About Arcade Comedy Theater

Arcade Comedy Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit theater in the heart of Pittsburgh's Cultural District that produces, presents, and educates in the art of comedy. The Arcade was founded in 2013 as the city's first non-profit theater exclusively dedicated to comedy, with a mission to strengthen and enrich the community through laughter for all. In 2017, the theater expanded from a small storefront to a custom, accessible three-story, two-theater facility to serve more artists and audiences.

The theater presents programming 52 weekends a year in improv, stand-up, sketch, and other comedic forms, plus a bi-monthly matinee improv show for kids. Classes for all ages and levels are taught by professional actors and comedians within the Arcade Academy, and Arcade's Corporate Training strengthens the communication skills of professionals throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Arcade has been named "Best Place to See Live Comedy" by the readers of Pittsburgh Magazine multiple times, and has been featured in WQED, Yahoo News, and Paste Magazine.

Mission & Vision

Our mission

Arcade Comedy Theater inspires joy and nurtures community-building by connecting artists and audiences with the dynamic artform of comedy. With exceptional performances and educational offerings, Arcade entertains and uplifts Pittsburgh audiences and beyond.

Our vision

Arcade will elevate and advance the art of comedy, by fostering a safe, inclusive space to explore and play with humor. In doing so, our community finds artistic fulfillment, confidence, and healing through the development of their unique comedic voice. Our audiences experience exciting, engaging, and spirit-lifting performances that showcase comedy in its many forms.

Our Values

Inclusivity & Safety

Comedy must reflect the diverse world in which it is presented. Humor can hurt as easily as it can help, and a foundation of trust is necessary to enjoy the artform. Arcade will ensure equitable practices and swiftly remedy when our foundation is cracked.

Affordability

Arcade is proud to be positioned as the most affordable live entertainment offering in downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District. Laughter and levity should be experienced by all. Through programs like our kids' show "Pay As You Wish," Academy internships, and the Diversity Scholarship, we strive to break down barriers to entry.

Variety

Like our namesake, Arcade was founded with a vision to showcase many different styles within one form of live entertainment. We broaden the audience's preconceived notion of "comedy" by producing everything from proven standards to offbeat styles.

Experimentation

Improv and other forms of comedic expression depend on artists feeling free to try new things, fail, and try again. Arcade's Academy encourages students to "play" and teammates to support one another's new ideas made up on the spot. Honing a unique comedic voice takes a willingness to experiment with an open mind.

Collaboration

Arcade values the wisdom, creativity, and input of our community — a vibrant group of artists, audiences, designers, technicians, students, staff, and volunteers. We forge partnerships with our downtown neighbors, the city's non-profit arts organizations, and comedy organizations across the world.

Arcade is led by a dedicated staff and a volunteer Board of Directors committed to charity, fiscal discipline, and inclusion.

Meet the team