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For a city with such a vibrant improv community, the theaters are seriously lacking. And while two of the best known, the Upright Citizens Brigade and the Magnet Theater, are still operating in small blackbox spaces, The P.I.T. (or Peoples Improv Theater) moved into a new—and very professional—theater complex in late 2010. The building formerly housed the Algonquin Theater and the Blue Heron Arts Center, but it now contains a coffee shop, full bar, 99-seat formal theater, and, downstairs, a 60-seat blackbox—all in the name of improv. The coffee shop opens promptly at 7 a.m., providing a cozy spot to settle in with a book or laptop; wifi is free to customers. Starting at 7 p.m. every night, shows take place in both theaters, with stand-up acts in the basement blackbox and improv and sketch comedy on the main stage. Talent runs the gamut from fresh-out-of-comedy-class comedians to hilarious staples like Kristin Schaal, and The Office’s Ellie Kemper. Some sort of try-before-you-buy open mic or improv takes place regularly for everyday folks who think they’ve got jokes.
Best of New York: Fun & Nightlife
Cocktails at the movies, a Monday-night bacchanal, and a great rookie-rap show.