Improv Asylum
{{Notability|Companies|date=August 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox venue
| name = Improv Asylum
| image = Improv Asylum, Boston MA.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = View of the Improv Asylum from Hanover Street.
| pushpin_map = Boston
| pushpin_map_caption= Location of the Improv Asylum in Boston
| address = 216 Hanover Street
| city = Boston, Massachusetts
| country = United States
| coordinates = {{coord|42.362|-71.056|type:landmark_region:US-MA|display=inline}}
| owner = Norm Laviolette
| type = Comedy club
| opened = 1998
| yearsactive = 1998–present
| website = {{URL|improvasylum.com}}
}}
Improv Asylum is an improvisational comedy theater in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The theatre was founded in 1998 by Paul D'Amato, Norm Laviolette, and Chet Harding.{{Cite web |title=Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: The North End |url=https://www.bu.edu/articles/2020/getting-to-know-your-neighborhood-the-north-end/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |publisher=Boston University |language=en}} The theater produces multiple shows per week including its critically acclaimed mainstage show. The mainstage show is a blend of both sketch comedy and improvised scenes.
History
In December, Improv Asylum hosts "No Rest for the Wicked Funny," a 24-hour charity show for Globe Santa, a fund to purchase holiday gifts for underprivileged children.{{Cite web |last=Gans |first=Felicia |date=13 December 2019 |title=Improv Asylum inspires laughs and money for Globe Santa with fund-raiser show |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/12/13/improv-asylum-inspires-laughs-and-money-for-globe-santa-with-fund-raiser-show/N9Pb9GfJuTtJf9xJJ15PTP/story.html |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Boston Globe |language=en-US}}
In the spring of 2010, Improv Asylum produced "You're a Good Man, Scott Brown," an original musical satirizing the United States Senate special election in Massachusetts, 2010.{{Cite news |last=Byrne |first=Terry |date=2010-04-03 |title=Playing Scott Brown for laughs |work=Boston.com |url=http://archive.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/articles/2010/04/03/playing_scott_brown_for_some_laughs_at_improv_asylum/ |access-date=2022-06-21}} Written and directed by Jeremy Brothers, the show garnered the attention of Senator Scott Brown and his wife, WCVB reporter Gail Huff who both attended the performance on March 31, 2010.{{Cite web |title=Improv Asylum presents Scott Brown: The Musical - Comedy |url=https://thephoenix.com/boston/arts/96946-improv-asylum-presents-scott-brown-the-musical/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=The Boston Phoenix}}
In addition to the theater in the North End, the Improv Asylum has also held shows in New York City and Los Angeles. In 2021, Improv Asylum added a New York expansion under the name Asylum NYC. New York facilities are at the former Upright Citizens Brigade Chelsea Space on Manhattan's west side.{{Cite web |title=A new NYC comedy festival launches this week! |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/comedy/north-coast-comedy-festival |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=Time Out New York |language=en-US}}
The Asylum also offers a training center where students can learn the art of improvisation.
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.improvasylum.com Official website]
- [http://www.north-end-boston.com/Business/3743/Improv_Asylum/ The Improv Asylum North End]
- [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-189672619.html Improv Comedy Business Thriving in Tough Economy]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
- [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-141712799.html No More Group Hugs with Frank from Accounting; Training Your Head to Think on its Feet!]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
{{Boston theatres}}
Category:1998 establishments in Massachusetts