About Us
The Providence Improv Guild is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization (EIN 47-3774430) centered around Improv Comedy. We teach classes, maintain a stage, and develop work for local improv artists. We are a community run organization which relies on the tremendous talent, tenacity, and teamwork of our members to create a place where friends are found and connections are made.
Why we started
Providence has a lot of talented improvisers, students, and audience members looking for a good time. Back in 2012, what it didn’t have was a home. It was difficult to share a sense of community because many improv troupes were disconnected, classes were scattered, and audiences inconsistent. We formed PIG because we wanted to change the culture of improv in Providence and the region.
What we do
We give performers a place to perform. We have weekly house teams that headline our shows, we have guests acts, and we have an open stage policy which means new groups and forms are incubated on our stage.
We teach classes. We have developed our improv and sketch curriculum over the past 4 years to make us a competitive training ground in the national comedy scene. We offer workshops both in house and on the road, having trained folks all over the US including: Maine, Georgia, and Texas! We’ve developed specialized curriculum for businesses, sales persons, food management, persons with disabilities, military personnel, teens, and more. We think improv is for everyone and we’re always looking for new ways to utilize this art form.
We make work for artists. We network and incubate opportunities for our performers to better their craft and make money while doing so. From coaching opportunities to paid performances, from medical simulations to corporate trainings, we’re always looking for ways to make work for our community members. Approximately 75% of our income goes to the artists themselves.
We make friends. PIG has become a place to go to see all your friends and laugh with them. #PIGisagoodtime has become our unofficial hashtag to highlight the fun we have while practicing our craft. Come see a show, come be friends.
Providence Improv Guild is an equal opportunity organization and does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of: race, religion, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin or ancestry, marital status, or military/veteran’s status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal or state law in any of its activities or operations (including any employment, independent contracting, or volunteer work.)