Improv Asylum
View of the Improv Asylum from Hanover Street | |
Improv Asylum Location of the Improv Asylum in Boston | |
| Address | 216 Hanover Street Boston, Massachusetts United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°21′43″N 71°03′22″W / 42.362°N 71.056°W |
| Owner | Norm Laviolette |
| Type | Comedy club |
| Opened | 1998 |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Website | |
| improvasylum | |
Improv Asylum is a professional improvisational comedy and sketch comedy theater in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1998 by Norm Laviolette, Paul D'Amato, and Chet Harding, the theater has become a cornerstone of Boston's comedy scene. It offers mainstage performances, a comprehensive training center, corporate team-building programs, and operates additional venues including Asylum NYC.
History
Improv Asylum was established in August 1997 by Norm Laviolette, Paul D'Amato, and Chet Harding. The trio initially performed together in a troupe called Rock Hard Improv at the Hard Rock Café in Boston. Seeking to create a dedicated improv venue, they leased a basement space on Hanover Street in Boston’s North End and launched the theater in May 1998.[1]
In the spring of 2010, Improv Asylum produced "You're a Good Man, Scott Brown," an original musical satirizing the United States Senate special election in Massachusetts, 2010.[2] Written and directed by Jeremy Brothers, the show garnered the attention of Senator Scott Brown and his wife, WCVB reporter Gail Huff, who both attended the performance on March 31, 2010.[3]
Improv Asylum was the producer of "No Rest for the Wicked Funny," a 24-hour charity show for Globe Santa, a fund to purchase holiday gifts for underprivileged children.[4]
In 2021, Improv Asylum expanded to New York City under the name Asylum NYC, occupying the former UCB Chelsea space on Manhattan's west side. After operating in Chelsea, Asylum NYC relocated to a new space in the Flatiron District at 123 E 24th Street in fall 2023.[5][6]
In March 2025, the original North End theater suffered extensive damage due to a sewage flood, prompting a temporary relocation to the Lil' Chuck theater at the Charles Playhouse.[7] Reconstruction is underway, with an expected reopening in Fall 2025.
Performances
Improv Asylum's mainstage shows are known for their unique blend of improvisation and sketch comedy. A typical cast includes six performers, a musical accompanist, and a tech director. These revue-style shows combine scripted scenes with live improvisation and often include musical elements.[8]
The theater’s in-the-round configuration is one of its defining features, praised for creating an intimate yet high-energy environment.[9]
Training Center
The Improv Asylum Training Center offers classes in improvisation, sketch writing, and performance. Originally housed in the basement theater, it now operates out of the Asylum CoLab—a creative space with classrooms, studios, and a performance venue. The training program serves both hobbyists and professionals, with many graduates moving on to careers in entertainment. [10]
Corporate Training
Improv Asylum’s corporate division, branded as Asylum Team Building, uses improvisational techniques to teach communication, collaboration, and leadership. The program has been adopted by major corporations including Google, Liberty Mutual, Fidelity, Biogen, Boston Consulting Group, and the U.S. Army.[11]
Sessions have been delivered across the U.S. and internationally, including in Dubai, China, and Europe.[12]
Notable Alumni
Several Improv Asylum alumni have achieved national recognition:
- Brian Gallivan – Executive producer of Shrinking, creator of The McCarthys
- Ryan Gaul – Actor known for roles in The Last O.G., Superstore, and Modern Family
- Leah Gotcsik – Emmy, Annie and Canadian Screen Award winning writer/showrunner
- Richie Moriarty – Cast member on CBS’s Ghosts
- Ceara O’Sullivan – Writer for Saturday Night Live
- Amy Roeder – Maine State Representative
Awards and Recognition
Improv Asylum has been honored multiple times by local media:
- Boston Magazine named Improv Asylum the Best Comedy Club in its annual "Best of Boston" Readers’ Poll (2018).[13]
- The Improper Bostonian recognized Improv Asylum in its "Boston’s Best" awards before ceasing publication in 2019.[14]
- The Boston Globe featured Improv Asylum in a 2024 roundup of top comedy venues, citing its longevity and impact on Boston’s arts scene.[15]
References
- ^ "Founding a Boston Comedy Landmark". The Boston Globe. 1998.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Byrne, Terry (April 3, 2010). "Playing Scott Brown for laughs". Boston.com. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- ^ "Improv Asylum presents Scott Brown: The Musical - Comedy". The Boston Phoenix. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- ^ Gans, Felicia (December 13, 2019). "Improv Asylum inspires laughs and money for Globe Santa with fund-raiser show". Boston Globe. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- ^ "Asylum NYC - New York Theatre Guide". New York Theatre Guide. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "A new NYC comedy festival launches this week!". Time Out New York. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
- ^ Emily Sweeney (March 20, 2025). "Improv Asylum relocates to Boston's theater district due to flooding issue in North End location". The Boston Globe. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Main Stage Show - Boston". Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ "A Divine Comedy". Boston Phoenix. 2002.
{{cite magazine}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Janelle Nanos (September 19, 2022). "It's no joke: Improv Asylum CEO branches out into the co-working business". The Boston Globe. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ Madeline Bilis (October 24, 2017). "The Best Boston Corporate Team-Building Activities". Boston Magazine. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
- ^ "Improv Training Expands to Global Markets". The Boston Globe. 2013.
{{cite news}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "Best of Boston 2018: Comedy Club". Boston Magazine. 2018.
{{cite magazine}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ "Boston's Best Comedy". The Improper Bostonian. 2016.
{{cite magazine}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ^ Kara Baskin (July 11, 2024). "Six places for a good laugh in Boston". The Boston Globe Magazine. Retrieved July 7, 2025.