Whole World Improv Theatre

Whole World Improv Theatre describes itself as "Atlanta's antidepressant since 1994". The theatre is a non-profit theatre company with a host of comedians that differ each night. Before the show, guests (that's us) lounge around drinking beer on the couches while some of the actors ask for suggestions for the upcoming show.

There is no assigned seating, unless you are special, and you enter the theater based on ticket number. There are 6 couches, but generally you have to be special to sit there. Most other seats are movie-theater style. As usual, you get picked on if you sit in the front row and you get picked on if you sit in the back row. And you get picked on if you sit in the aisle. And you get picked on if you don't shout out suggestions or otherwise participate. And you get picked on if your suggestions stink. And your suggestions get picked if they are creative.

Drinking is welcome and encouraged. If your suggestion is used, they'll buy you a beer. If it's your birthday, they'll buy you a beer. At least during the evening shows. Before each sketch, the mediator asks for audience suggestions for the skit such as location, problem or relationship between characters. The actors then improv that skit based on the audience suggestions with little time to prepare. Often the story line is changed part-way through, such as changing the emotion, dialect or character. It is amazing how quickly they can come up with such funny material!

Each show is about 2 hours long with a 15 minute break in the middle (to get more drinks). The stage has three areas/scenes for the skits and musicians provide accompaniment. Some of the skits have singing, which is probably the hardest thing they do - make up a funny song as they go. All the skits are hilarious and each actor has their own unique style that adds to skits.

The main shows are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm and 10:30 pm. Tuesday is singles night where you have the chance of getting paired up and sent on a date! Thursday is ladies night - get in free if you arrive between 7 and 7:30 and the tickets aren't sold out. And then there is a Sunday matinee at 1 pm featuring kids. The theatre also has classes for kids and adults. Tickets are $24 at the door or cheaper if you call in or order online. Tuesday and Thursday nights are cheaper.