The Brody Theater is one of the two main places you can go in Northwest Portland to see comedy, with the other one being Harvey’s. However, the style of comedy at the Brody Theater is much different than the one you would get over at the venerable Harvey’s. Instead of the stream of comics leading up to a headliner that you would find at Harvey’s, Brody Theater is more of an improv theater, with more in common with groups and theaters such as the Groundlings in Los Angeles, the Second City in Chicago, or Upright Citizen’s Brigade in New York City.
Improv comedy differs from stand-up comedy in that you have a set of actors come up with a scene or a sketch and play it right before your eyes, rather than just having one comedian on a stage telling jokes and stories. Shows at Brody Theater include Micetro, which involves 16 improvisers competing against each other. Each is graded by the audience, with the lowest one eliminated. The last improviser standing is the winner. Another is Diabolical Experiments, which brings together some of Portland’s top improv actors for a round of spontaneous games. Of course, if you just wish to catch some stand-up, the Brody Theater also offers that a few nights per week.
Beyond offering shows, Brody Theater also offers classes to those who want to become more proficient in improvisation. The skill is useful whether you want to improve yourself as an actor, or simply have some goofy fun. As the classes progress, you will get into the serious nuts and bolts of what improvisation can be.
The Brody Theater also offers food and drink during their shows. The menu includes a variety of wraps, bagels, and paninis; things that are easy to hold in your hand while watching a show. Also, the theater has a full bar with cocktails, beer, and wine, with a selection of bottled micro and domestic beers.
Brody Theater shows and classes run throughout the week.
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