Peoples Improv Theater


The Peoples Improv Theater, also known as The PIT, is a comedy theater and training center based in New York City, founded by comedian Ali Farahnakian in 2002. Shows performed here include improvisational comedy, sketch comedy, stand-up comedy, theater, and variety shows. Shows are hosted both by "house teams" and by outside comedians.
The PIT consists of three venues: Striker, Underground, and the Loft, located in the Chelsea and Flatiron neighborhoods of Manhattan.
Notable alumni of the PIT include The Office actress Ellie Kemper, comedian and voice actress Kristen Schaal, and comedian and actor Hannibal Buress.

History

The Peoples Improv Theater's Loft location was founded by Ali Farahnakian and Armando Diaz in 2002 and continues to have shows. The PIT moved its headquarters to its location on December 31, 2010. As of September 1, 2015, the original location of the PIT became known as The PIT Loft and officially became the third venue of The PIT.
Every Wednesday is designated "Super Free Wednesday" in the Striker location; all of the comedy shows by house teams are free, including musical improv troupe Vern that has performed weekly since 2014.
In 2018, Farahnakian opened up a new location in his home state of North Carolina, called .
The PIT also publishes comedy sketches to a collective YouTube channel named .