Peoples Improv Theater

Theater in New York City

The Peoples Improv Theater

The PIT's former Flatiron location, housing the Striker and Underground stages.

Formation| 2002
Type| Theatre group
Purpose| Improvisational comedy, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, theater, variety shows
Location|

* Manhattan, New York
* Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Artistic director(s)

| Ali Farahnakian

Notable members

* Ellie Kemper
* Kristen Schaal
* Hannibal Buress

Website| thepit-nyc.com

The Peoples Improv Theater (PIT), also known as the PIT, is a comedy theater and training center in New York City, founded by comedian Ali Farahnakian in 2002.[1] Shows combine improvisational comedy, sketch comedy, stand-up, theater, and variety. Each show is hosted by a combination of "house teams" of comedians hired by PIT and by outside comedians.[2]

After closing several of their theaters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The PIT now only resides in its PIT Loft location in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.[3]

Notable alumni of the PIT include The Office actress Ellie Kemper,[NB 1][4][5] comedian and voice actress Kristen Schaal,[NB 1][6][7] and comedian and actor Hannibal Buress.[8]

## History

[edit]

The Peoples Improv Theater's Loft location was founded by Ali Farahnakian and Armando Diaz in 2002. The PIT moved its headquarters to 123 East 24th Street, New York on December 31, 2010. From September 1, 2015, the original location of the PIT became known as The Pit Loft and officially became the third venue of the PIT.

Wednesdays were designated as "Super Free Wednesday" in the Striker location, with free shows offered to the public. Musical improv troupe Vern performed weekly since 2014. Legendary house team Sid Viscous performed weekly for two years in 2007 and 2008, stretching the boundaries of improv with their unique forms including “On Ice” where the group performed on roller skates and their Halloween themed show “Funny Bones” which was performed completely in black lights.[9][10]

In 2018, Farahnakian opened The PIT Chapel Hill, also known as The PITCH, in his home state, at 462 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.[1]

In February 2021, the PIT announced the closure of its Flatiron location, leaving only the Loft open in Manhattan.[11] In June 2021, the PIT Loft reopened, hosting classes, jams, and open mics.

The PIT also published comedy sketches to a collective YouTube channel named PITtv.

## See also

[edit]

* Magnet Theater
* Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
* Improvisational theatre
* List of improvisational theatre companies
* Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performing arts

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ a b house improv team: Big Black Car

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Fernelius, Katie Jane (29 November 2017). "The PIT Wants to Fill the Disgraced DSI Comedy Theater's Void. But Will It Just Replicate the Same Toxic Culture?". INDY Week.
2. ^ "SKETCH HOUSE TEAMS". Peoples Improv Theater.
3. ^ "About". Peoples Improv Theater. Archived from the original on 2021-08-07.
4. ^ "Scott & Ellie". www.jesterjournal.com.
5. ^ "Ellie Kemper". The PIT. Archived from the original on September 6, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
6. ^ Kharakh, Ben (October 25, 2006). "Kristen Schaal, Comedian and Actress". Gothamist. Archived from the original on 2018-02-25. Retrieved 2019-06-25.
7. ^ "Kristen Schaal". The PIT. Archived from the original on July 29, 2009. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
8. ^ Hoare, Peter (March 25, 2014). "Meet the Most Sought-After Man in Comedy Right Now: Hannibal Buress". Complex. Complex.
9. ^ Cristi, A.A. (September 26, 2018). "Magnet Theater Announces Lineup For 10th Annual New York Musical Improv Festival". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
10. ^ Wild, Stephi (September 5, 2018). "TRUDY CARMICHAEL PRESENTS: THE IMPROVISED ONE-WOMAN HERSTORY! to make a daring Premiere at The NY International Fringe Festival". BroadwayWorld.com.
11. ^ Clark, Anne Victoria (February 19, 2021). "The Peoples Improv Theater Is Closing Its Main Space". Vulture. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 20, 2021.

## External links

[edit]

* Video interview with Ali (Reza) Farahnakian

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Manhattan, New York City

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Former and unbuilt|

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Culture

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|

Theaters, galleries, art venues|

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Hotels|

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Former|

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|

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Streets|

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Related topics

* East 17th Street/Irving Place Historic District
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See also: Manhattan Community Board 6

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