Tucson Improv Movement

So happy to add TIM to my downtown date night (or hang out night/​bar hop night…) line up! One of my co-​workers performs here and invited us to the (first annual!) Tucson Comedy Arts Festival. It was a great intro to the group, and since then I’ve been back several times to kick off a night downtown or just to have a cheap, fun option for an evening out.
They have two shows at 7 and 9 on Fridays and Saturdays and it’s $ 5 for an hour or so long show. The show themes vary so it’s fun to check out a few to find which format you like best. I personally am a fan of their Throwdown shows. There’s lots of variety in the sketch formats and just enough audience engagement to make you feel like part of the fun. They also seem to pretty frequently host some different style nights (all females, hosting different Improv groups etc.) to mix things up.
It is IMPROV so as the name suggests there can be some lulls in the ‘funny’ during some portions, but their games are generally formatted where the moderator (?) or another actor can step in to change the tempo if it starts to get a bit… painful. Generally however, I have laughed through every show, and it is well worth a visit. Plus, within walking distance of some amazing bars and restaurants makes it the perfect stop off when heading downtown.

This is sort of tricky. This place is a school, and their performers are students (of all levels). So one shouldn’t expect too much. You might get lucky and find a future Robin Williams here, but it’s not a reasonable expectation. At the same time they are charging admission (only $ 5), so they sort of obligate themselves to deliver «the goods». (Why do they charge the students for classes and then charge people to come watch performers that are not being paid, but in fact had to pay to perform?) Yeah, it’s only 5 bucks.
This night we saw the «101 class» (beginners), plus a pair that I assume were more advanced. There were some amusing moments, but a lot of it was pretty flat. The «instructor» laughed more than most of the audience. But I’m giving an «A-​OK» because they didn’t promise Robin Williams, they didn’t charge for Robin Williams, and there were some humorous moments.

TIM’s improv classes are the best entertainment value going in town. $ 150 for six weeks of classes that are 2.5 hours each. So, since you’re a robot like me who calculates entertainment value at $/​hr, you’re thinking, «$ 10 an hour, that’s the cost of a first-​run 3D movie and a snack.» Well, the price also includes the exhilarating joy of PERFORMING, and as many viewings of TIM shows as you want, for free! If you saw every TIM show, every week, that brings your $/​hr rate to ~$ 3.89/hr.
The TIM experience, however, s QUALITATIVELY great. Stop doing all that division, you robot!
TIM classes are a blast. They are thoughtfully, tightly designed. It’s a little theory and a lot of practice, and the practice is fun. Everyone is unilaterally positive, which kept me going although I am shy. It’s not a total sausage party. The instructors’ feedback is supportive and honest. TIM reminds me of my crazy, brilliant friends from high school — the same deep joy of having injokes with your tight knit friends.
The only bad thing I can say about TIM is the theater has only swamp cooler & it can get sticky sweaty in the summer. OTOH, this is the desert, so I deal with it even though I am #teamairconditioning for life.

This theater is exactly what Tucson has needed! This wonderful theater is a fun and positive place to bring the whole family. The shows are always only $ 5! WHAT?! Yes!!! I can’t even remember the last time I got such a wonderful experience for such a low cost. How was the show? Amazing! The improv shows at TIM are always hilarious, interactive and such a great experience. TIM is truly a Tucson treasure!

Great people, looked like they were having fun and the crowd certainly loved them. We went to raise money for a non profit and they way they did it was super cool $ 5 went to these wonderful people and $ 5 went to the non profit.
We all loved it and I have already made plans for my return.
Cheap as can be + it’s downtown so you can go have continued fun after the show.
No alcohol sold here~
Nice to see people doing shit they love to be doing!

Interesting improve group. Lots of hard working folks. Enjoyable show. Had 2 for 1 ticket. It is worth the 5 bucks. Full house and the group put on a good show. Will go again.

Well this was so fun! Three of us (and a 2 month old baby) went to see TIM last night and were not disappointed. For only $ 5 this place is an absolute steal and hysterical! We watched an improv throw down and almost all the players were quite funny. TIM is just what downtown Tucson has been lacking, and I’m so glad to have this affordable option in our city. Another bonus: snacks and drinks here are only $ 1! Eclectic crowd and nice bathrooms– honestly you can’t go wrong. Get here!

It was awesome and totally funny! I had a lot of fun volunteering to be up on stage playing the for corners game tonight! i felt as if i shouldve been up there the entire time. Thats how welcoming the group is! I will definitely be taking classes in feb! Thank you guys and gals for a great night! Happy holidays everyone

The shows are outstanding, especially for the price. I’ve been to six shows and each one is hilarious and fun and such a great time. Shows on Saturday are at just the perfect time in the evening… not too early and not too late. I love the energy and that the performers have such a great time on stage.
Go to a show, you won’t be disappointed.

Tucson Improv Movement is made up of great and funny people. While I haven’t taken a class there, I sure do love to be an audience member! Each show I’ve been to (which is very reasonably priced, offering students tickets for only 3 dollars) has been worth every second. The energy is positive, and theater is quaint, and the cast is hilarious. If you ever find yourself with nothing to do, I would definitely go see a TIM show! :)

Saw their show last Saturday and their other show at Fluxx tonight! Really funny people! The one with the glasses is super dreamy!