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Today, we’re going to continue our discussion of local businesses that are making a positive impact on our San Jose community. And what can be more positive than making people laugh?
The American Improv Theatre at Black Cat Licorice Theater is one local company in San Jose that’s committed to spreading laughter and joy throughout the community.
It’s American Improv Theatre’s mission to create a sense of community for improvisationalists and enthusiasts to learn, perform, and watch great improv. Whether you know anything about improv or not, American Improv Theatre (AIT) is a great place to go if you want to be assaulted with funny.
Assaulted sounds like it’s a bad thing, but I can assure you, it’s not. In fact, the only reason I choose the word “assaulted” is becuase I laughed so hard that I started to get light-headed from a lack of oxygen. Not to mention, my face muscles were sore from laughing so hard.
I personally don’t perform or know anything about performing improv. I do, however, know how riveting and impressive it can be to watch really funny people perform really funny skits with no preparation whatsoever.
There’s no doubting that improv requires profound creative talent. I saw “AIT Players,” a group that performs at the AIT almost every Friday of the month. The group used prompts from the audience to make up impromptu skits.
The show kicked off with games that snowballed into witty and hilarious performances that definitely required “on your feet” thinking from the actors. You can tell that the performers are truly connected with one another on stage and succeeded in also connecting with the audience.
As the show developed, the acts transitioned into cohesive skits that are so effortlessly performed they seem like a well-rehearsed play. What’s extra impressive about AIT players is that they are able to execute brand new original skits almost every Friday. Tickets are only $12 a head, which of course, goes to the good cause of supporting a positive entity in our San Jose community.
Parking is free and super easy, because they have their own lot. There’s also street parking. They offer a variety of reasonably priced concessions. (Remember, proceeds go to a good cause!) It’s a fairly new theatre, but they really have everything that you could ask for out of a performing arts venue. They have everything from improv classes and innovative shows to improv jam sessions.
Another great thing about AIT is that they offer humor for all ages, which I find admirable since most improvisationalists rely on crudeness to create laughter. They don’t serve alcohol, so that you can feel comfortable bringing your children with you. You might hear a few “choice” words, but none that are worse than what your children would hear at school.
Shows like the ones at Black Cat Licorice Theater put big business comedy clubs to shame. AIT succeeds at evoking a sense of community and show their commitment by raising money (and laughter) for charities around the area. Whether you want to go with your family or take a date, I recommend you go check out the American Improv Theatre’s calendar, so you can make it to the next show!