All That Is Upcoming!

Cheesy Tie Weekend: Father's Day Comedy

Friday & Saturday June 19 & 20th at 7:30 & 9:45pm, $12- $14 All Ages

Wear your cheesiest, ugliest, worst tie to the show for $2 off admission and a chance to win a prize pack at each show. Use PROMO CODE TIE, and don't forget to wear your tie! Bring your Dad, bring your Grads... come on out to the show!

Get tickets online now at http://www.nctphoenix.com/showtimes.html

Level 1: Beginning Improv

Begins Tuesday August 18th, 6 week class $175

Learn the mystery and the magic behind the same exciting improv games you see on the NCT stage. National Comedy Theatre's Level 1 Improv Comedy Class is a fun, no pressure environment with individual instructor attention and lots of stage time. Improv will help build confidence, quick thinking skills and more!

Call 602-374-5638 or email workshops@nctphoenix.com for info & registration.

The next available Level 1 Improv Class begins November 24th.

Improv Uncensored

Thursday June 25 at 7:30pm, $8 Ages 18+

No Ref, no Rules, no Brown Bag Foul and NO ONE under 18 admitted. At this month's Improv Uncensored you get a variety of comedy, including Spoof N Cinema After Dark- a surprise selection of NCT's best R rated comedy reprised from Phoenix Comicon 2015.

Get tickets online now at http://www.nctphoenix.com/showtimes.html

The Midnight ShowSaturday June 27th 11:45 $8 ages 18+

Late Night Comedy! Come see the saucy side of NCT!

Last Saturday of each month at 11:45pm.
No Ref, No Rules, No Restrictions!

PATRIOTAPALOOZA: Comedy for America

Friday July 3rd at 7:30 & 9:45pm, $12- $14 All Ages

Its the most American celebration of comedy because YOU! (the Audience) get to exercise your right to VOTE for the funniest comedians! 
Get tickets online now at http://www.nctphoenix.com/showtimes.html

2 Show Thursday: NCT's Variety & Improv Show

Thursday July 2nd & 16th at 7:30pm,$8 All Ages

Two hilarious comedy shows crammed into one night of laughs!

On July 2nd you get TNT Improv & the Bucket of DOOM! followed by the Science Bar Podcast LIVE recording! Real life scientists discuss real life scientific discoveries with real life comedians over drinks! Check out the podcast by clicking here.


On July 16 TNT Improv & the Bucket of DOOM are followed by Ernest Abridged: Ernest Goes to Jail, a hilariously dramatic scripted retelling of your favorite Ernest adventures!
Get tickets online now at http://www.nctphoenix.com/showtimes.html

Kids Improv Classes! This Month at National Comedy Theatre!

Kids taking improv class, Tweens & Teens taking improv class... this is very important to us here at NCT. 

Kids, tweens & teens have unlimited imagination and infinite ability to listen well and learn team work skills that will stay with them throughout life. 

I think the most important thing we teach kids in improv class is not to be afraid of mistakes. In improv, mistakes are opportunities! We celebrate mistakes! Without mistakes, how would we learn? Its a good lesson for kids of any age!

Do you have a kid, tween or teen who would have a great time in improv class? Join us!

Kids, Tween & Teen Improv Comedy Class

Saturday October 18th

Kids Class (Ages 7-10) 10:00am- 12:00pm $40
Kids Improv Class builds confidence while teaching listening skills, team work and quick thinking. Kids will get on stage and learn the same exciting improv games seen on stage at National Comedy Theatre!

Tween & Teen Class (Ages 11-15) 1:00pm- 3:00pm $40
Tweens & Teens get a bit more of a challenge as they learn improv games and exercises designed to encourage quick thinking, trust, self confidence and eliminate fear of failure. Stage time and instructor interaction are guaranteed.


For Registration & Information please call 602-374-5638 or email workshops@nctphoenix.com

 

Midnight Movies, Munchies & Brew: Presented by Cheba Hut

An exciting new movie screening adventure and partnership with our friends at Cheba Hut Toasted Subs!

Introducing Midnight Movies, Munchies & Brew!

At Every Midnight Movies, Munchies & Brew event we will tout our own interactive Drinking Game Rules. You can feast on Cheba Hut Munchies as well as specially featured craft brews.  Trivia & prizes following the showing provided by Cheba Hut and National Comedy Theatre.

We kick off this series of events with:



Clerks (1994, R)  
Saturday August 9,   11:45pm         $8

Just because they serve you, doesn’t mean they like you. Join us for Kevin Smiths 1994, $27,000 masterpiece Clerks… a peek inside the hidden world of retail employees Randal & Dante. And Dante isn’t even supposed to be there today!

Get tickets online: http://www.nctphoenix.com/showtimes.html

And keep an eye out for future Midnight Movies, Munchies & Brew Screenings:

Mallrats                Saturday November 8, 11:45pm  $8
Chasing Amy      Saturday February 14^th, 11:45pm $8

The High School League Tournament 2014 in Pictures

Every year the High School Improv League Tournament is a highly anticipated event. This year was no exception, with 8 schools coming from all across the Valley bringing their teams of High School Improvizeers to show off what they have learned this year for a team of professional improv judges.

 For some of the kids participating this was their first year at Tourney. For some, who spent their whole high school career participating in the National Comedy Theatre's High School Improv League, this would be the last Tourney to compete in.... an exciting and happy day.

Perry, Basha, Campo Verde, Horizon, Centennial, Willow Canyon, Agua Fria and Liberty High Schools all attended and participated.

And action packed, as always. Here we see Centennial High School's Plan B Improv Team in action.

This team, "And... Scene!" from Willow Canyon participated for the first year in 2014!

The big award for the day went to the Perry High School Perrywinkles as High School Improv League Champions. The judges felt their improv skills were sharp and strong, and their heart, teamwork and showmanship won everyone over and they took home the Championship trophy, signed the wall of fame and then performed with our Main Stage team on Friday May 16th. Congratulations, Perrywinkles!

 We started some new traditions this year. After all, the High School Improv League and the Tournament are always growing, changing and becoming awesomer.
This year we had a team of High School League Alums perform and keep everyone entertained during our intermission, while the judges deliberated and added up scores. Mike Warner is a National Comedy Theatre Main Stage professional improviser and graduate of Horizon High School and their 56th St Comedy Team. Alex Mattingly, a Thursday Night Troupe performer at NCT, Ryan Usher and Caleb Colson are all graduates of the High School Improv League from Horizon's 56th St Comedy Club. 

 Another new tradition this year, the beloved Franken Trophy (awarded to the runner up team) would not be built by the League coaches & administrators, but rather by the team that one it last year, thereby passing the torch with positivity and enthusiasm. The Perrywinkles were last year's FrankenTrophy runners up, and they did not dissapoint with this amazinly huge FrankenTrophy. It was taken home this year by close runners up, Horizon High Schools 56th St Comedy Club!

 Here are the Champs from Perry High, the runners up from Horizon High, their teachers Shawna Marquis and Elizabeth Orr. Oh, and me! Krissy Lenz, Coach to both teams.

 Here we see Juliet signing the wall of fame in the NCT Green Room.

It was an exciting and positive year. We cant wait to add more schools, more teams, more new students, more coaches and more judges to next years High School Improv League and Tournament!

If you would like to learn more about National Comedy Theatre's High School Improv League go ahead and contact Head Coach and League Administrator Krissy Lenz: 602-374-5638 krissy@nctphoenix.com

Auditions! Frequently Asked Questions...

This Sunday at 1:00 we are going to be looking for some talented, fun, energetic individuals to join our number in the Thursday Night Troupe.

There are always questions that come up and hopefully this FAQ will solve some of the riddles and encourage you to come on out. If, for any reason, you find your questions have not been answered, feel free to comment and we'll get ya covered quick as a whip!

We only hold auditions once a year, so don't miss this one!

Q: Do I need experience to audition?
A: Nope. We're going to train the people we select in the ways of the force and teach them everything they need to know to be a successful part of the Thursday Night Troupe. Casting wont be based on your previous experience, but rather on the skills you show us at auditions.

Q: What should I bring?
A: A great attitude! We will have you fill out a brief  info sheet when you arrive and we will take your picture so, just arrive a few minutes early and you will be all set.

Q: How many people are you going to cast?
A: As many or as few as we want. We're amazingly flexible here at National Comedy Theatre. If we see 10 people that we think would be great additions to NCT, we can cast all 10. If, by some odd chance, we just dont think anyone at all will work out, we can cast 0... so there is no need to worry about grappling your way into one of 3 open spots or anything like that. Just come on by, do the best you can and if the time is right, you'll make it!

Q: What are you looking for in auditioners?
A: In a hilarious case of irony, we are not actually looking for the FUNNIEST people at auditions. "What?" you say, "How can that be?? You run a COMEDY show, certainly you MUST want to cast ONLY hilarious people???"
Actually, that's not the case. What we are actually looking for is positive energy, listening and responding in the moment without a lot of already planned out characters and one liners, good team work and sharing focus with the other people on stage, etc. We get really excited about people who respond positively, make bold choices, make statements that add information without asking questions and generally have a good time on stage.
Is that a lot of improvey mumbo-jumbo? Let me simplify: Be positive and have fun!

Q: What will the schedule be like for those that make the team?
A: The Thursday Night Team maintains a schedule of weekly rehearsals and monthly shows. Those cast will participate in a training "Boot Camp" and then join the rest of TNT in their weekly rehearsals.

Q: Who will be evaluating the auditions?
A: Directors Dorian & Krissy Lenz make all final decisions. TNT Coach Jacob "Chico" Talbert will also be evaluating auditions.

Q: Why audition for Thursday Night Troupe (TNT) instead of the Main Stage cast? I want to be on the Main Stage cast!
A: The Thursday Night Troupe is where we train and develop the performers that will eventually join the Main Stage cast. When the Main Stage team has an opening, we will look to the talented and dedicated cast of the Thursday Night Team to fill the opening.

Q: Do we really have to keep it clean? I mean, really?
A: Well. Yes. 99% of National Comedy Theatre's shows are All Ages, the only exception being the monthly Midnight Show. So... yeah. We're casting All Ages shows, "blue" comedy and bad language wont impress. 

Q: If I miss auditions is there another way to make it onto the team?
A: We sometimes move people up to TNT when they have successfully completed Level 3 training and we think they would be a good fit. But, other than that, nope. So dont miss auditions!

Q: Do we get paid?
A: In knowledge and improv comedy power!

Thanks for your interest! We cant wait to see you at this year's auditions! 
Don't forget to let us know if we missed your questions!

Sincerely,

Krissy Lenz
National Comedy Theatre
602-374-5638
krissy@nctphoenix.com

www.nctphoenix.com

December Events... Get Ready to Save Christmas

Fun fact, you can see ALL of Ernest Saves Christmas on YouTube for FREE... so soak it up before we enhance it for you.

Two Show Thursday: Thursday Night Troupe & The Ernest of Being Important Comedy Shows
Thursday 12/12 7:30pm $8 All Ages
Two shows for $8! See the hilarious up and coming improv comedy stars of the Thursday Night Troupe as they perform spontaneous games and scenes based on audience suggestions. Followed by The Earnest of Being Important, a dramatically comical reading of Earnest Saves Christmas

The White Elephant Holiday Comedy Show at National Comedy Theatre
Thursday 12/19 7:30pm $8
4 improv comics will face of head to head (to head to head) competing for YOUR laughs at this special, spontaneous, holiday comedy show. The White Elephant Holiday Comedy Show is All Ages, so bring the whole family and squeeze in some laughs together this holiday season!

Christmas Comedy Shows at National Comedy Theatre
Friday 12/20 & Saturday 12/21, 7:30pm & 9:45pm, $12- $14
National Comedy Theatre’s Christmas Comedy Shows will bring you the laughs you’ve been asking Santa for all year! Join us for hilarious and competitive comedy where YOU (the audience) will give out the points! It’s an All Ages event, so bring in all that crazy family you’ve got coming in to town- the cast of comedians at National Comedy Theatre will entertain them so that you don’t have to! Ticket give-a-ways at every show!


Spoof n Cinema Presents Topper Returns
Thursday December 26 7:30pm, $8
A crazy old movie gets a new, hilarious soundtrack live, before your very eyes! Join the cast of comedians from National Comedy Theatre as the 1941 hit movie Topper Returns gets a comedy overhaul. A whole new soundtrack created live, on stage, before your every eyes! New characters, a new plot, new foley and score and more!
Prizes and trivia following the screening provided by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange.,

The New Years Eve Comedy Extravaganza at National Comedy Theatre

Tuesday December 31 9:30pm $29
Comedy! Cake! Champagne! Laugh your way into 2014 at the New Years Eve Comedy Extravaganza at National Comedy Theatre. Start the evening with hilarious Competitive Comedy where NCT’s teams of comedians will go head to head in spontaneous comedy games and scenes. Stick around after the show for delicious deserts and mingle with the cast as we count down to midnight with our Champagne and Cider toast!
This event SELLS OUT every year, so get your tickets early! Seating will be arranged on a first come, first served basis. If you have particular seating requests please call 602-374-5638 when you set up your reservation.

Get tickets online at http://www.nctphoenix.com/showtimes.html

Holy Canoli, its the Holiday Show Lisings!

AND... now through January you can save $2 at any show (except the New Years Eve Extravaganza) by bringing a donation of non-perishable food items! The donations will benefit United Food Bank and families in our community! Use the discount online at www.nctphoenix.com/showtimes.html enter code FOODS

when should you use the discount? How about at these fun holiday comedy shows...

Two Show Thursday
Thursday November 21, 7:30pm, $8

Two hilarious comedy shows in one awesome night! First the Thursday Night Troupe will delight and amaze with games and scenes spontaneously created based on audience suggestions. Then the LongForm Team presents an entire hilarious comedy show based on a single audience suggestion. It's a lot of comedy to take in on a Thursday night!

Pilgrim-Palooza at National Comedy Theatre
Friday 11/22 & Saturday 11/23, 7:30pm & 9:45pm, $12- $14

If the Pilgrims had improv comedy, we are sure they would be very, very thankful for it. Join us at the National Comedy Theatre for PilgrimPalooza, hilarious and spontaneous comedy that will help you laugh away some of the extra calories you’re about to pack in. It’s an All Ages event, so bring in all that crazy family you’ve got coming in to town- the cast of comedians at National Comedy Theatre will entertain them so that you don’t have to!

Level 2 Improv Comedy Workshop and Performance
$175, 6 weeks, Tuesdays 7:00- 9:00pm
Begins Tuesday 11/26 and meets every Tuesday night for 6 weeks at National Comedy Theatre (November session meets 11/26, 12/3, 12/10 and 12/17 with a break for the holidays- resuming on Tuesday 1/7 and 1/14)
Building upon the skills learned in Level 1, this class places a strong emphasis on improvisational technique and individual performance as well as character development and story telling skills.
WIth instruction from dedicated, professional improvisers this class will culminate in a FREE performance for family and friends on the National Comedy Theatre Main Stage.
Level 2 is intended for participants 18 years and older who have completed Level 1.
Please call or email for more information and registration: 602-374-5638 workshops@nctphoenix.com
Additional 6 week Level 2 sessions begin April 1 and July 29.
Dates are subject to change. Check online at www.nctphoenix.com/classes.html and www.nctphoenix.com/events.html for most current listings.

The White Elephant Thanksgiving Comedy Show at National Comedy Theatre
Wednesday 11/27 7:30pm $8

4 improv comics will face of head to head (to head to head) competing for YOUR laughs at this special, spontaneous comedy show. The White Elephant Thanksgiving Comedy Show is All Ages, so bring the whole family and do some laughing to loosen those abs for tomorrow’s feast!


Ha Ha Hanukkah at National Comedy Theatre
Friday 11/29 & Saturday 11/30, 7:30pm & 9:45pm, $12- $14

It’s the Festival of Laughs! Join us at the National Comedy Theatre for Ha Ha Hanukkah, hilarious and competitive comedy where YOU (the audience) will give out the points and NCT’s comedians will have to SPIN THE DREIDEL to see if they get to keep them! We’re also giving away our 8 CRAZY TICKETS at each show. It’s an All Ages event, so bring in all the family you’ve got coming in to town- the cast of comedians at National Comedy Theatre will entertain them so that you don’t have to!

The Midnight Show
Saturday 11/30 at 11:45pm, $8
(17+ NOT ALL AGES)

National Comedy Theatre's UNCENSORED comedy show returns this month at 11:45pm! TWO comedy teams will present no holds barred hilarity for your amusement; NCT's LongForm Team and then special guests FLD Productions will create raucous comedy based on ONE suggestion!

This show is for audiences 17+. There is no "Brown Bag Foul" and ANYTHING GOES.

Two Show Thursday: TNT & LongForm Comedy Shows
Thursday 12/12 7:30pm $8 All Ages

Two shows for $8! See the hilarious up and coming improv comedy stars of the Thursday Night Troupe as they perform spontaneous games and scenes based on audience suggestions. Followed by The Earnest of Being Important, a dramatically comical reading of Earnest Saves Christmas


The White Elephant Holiday Comedy Show at National Comedy Theatre
Thursday 12/19 7:30pm $8

4 improv comics will face of head to head (to head to head) competing for YOUR laughs at this special, spontaneous, holiday comedy show. The White Elephant Holiday Comedy Show is All Ages, so bring the whole family and squeeze in some laughs together this holiday season!

Christmas Comedy Shows at National Comedy Theatre
Friday 12/20 & Saturday 12/21, 7:30pm & 9:45pm, $12- $14

National Comedy Theatre’s Christmas Comedy Shows will bring you the laughs you’ve been asking Santa for all year! Join us for hilarious and competitive comedy where YOU (the audience) will give out the points! It’s an All Ages event, so bring in all that crazy family you’ve got coming in to town- the cast of comedians at National Comedy Theatre will entertain them so that you don’t have to! Ticket give-a-ways at every show!

Spoof n Cinema Presents Topper Returns
Thursday December 26 7:30pm, $8
In 1941 a hilarious mishap led to the accidental murder of a sassy young lady. Unwilling to let it go, her ghost is out to get to the bottom of things! And just when you thought that couldn’t possibly get any more entertaining, the hilarious cast of National Comedy Theatre is creating a whole new soundtrack live, on stage, before your every eyes! New characters, a new plot, new foley and score and more!
Prizes and trivia following the screening provided by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange.,

The New Years Eve Comedy Extravaganza at National Comedy Theatre
Tuesday December 31 9:30pm $29

Comedy! Cake! Champagne! Laugh your way into 2014 at the New Years Eve Comedy Extravaganza at National Comedy Theatre. Start the evening with hilarious Competitive Comedy where NCT’s teams of comedians will go head to head in spontaneous comedy games and scenes. Stick around after the show for delicious deserts and mingle with the cast as we count down to midnight with our Champagne and Cider toast!
This event SELLS OUT every year, so get your tickets early! Seating will be arranged on a first come, first served basis. If you have particular seating requests please call 602-374-5638 when you set up your reservation.

Level 1 Improv Comedy Workshop
$175 6 weeks Tuesdays 7:00- 9:00pm

Begins Tuesday 2/4 and meets every Tuesday night for 6 weeks at National Comedy Theatre
The National Comedy Theatre improv classes are an exciting and fun approach for people from all walks of life: actors, writers, lawyers or plumbers, beginners to experienced performers, the skills we teach can be applied to all areas.
In National Comedy Theatre’s Level 1 Improv Comedy Workshop you will get up on stage and participate in some of the same improv games you see on stage at NCT’s weekly professional performances in a fun, no pressure atmostphere.
Class size is limited. Level 1 is intended for participants 18 years.
Total class fee is $175. $50 deposit is non-refundable and due at registration. Balance is paid prior to beginning of first class session.
For more information or registration please email workshops@nctphoenix.com
or call 602-374-5638
Additional 6 week Level 1 sessions begin June 3, September 23 and November 4.
Dates are subject to change. Check online at www.nctphoenix.com/classes.html and www.nctphoenix.com/events.html for most current listings.

3 Amigos at First Time Film Club
Thursday January 30th, 7:30pm, $8

Join us for The Three Amigos and you will have a plethora of hilarious fun. Steve Martin, Martin Short and Chevy Chase hit the road as three unemployed actors accept an invitation to a Mexican village to replay their bandit fighter roles, unaware that it is the real thing. Furthermore, the infamous El Guapo is not a man to trifle with!
Prizes and trivia follow the screening provided by Bookmans Entertainment Exchange

High School League

some of the folks around here are tired of hearing the phrase, "back in san diego..." and so it is with great hesitance that i start this off by saying...

back in san diego, the high school league was gangbusters. easily one of my faveorite things about NCT SD. the HSL kids came to nearly every show with suggestions they had been cooking up all week. "comunist manifesto!" "john ritter!" "the theory of relativity!" always trying to challenge the pros and our insistance that nothing was impossible. i always looked forward to the wacky suggestions we would get from them and i remember one night when a HSL kid brought a giant carpet square to the show and held it in his lap all night, just in the off chance we would play object freeze. another night a HSL kid put his wooden leg in the bag for object freeze. a real wooden leg. he had to hop up to the stage to get it back.

in san diego, the high school league kids pretty much run the show. they are our mr.voices and our house staff very reliably... until the graduate and either join the team or go to "college" or some other lame waste of time.

i loved the high school league kids. they were so much fun, so enthusiastic and- when they did join the team- they were the best players and the most eager to go to Brian's for 2am chicken strips and french fries.

thats why im super psyched to be finally launching the High School League at NCT Phoenix. The kids from Horizon and Basha are totally improv kids, both schools have had their own improv clubs going for a long time and so they are going to be really good players.

im so looking forward to AZ HSL kids coming to the shows with impossible suggestions and, hopefully, filling in as house staff and mr voice as our vary own army of improv teenagers to do our bidding.