About
The Peoples Improv Theater is an award winning training center and comedy theater based in New York City.
Mission
The PIT is dedicated to the instruction, performance, and development of original comedy. The PIT strives to entertain and educate the community about the comedic arts in a safe and nurturing environment.
The PIT is composed of three elements: a school that focuses on the craft of improvisation, a wide variety of electives, and an unparalleled professional writing program; a theater that presents original comedy shows six nights a week; and a corporate and educational workshop program that offers team building, leadership, and business training.
History
The Peoples Improv Theater was founded by Ali Reza Farahnakian in 2002, in a small blackbox theater located at 154 W 29th Street.
After outgrowing its original home, The PIT moved to 123 E 24th Street on December 31, 2010, opening up the PIT Striker & PIT Underground theaters. In 2015 the original PIT theater on W29th St was renamed The PIT Loft and officially became the third theater at The PIT. In February 2021, the PIT announced the closure of its Flatiron location, leaving only The PIT Loft open in Manhattan.
Notable Alumni
Kurt Braunohler
"Kurt and Kristen", The Big Sick
Ellie Kemper
House Team Member, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Grace Helbig
House Team Member, Improv Student, The Grace Helbig Show
Hannibal Buress
Sketch Writing Student, Broad City
Michelle Wolf
"She-Wolf" in 2010, Improv & Stand Up Student, HBO, The Break
Casey Jost
"Blanks and Blank" in 2012, Comedy Central, TruTV
Lin-Manuel Miranda
"Freestyle Love Supreme" in 2013, Creator of "Hamilton"
Nicole Byer
"Doppelganger" in 2011, Nailed It!, The Grace Helbig Show
Kristin Schaal
House Team Member, Bob's Burgers
The History of 154 West 29th St
The PIT, established 2002 in New York City occupies a space at 154 West 29th St. (b/t 6th & 7th Av.), a building that is over a century old, with a rich spiritual heritage, previously serving as a synagogue and later hosting church services. Highlighting this acknowledges and emphasizes the theater as a modern sanctuary for creative expression. This historical context enriches our venue’s identity, connecting us to a legacy of community and spiritual gathering. It underscores the idea that theater spaces are sacred grounds for another kind of worship, freedom of speech and expression, resonating with audiences seeking depth and connection in their life. To enrich the journey of many through comedy, improvisation and theater is a sacred honor and trust. Thank you.
