Improv in the Twin Cities
A beginner’s map of improv in Minneapolis and St. Paul: where to watch, where to play, where to take a class, and who already keeps the best lists.
We’ve been to the Twin Cities for improv shows and festivals. That, plus the lists locals already keep, is what this page is built on.
Updated
The short version
The calendar is handy to find a show. If you want to meet people and learn the craft, an improv 101 or other beginner class is a great option.
- Watch a show. Open the Twin Cities Improv calendar (or put it in your own calendar) and pick a show.
- Take a level 1 class. Several theaters run beginner-to-advanced tracks. See classes below.
- Try a jam. Jams are open sessions where anyone can play. See jams below.
Find a show
Start with the calendar. Improvisers post their own shows there, so it’s the most complete list in town.
- Calendar
Twin Cities Improv calendar
A shared calendar of improv shows and jams across the metro, maintained by local improviser Jill Bernard. Check it before you go anywhere.
Put every Twin Cities show in your calendar
Subscribe once to the Twin Cities Improv calendar and new shows and jams appear on their own. Free, and you can remove it anytime.
Subscribe on the Twin Cities Improv calendar
Opens Jill Bernard’s calendar. Click Subscribe at the top.
Or subscribe right from here:
Something else? Add a calendar “from URL” and paste this link. Choose subscribe, not import: an import is a one-time copy that never updates.
Android: add it once in Google Calendar on a computer and it shows up on your phone. Work or school Outlook: use Add calendar → Subscribe from web.
- Theater, Uptown
Phoenix Theater
A small theater with regular improv shows. Home of the Twin Cities Improv Festival.
- Theater, Northeast
Strike Theater
Improv shows most weekends, plus sketch and storytelling.
- Theater, Uptown
Bryant Lake Bowl Theater
A cabaret theater inside a bowling alley, with improv shows most weeks.
- Arts space, St. Paul
The Hive Collaborative
An arts space with monthly improv shows.
- Short-form
ComedySportz Twin Cities
Fast, game-based short-form improv, the “Whose Line” style. Clean, all-ages shows.
More venues, including spots outside the metro: Danger Boat’s 14 Places to See Improv in Minnesota.
Take a class
Most theaters teach a numbered track: a 101 or Level 1 for complete beginners, then up from there.
- Long-form
Very Good Improv
Long-form improv classes from 101 for beginners up through advanced levels, plus musical improv.
- Northeast
Strike Theater
Improv classes from Level 1 for beginners up.
- Short-form
ComedySportz Twin Cities
Short-form, game-based improv classes from 101 for beginners, for adults.
- Chanhassen
Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret
Improv classes from beginner through advanced, plus stand-up, sketch and musical improv.
Jams: try it, cheap or free
You don’t need experience to jam. Show up, say hi to the host, and jump in when you’re ready, or just watch.
- Jam
Very Good Improv jams
Open jams a couple of times a month. Everyone is welcome and no experience is needed.
- Jam
BIPOC Improv Jam
A monthly jam hosted by Good Camel Comedy Theater, with a warm-up for BIPOC performers before the public jam.
Running a jam that isn’t here? Tell us about it.
Festivals
Festivals are the easiest way to see the whole scene, plus touring acts, in one weekend.
- Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8, 2026
Queer & Funny Improv Festival
A queer-led improv festival with shows and workshops at the Phoenix Theater in Minneapolis. Shows are pay what you can; workshops are ticketed. Times and lineups are on the festival schedule.
- Every June
Twin Cities Improv Festival
Several days of local and touring improv at the Phoenix Theater in Minneapolis.
Smaller festivals happen through the year too. Look for them on the Twin Cities Improv calendar.
Coming from Fargo-Moorhead? See festivals near Fargo-Moorhead.
Other good guides
These people know the scene well and keep their lists current. Use them alongside this page.
- Twin Cities Improv calendar: the community’s shared show and jam calendar.
- 14 Places to See Improv in Minnesota, from Danger Boat Productions.
- Life After HUGE, Racket, April 2025: a roundup of the venues and groups where Twin Cities improv happens now.
Something wrong or missing? Tell us or email hello@syrumbri.com.