Learn comedy.
Have some funny.
Teaching Pittsburgh comedy since 2013. Start at 101, or jump in where you belong — every class ends with a show on our stage.
Teaching Pittsburgh Comedy for over 10 years!
Have fun learning the art of comedy!
Since 2013, Arcade Comedy Theater's Academy has been helping folks find their comedic voice, gain confidence, connect with others, and have a lot of fun. Comedy brings people together — and we've welcomed hundreds of budding performers and comedians into our doors over the years.
Whether it’s improv, sketch, or stand-up, Arcade Academy can teach you the art of comedy regardless of your experience. If you’re new to comedy, start at the 100 level improv classes and learn short form and long form improv from the ground up! Or if writing is more your style, we offer sketch comedy and stand-up classes too. Our classes are welcoming, accessible, and packed full of insights from some of the most experienced teaching artists in the city.
Get ready to have fun, meet people, and open yourself up to Pittsburgh's growing comedy scene!
If you're looking for more info about how all of this works, check out our Academy FAQ page.
Level 1
No experience needed! Learn the fundamentals from the ground up.
Level 2
Play the games and get the laughs.
Level 3
Build a world from a single suggestion.
Level 4
Advanced ensembles and specialty classes.
Arcade Academy: Session 6 2026
Beth GeatchesImprov
Level 1
Improv
IMPROV 101: Foundations
$200 
Sara KantnerImprov
Level 1
Improv
IMPROV FOR PROFESSIONALS
$200 
Connor McCanlusAcademy Director
Level 1
Improv
IMPROV 101: Foundations for BIPOC Performers
$200 
Cynthia DallasImprov
Level 1
Stand-Up
STAND-UP 101: Intro to Stand-Up Comedy (Saturdays)
$270 
Brittany AlexisStand-Up Comedy
Level 1
Stand-Up
STAND-UP 101: Intro to Stand-Up Comedy (Tuesdays)
$270 
Matty MalloyStand-Up Comedy
Level 1
Organic
Organic Improv
$200 
Ryan NuzzoImprov
Level 2
Release
Release The Beast
$200 
Alyssa TomasellaImprov
Level 3
Improv
IMPROV 301: The Harold
$270 
Matt SolterImprov
Level 4
Improv
IMPROV 401: Intro to Musical Improv
$270 
Scott HughesMusical Improv
Here’s what you need to know:
Arcade Academy sessions generally run eight weeks. Classes take place at our theater at 943 Liberty Avenue or on rare occasions off-site at a nearby Cultural Trust-owned property. If you’d like to register for a class, just click the big buttons and you’ll be taken to our ShowClix registration page. It’s a fast & secure way to register for classes online with your credit card. Tuition is non-refundable and non-transferrable. Unless specified otherwise, these classes are for adults 18 and older. Teachers listed may be subject to change at the Arcade’s discretion or as a result of unforeseen scheduling conflicts — while we try to avoid teacher substitution, it does happen from time and time and is not grounds for a refund.
The Arcade is also accepting a limited number of interns. Click here to learn more about our internship program.
We’ve revised our policy regarding course prerequisites: students need to meet all pre-reqs before signing up for an advanced level class. Every improv school approaches these techniques and philosophies differently, and so does the Arcade. So it’s good for you and your classmates if everyone has the same level of Arcade Academy training and vocabulary. You can find all of our current policies on our Academy FAQ page.
If you have any questions at all, feel free to call us at 412-339-0608 and we’ll get back to you right away!
Accessibility
Arcade is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our patrons, students, and performing artists. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact us at: academy@arcadecomedytheater.com
943 Liberty Avenue
During the week, the Arcade transforms into an amazing, multi-classroom learning space with classes taking place in our downstairs and upstairs theaters as well as our second floor lounge.
937 Liberty Avenue
Certain classes may take place next door to the Arcade in the Cultural Trust multi-use space of 937 Liberty Ave on the third floor.