If you're a fan of Saturday Night Live, then you should check out the ASSSSCAT 3000 improv show at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater on Sunday nights. Well-known SNL actors occasionally show up to do improv with other, veteran comedic actors, and it's always a guaranteed good time for a first date or a group outing with close friends. Tickets are usually $10 for shows starting at 9:30 p.m., but if you get there early and hang around long enough, a limited number of free tickets are handed out around 8:15.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
307 W 26th St (between Eighth and Ninth Aves)
New York, NY 10011
212-366-9176
http://www.ucbtheatre.com
The PIT stands for People's Improv Theater, and is one of the only venues in New York City that offers a wide variety of free shows each week. Shows like Bring It!, an open mic night held Tuesdays at 11:00 p.m., and New Team Lunacy, an opportunity to do group improv every Thursday at 11:00 p.m., are real crowd pleasers. Also, don't forget about the PIT's Happy Hour special every Friday starting at 6:00 p.m. Drinks are $3 each, and shows have a rotating stable of hosts.
People's Improv Theater
154 West 29th Street (Between 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY 10001
212-563-7488
www.thepit-nyc.com
Comedy as a Second Language takes place every Thursday night at Kabin Bar & Lounge in the East Village. The event is hosted by Sean Patton and Chesley Calloway who invite stand-up comics to the stage to showcase their talent. There is no cover, and affordable drinks like $2 PBR draw big crowds.
Kabin
92 Second Ave (between 5th and 6th Sts)
New York, NY 10003
212-254-0204