OTRimprov

Cincinnati's place for world-class improv comedy. OTRimprov is your home for the best improv in Cincinnati and the best improv training in the region.

For the curious and the confident alike, we are here for you. Or maybe you want to see your team work together better and find new, creative ways to problem solve. We have the training for you, too! We started at Know Theatre of Cincinnati as part of the Jackson Street Market. Recognizing the distinct lack of regularly scheduled improv performances in Cincinnati, especially Downtown and in Over-the-Rhine, OTRi looks to provide this particular brand of entertainment in order to further strengthen Cincinnati’s established arts community. Members of the team come from all walks of life and various communities in Greater Cincinnati to bring their own brand of humor to both short-form and long-form improvisation.

10/07/2026

🔥 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: THE LOCAL STRAYS 🔥

We’re kicking off IF Cincy with Cincinnati’s own The Local Strays!

The Local Strays bring a wide range of comedic instincts to the stage, from sharp observational wit to quiet, deadpan restraint. Rather than smoothing out those differences, the ensemble leans into them, creating scenes that feel specific, grounded, and a little unpredictable.

At the heart of their work are honest characters and real stakes, with the belief that the funniest moments come from truth rather than playing for the laugh.

We’re excited to have them opening the festival!

📅 Thursday, October 15
🕖 7 PM
📍 The Underground at Know Theatre
🚪 Doors open at 6:30 PM

🎟️ https://www.otrimprov.com/event-details/super-scaries-local-strays

10/06/2026

🔥 RETURNING HEADLINER: BROKE GRAVY 🔥

Broke Gravy is coming back to IF Cincy! The Portland-based group mixes the unique experiences of their audience with narrative, relationships, and the unexpected to create a show that is always surprising and new.

Sometimes they ask you questions. Sometimes you ask them questions. Every time, they discover something that explores humor, humanity, and truth.

We’re thrilled to have them back for IF Cincy 2026.

📅 Saturday, October 17
🕖 7 PM
📍 The Upstairs at Know Theatre
🚪 Doors open at 6:30 PM

🎟️ https://www.otrimprov.com/event-details/broke-gravy-landry-and-summers

09/17/2026

🔥 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: FLAVA FLAVOR FLAVOUR 🔥

Coming to IF Cincy from Chicago, Flava Flavor Flavour is here to add some seasoning to the world of improv. They use a fast-paced style that mixes short- and long-form improv to make the audience part of the show. With their own original games, their own style, and undeniable chemistry, expect everything.

From an improvised Denzel Washington panel to pun games set to ’90s R&B, this is the flava you didn’t know you were missing.

📅 Friday, October 16
🕖 7 PM
📍 The Upstairs at Know Theatre
🚪 Doors open at 6:30 PM

🎟️ https://www.otrimprov.com/event-details/flava-flavor-flavour-ducks-without-borders-work-friends

09/14/2026

🎭 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: WORK FRIENDS 🎭

Coming to IF Cincy from Ann Arbor, Work Friends is Ann Arbor's longest-running monoscene improv troupe.

Born from the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, Work Friends celebrates relationships and the comedy in the human condition in what resembles an improvised one-act play. Starting with a location, they paint the world around them and then discover in real time who's been secretly pining for whom, who got written out of the will, who can talk to ghosts, and who knows?!

They've recently gathered in such spaces as a cranberry bog, a yacht, and Hell itself!

📅 Friday, October 16
🕖 7 PM
📍 The Upstairs at Know Theatre
🚪 Doors open at 6:30 PM

🎟️ https://www.otrimprov.com/event-details/flava-flavor-flavour-ducks-without-borders-work-friends

09/08/2026

🔥 HEADLINER ANNOUNCEMENT: DAVE POWELL CHAMPION FEATURING CARLA CACKOWSKI 🔥

Anyone can improvise! Dave Powell Champion is a performance that shows anyone can get onstage and improvise, they just have to say “yes” to themselves.

This time around, Dave Powell is joined by Carla Cackowski, a writer, improviser, and teacher who spent a decade teaching improv and directing sketch shows at The Second City Hollywood. She also co-hosts her own two-person improv show, Orange Tuxedo. Carla is no stranger to IFCincy, we’re so happy to have her back at the festival!

Dave Powell Champion is coming to IF Cincy 2026 at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati October 16th at 9pm. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.

🎟️ Tickets & more info: otrimprov.com/event-details/dave-powell-champion-ft-carla-cackowski-joyride-comedy-scissor-set

09/03/2026

🔥 HEADLINER ANNOUNCEMENT: WIECK & FRIENDS 🔥

After a six-year hiatus, IFCincy is back—and so is Bob Wieck.

Bob first attended IFCincy shortly after its second festival, and over the years, it became one of the most magical and meaningful weekends on his improv calendar. We’re excited to welcome him back for the festival’s return.

This time, he’s teaming up with Cincinnati improvisers Dave Powell, Dylan Shelton, Kelly St Bean, Charley Poe, and Tatiana Godfrey.

Six friends. One stage. No idea what’s going to happen.

Wieck and Friends are coming to IF Cincy 2026 at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati on October 17th at 9pm. We can’t wait to see what they come up with.

🎟️ Tickets & more info: otrimprov.com/event-details/otri-super-show-wieck-friends

09/01/2026

🚨 SHAM IS TONIGHT! 🚨

Join us tonight at Know Theatre of Cincinnati for a night of improv featuring Very Serious Athletic Club and HOLY CANNOLI👼🏻🪽, followed by a set + jam with OTRimprov!

Come watch, laugh, and maybe even jump onstage. Tickets are only $10!

📅 Tonight, September 1
📍 Know Theatre of Cincinnati
🚪 Doors open at 6:30 PM
🎟️ $10

08/28/2026

🎟️ TICKETS ARE LIVE! 🎟️

The Improv Festival of Cincinnati 2026 is officially on sale! Come see three nights of hilarious improv from some of the best performers from Cincinnati and beyond.

📅 October 15–17, 2026
📍 Know Theatre of Cincinnati
🎭 25+ improv teams
🎟️ Tickets start at $25

Whether you’re a longtime improv fan or you’ve never seen improv before, this is your weekend.

Grab your tickets now and join us at IF Cincy 2026! https://www.otrimprov.com/if-cincy-tickets

08/27/2026

WE HAVE A SHAM NEXT TUESDAY! Doors open at 6:30pm at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati. We have Very Serious Athletic Club, HOLY CANNOLI👼🏻🪽, and a set + jam with OTRimprov! Tickets only $10

Address

1120 Jackson Street
Cincinnati, OH
45202

Telephone

+15138786286

Website

http://www.otrimprov.com/

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