The World Famous Improv
Comedy Theater & Restaurant

THE IMPROV. 40 YEARS. MILLIONS OF LAUGHS.

The History

Improv Comedy Club and Dinner Theatre has been the career launching pad for dozens of the familiar faces of television and film. Before becoming a cast member on NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live,’ David Spade was a “local comedian” at the Improv in Tempe, Arizona, hosting shows regularly. Bette Midler was a cocktail waitress at the Improv in New York, where she was given the opportunity to exhibit her vocal talents. Other Improv alumni include Lily Tomlin, Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey and the list goes on. Today, the Improv continues to showcase performers well on their way to join the ranks of the Improv’s famous veterans.

BackStage @ the Improv

BackStage at the Improv is a new late night venue attached to the Tampa Improv. With a focus on local, original live music and Arts. Have some drinks, peruse local art exhibits and enjoy the music. Artists & Musicians who are interested in displaying artwork or performing BackStage at the Improv should contact Ryan via email: RGrimm@ImprovTampa.com. Follow us online at: FaceBook & MySpace.

BackStage Hours

Upcoming Events for July 2010

 Raw: Open Mic. Every Wed Starting at 10:00pm. Sign-up in the bar starting at 9:45, first come first served. We ask that you please respect the artists and the light. 

July 15th: Art After Hours Press Hour Doors at 5:30. Come out and see what Art After Hours is all about with the art of Dunedin's Spin D'Arte and Accomplished Nashville Musican Robert Sutherland.

July 29th The incomparable artistic eclectic art group from Dunedin Spin d'Arte: with Robert D. Sutherland, Penfield Hondros, Cynthia Jacobson, Maria Weed, Herb Starr, Ann Henson, Harvey Edell, Bethany Mutchler, Lillie Neily, Donna Pennock, Jill Bauer and Elaine Curry. Join us for Art After Hours July 29th to see Jameela the live belly dancer and meet the artists. Get your Autographed t-shirts fromt he artists (if you know art trivia answers), music and fill of art and fun!
Come for the comedy of Thomas "Nephew Tommy" Miles and stay for the party afterwards 9:30pm til...

Upcoming Events for June 2010

 Notice: Due to Southern Fried Poety Jam in Knoxville Neo Nerd has been moved to Jun 10th!

Raw: Open Mic. Every Wed Starting at 10:00pm. Sign-up in the bar starting at 9:45, first come first servered. We ask that you please respect the artists and the light.  

Jun10th: Neo Nerd Hosted by Krystle wit a "E"! Open Mic Poetry, Doors at 8:30, Show at 10:00. 21 and Up Only. No Cover. Jun Special Guest: Queen Sheba.  Musical guest: DJ 14 Handz . 

Jun 17th: Art After Hours, featuring the work of your local artist Penfield Hondros. Musical Guests: TBA. Doors at 8:30, Show at 10:00. 21 and Up Only. No Cover.

Upcoming Events for May 2010

Raw: Open Mic. Every Wed Starting at 10:00pm. Sign-up in the bar starting at 9:45, first come first servered. We ask that you please respect the artists and the light.  

May 6th: Neo Nerd Hosted by Krystle wit a "E"! Open Mic Poetry, Doors at 8:30, Show at 10:00. 21 and Up Only. No Cover.  May Special Guest: Shawn Welcome.  Musical guest: DJ Breeze . 

May 20th: Art After Hours, featuring the work of your local artist Sam Stewart and Chris Schubarth. Musical Guests: DJ Red. Doors at 8:30, Show at 10:00. 21 and Up Only. No Cover.

 BackStage is in need of Local Artists. We have montly space for your work that is seen by 2,000 to 3,000 people each week! Contact the club at 813.864.4000 ext 108 if you are interested. 

Reservations

Advance ticketing and reservations are always recommended as our shows do sellout. All phone reservations must be held with a valid credit card. There are 3 ways to purchase tickets.

1. Call our box office at 813-864-4000 to hold the reservation with valid credit card.
2. Purchase tickets online.
3. Stop by our ticket office during business hours.

Box Office Hours

Age Restriction and Seating Policy

All shows are 21 and older with valid ID unless specified. We seat on a first come first serve basis. The earlier you enter the show room, the closer you will be towards the Improv stage. We typically seat 4 people per table. If you have a party of 2 and we are sold out, expect to sit with another couple. We do not offer preferred/reserved seating. Large groups should arrive early to assure the entire party will be seated together.

Parking

Centro Ybor Parking Garage Information:

          Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

          Rates:

·         0-3 hours $1

·         3-4 hours $3

·         4-5 hours $4

·         5-6 hours $6

·         6+ hours $8

·         Thursday Night: Flat rate after 10pm $6

·         Friday Night: Flat rate after 10pm $8

·         Saturday Night: Flat rate after 10pm $10

          For more information, please call the City Garage at (813) 242-5483

Valet Parking

Get parking validation with a purchase of $25 or more at any participating Centro Ybor merchant (or a movie ticket) and receive valet parking for only $3 seven days a week!

Valet Drop off is at 9th Avenue and 16th Street  

Hours of Operation:

Sunday: Noon - 11 PM

Monday - Thursday: 11 AM - 11 PM

Friday and Saturday: 11 AM - 2 AM

Rates:

Every Day: $3.00 with validation

Sunday - Thursday: $5.00 without validation

Friday - Saturday: $10.00 without validation

For more information, please call Omni Parking at (813) 760-3462