Washington Improv Theater

Not improv. The performers did not ask for audience input, so that they could react to the content. It was a play, not improv. Disappointed, and will not recommend or return to see another show.

Highly recommend taking an improv class here, even if you have zero experience!
Improv shows themselves are always varied and fun :)

I’m new to improv. The old TV show «Whose Line Is It Anyway?» is my extent of my improv knowledge. My friend invited me to Washington Improv Theater’s «Harold Night», which is current a free show on Tuesday nights. Two improv groups performed in 30-​minute segments, to make a one hour show. It was funny, and the theater brings out a very lively and encouraging audience. They have hourly shows at night, so come on time to enjoy the entire show. The show ends promptly as well. You can bring food into the theater, as long as it’s not too messy or big, so we brought $ 4 pizza slices from next door. Everyone who works here is kind and helpful. I would definitely come back here and watch one of the other shows as well.

Performers are great, ticket prices aren’t expensive, and the location is perfect. Nice spot to bring a date and not break the bank, or hang out with friends and get a good laugh in. Will most definitely be returning!

I’d been wanting to take in improv class for a while before I found WIT. A lot of other places that I looked at were either more expensive or for the same price didn’t seem like they had a well established curriculum. But for the price I paid I got eight weeks of classes, which was with the cost to me.
I took 1A Foundations of Improv with Caroline Pettit. Caroline was absolutely amazing. She’s so supportive and open to a questions. She made the experience the highlight of my week each week. She also got our class involved with going to the shows that WIT put on, which continues to be such a fun experience.

Every so often I need a WIT fix. And then I go and LMAO. Happened again the other night. Needed a fix. Went to a show that featured a hilariously wacky and inspired improvised musical complete with story lines and characters and amazing songs… and it was set in, of all places, a patent office. So yeah. It was LMAO all over again. Is WIT addictive? I think so.

Friends recommended WIT to me as «the best improv in DC.» I have seen shows and taken classes here, and I am very underwhelmed.
The best classes at WIT are the «WIT U» classes taught by people from outside of DC (e.g. iO Chicago’s «Dummy»). If you already have improv experience with a known improv school like UCB or Second City, you will not learn anything new here. The improv curriculum is very basic, and they do not emphasize the basic Level 1 skills in Level 2, which makes the class aggravating and painful to sit through.
Level 4 at WIT was the first time I ever considered quitting improv altogether, and then I realized WIT does not have an original perspective on (or style of) improv. Aside from teaching the «Harold,» Level 4 at WIT had no structure. Other Level 4 classes did entirely different things than our class did, and other people I know who took Level 4 at WIT either dropped out or decided not to take any more WIT classes. My Level 4 class never taught us how to find «the game» of the scene, which is the most important part of the Harold. Also, my Level 4 teacher was super harsh with the criticism — like, just downright mean (and not constructive). We couldn’t even socialize after class because everyone (except her 3 obvious favorites) felt worthless after being repeatedly beat down week after week.
WIT gives a $ 20 discount if you sign up for a class during early registration. However, if something comes up and you can’t take the class after all, they KEEP $ 50! This is true, even if you cancel way in advance of the class starting and even if the class is not full or if someone else replaces you.
As for shows, iMusical is very good, but that’s really it. To be fair, there is usually one good improviser per team, but that’s about it. We’re not in LA anymore, Toto…

Went to see their POTUS show on Friday and it was Horrible. I’ve been to several improv shows around the country and this was the first bust. We were so disappointed.

I came here with some friends for an improv show (okay, the tickets were free, so I really shouldn’t complain that much, right?), and came in with low expectations given I’m not a huge improv fan. But this. was. horrible. There were a few different improv groups, and I kept hoping that the earlier ones were just inexperienced and the later groups would be better, but it was only marginally so. There were hardly any people in the audience as well, so it was painful to sit through and really hard to fake enthusiasm, especially through the multiple excruciating scenes that just dragged on and on when they had clearly run out of any useable ideas. Maybe I just came on an off night — I’d be willing to give it another try… but only with more free tickets.

I’ve taken many classes at WIT over the years. Get in touch with your inner clown and take in a show at WIT or try out an improv class. Improv is a life-​changing experience and is a huge stress-​reliever! Who doesn’t want to spend time around some of the silliest, most creative, and funniest people you’ll ever meet? Check out WIT now!

Just saw their 4^th annual FIST competition. Next year, I will be returning! It was championship night and the best teams were competing. The audience participated by voting on the most talented team by ballot and text messaging.
I just took a chance by buying a ticket. For $ 10, why not? On the drive home we were discussing the performances we watched and critiquing the art of it all. Some of it was really funny. There are some talented and hilarious people in DC. You would never guess it by working in this city. Next year, I’m bringing a crew of friends. If someone invites you to the FIST competition next year, just go! Check it out and laugh a little. It does a body good!

Hilarious place to watch improv! If you are looking for an inexpensive way to spend an evening, check it out. Costs as much as a movie, but way more entertaining and it’s a completely different show every time. And there are lots of bars and restaurants in the area to hit afterwards.

I’ve been taking classes at the Washington Improv Theater for over a year now.. .. The teachers are awesome and the class selection is great. It’s a great outlet for professionals who have to be serious all of the time, it also helps with public speaking and «thinking on your feet.» Don’t think you have to be a comedian to do improv: Anyone who likes to have fun is quailified.
Registration for the next semester (which starts next week) is open now, it’s the most fun you can have and still call it a class!

When I saw an improv show at this theater, it hit me. What is the acronym for Washington Improv Theater? WIT! Wit = funny = laughter. get it? OK, maybe that is hysterical to just me.
WIT’s shows are starting back up next month, and if you are looking for some original improv, this is a great place to see it. Their stuff is not as interactive as say– Comedy Sportz but, in my opinion (which probably doesn’t mean much) is a better comedy show overall. I dig the one chick in the «Jackie» troupe. She is hilarious.
With all of the cool restaurants and bars around Flashpoint, this is a great way to go out and have some fun. And for about $ 10 a ticket, is a pretty cheap night at the «theater.»

If you love to laugh and appreciate live theater, this is the best place to see improv comedy in D.C. Washington Improv Theater (WIT) is a «theater collective» with several different ensembles performing on Friday and Saturday nights. They offer two different shows (at 8:00 and 9:30). I’ve recently seen performances by the WIT groups Jackie, One Sixty One, Dr. Fantastic, Neighborhood Town, and Best Friends. (I love Jackie the most!) They take audience suggestions at the start of the show and then create scenes/​scenarios that reference those comments. But it’s not very interactive; beyond the first few minutes, there is no more audience input. Still, the performers are all very talented and quick on their feet to think of funny dialogue, and when a particular segment isn’t quite working (i.e., audience is not laughing), other troupe members rush onto the stage to switch things up.
I’ve seen improv or sketch comedy shows in San Francisco (Killing My Lobster is the best) and New York City (Reuben Williams at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater), and the WIT improv troupes, on their best nights, are up to the high quality standards of the comedy groups in those cities. It’s also a pretty cheap ticket, like $ 8 or $ 12 per person, for an hour or more of highly entertaining and hilarious live theater.