv school and theater in NYC bar none! Great place to learn improv, see hilarious shows and connect with a great community.
Im indebted to this place. Great community and low ticket prices. Its a theater and bar, but no two-drink minimum.
Amazing improv theatre! Im obsessed and go every Saturday at 9pm for North Coast (hip hop improv)
Fun theatre with great little shows for an amazing price recommend if you are looking to spend an hour to go to a show here
The venue is not great, but the level of talent I saw on my trip to improv night was truly impressive
I love this place. Great Energy. Great drinks. Delicious food!!! The crawfish mashed potatoes are devine.
Great teams, large space, very reasonable prices on drinks food and tickets. A great way to spend a weekend.
My favorite place to hang any night of the week. Great crowd, low prices, cutting edge performances, best vibe.
A lot of fun... One or the skits were a bit cringy (aka really bad) but overall had a really fun time!
The improv class is so fun and gets everyone out of their shell. Highly recommend!
Shows are affordable and funny and the bar is great. See Astronaut Theater whenever theyre in the lineup
Another hidden gem .I was very impressed saw great play had great experience .Nice staff and actors , bar and snacks available .
Great theatre. Amazing space. Drinks are a little pricey but not terrible.
Fun place for improv, sketch, and stand-up comedy! Shows on Mondays and Wednesdays are FREE!
This was not at all what we expected, it was a pretty immature type of physical comedy. I felt at some points like I had to laugh out of being uncomfortable which isnt something you should feel in a show.
Awesome. Definitely a theatre for the people. Bar to drink at after and before. A true modern theatre.
Excellent comedy for low prices. Tons of talent and a kickass bar. Perfect combo.
Great lineups, Political Subversities is one of the best ensemble shows around.
This is a great place to see live comedy without going broke. Great place.... I definitely recommend it.!!!!
Great comedy club bar combo! Cheap beer, good laughs, good times.
My least favorite improv theater but you can catch some good stuff there.
Cutting edge comedy! Two theaters and a bar mage this an easy place to hang out, see a show, and keep hanging out.
BJ Thorne and Stephanie Holmes make this comedy club/theater a must for any comedy lovers taking a trip to NYC!
Fun venue with solid comedy lineups. Great place to learn comedy.
Great improv and comedy shows, decent beer selection.
Great place for laughs from up and coming comedians, as well as some more established ones
Many good shows and the love bar is a solid hang for between.
A little crazy trying to attend a show here, but the bar is good while you wait.
Venue was fine but I might have barely chuckled once in an hour long show.
This place is always good for a laugh and very affordable. I really enjoyed BBC2
Free improv on Wed nights, cool laid back ambiance
In my ancient days of glory I performed here. Gather around O children! Come on down to The PIT!
Good place to see show and do improv jams! :)
Great atmosphere with many different shows going on.
Come here all the time. Great NYC comedy institution on par with UCB.
Not impovPracticed skitDrinks min alcoholWouldn’t repeat
Cool spot. Alot of good vibes and funny lines.
Great food and drinks, that has a wonderful service / ambience!
Classic improv club. I liked the layout of the place.
Always enjoyed going to shows here. An alternative to UCB.
Best corporate team building event ever!
Saw the Shakespeare improv show. Very well done.
Pluto is missing. Great show. See it
Cool venue, cheap, fun shows
Great spot for great shows, great drinks, and great people!
Great space to check out different performers
Great shows for cheap. Funny stuff.
A good teather for some improv and sketch comedy
Great performance. Good bar
Hilarious - get tickets in advance and get their early
The PIT makes me Smile, jump in a conversation and talk about strange things
Amazing talent! Definately recommend
Fun ,funny. And all out entertainingly engaging time.
Luv it more every time I go!
Chill,
Great place to enjoy some comedy
Fun improv group with audience input!
Funny people,great bar
Seems like lots of creative events going on
A great atmosphere and starting place
The best comedy school in ny
Hilarious! and only $10!
I had a show there one
Cool hip spot.
Love everything about the pit
The best
Clever people doing funny stuff
Great place for comedy
Smells like a basement!
So much fun
Wonderful
Best
Good shows.
Great spot!
Interesting experience.
Free Wednesday 😍
My improv home!
Went to vern!
Best improv
Great venue
Nice improv
Improv classes
Awesome atmosphere is not just a theater, but a theater club, moreover, gum. Free Mondays, a good bar, after which it’s not a shame to spend the whole evening and good improvisational humor for those who know the language. My favorite CANNONBALLS! You can even come to just sit in a bar without going to the show.
Oxen
Fun and useful
Total reviews rating 4.4
163 Reviews for The PIT 2023:
Review №1
2022-03-05One of the best places in the whole dang city for comedy creatives to thrive. Love the shows and love the community!
Review №2
2021-11-09Mac and Ali were really great at bringing the team together for a great bonding and skill building exercise. They really helped us break the ice and help us kick off with activities that were both and and impactful. Highly recommend them and would love to do another improv session in the future.
Review №3
2019-03-26My Son performs here and hes AWESOME, FUNNY AND TALENTED!! NOT bcs hes my Son, but they are LUCKY to have him and some of the other SUPER TALENTED IMPROVISERS!! I truly hope that ALL OF THESE TALENTED PLAYERS are APPRECIATED FOR THEIR DEDICATION!! COMEDY IS A GREAT WAY TO LAUGH AT OURSELVES AND HAVE FUN DOING IT!!Also, the teachers are really cool,, very helpful. unlike some OTHER place(UCB,, VERY DECEITFUL)!!!
Review №4
2019-09-18Wanted to thank Mac and his staff who made our off-site team building event such a great experience. The staff were upbeat and taught us may takeaway techniques. Id definitely recommend them for any event!
Review №5
2020-02-20Came here just for the night. It was Wednesday so lots of free improv sessions. Everyone friendly and would recommend.
Review №6
2017-12-10We saw “Cry Baby” and it was very funny. The show was entertaining and engaging. I would definitely recommend it. It started on the time and the theater was easy to find. Plus, it’s very close to Eataly. 😊
Review №7
2019-03-26I manage a professional networking series called Shapr Connectors Club. We hired the PIT to run a one night improv class for the group. Matt and Jamie were our instructors, and they did an absolutely superb job. As soon as they arrived at the space, which they were seeing for the first time, they quickly worked together to adjust their plans around the strengths of the room and the group, and to come up with fun and easy exercises that got our group moving. Everyone was immediately comfortable and willing to go 150% without any fear of holding back. Through improv, we learned:1. When you hype someone up and support their ideas, they continue to give more.2. If the group succeeds, you succeed. Your peers will do better if you cheer them on.3. Contribute, and continue to build on a great idea.At the end of the workshop, everyone was raving about the event and feeling so energized. The PIT helped our community to grow and get connected, and it was a pleasure working with them!
Review №8
2021-01-15My team loved this online improv team building! Many of them logged in nervous, but Mac, Patrick, and Dana were so inviting and encouraging. They were able to squeeze so much into the 1-hour session. The intimate breakout rooms helped the team open up and be their authentic selves. We did a team survey and 100% agreed!
Review №9
2021-07-21We hired The PIT for my clients event to kick-off the day where real estate agents from all over the country learned important skills to improve their business. The PIT did an AMAZING job and the instructors adapted the exercises to real estate and got everyone laughing and thinking differently to start the day. We will definitely be hiring them again!
Review №10
2020-10-15We were lucky enough to participate in a digital team building workshop and I cant rave enough about it! They asked for feedback on our team and put together an hour long session that was filled with fun exercises that were designed to help us communicate more effectively and efficiently and they did just that. And we got to have a blast while doing it! Cant rave about, and recommend, Patrick and Sarah enough! And Mac was great at planning the whole thing.