Portland's longest running improv jam where improvisers of all levels perform long-form improv comedy in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Open Court is back at Curious Comedy Theater this Wednesday, October 14, at 9:30 PM. It's Portland's longest running improv jam and the longest running show at the theater, run by the Curious Comedy Company. The format brings together improvisers of all skill levels and experience from many local theaters and troupes to perform long-form improv comedy for each other and the audience. Teams are picked randomly and coached by experienced improvisers from the company, and anyone is welcome to play, even if they've never been on stage before.
If you've never seen it, the long-form part is the key: these aren't short games or quick punchlines. The teams build out full scenes and stories on the fly, and because the groups are mixed and matched from across the city, you get a real cross-section of the local improv scene on one stage. It's as much about the performers watching each other as it is about the audience.
Curious Comedy describes comedy as a tool for improving lives, with an emphasis on providing a platform for underserved voices. Their flagship is the Curious Comedy Showdown, a competitive improv cage match staged every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. Beyond the shows, the theater runs comedy classes in improv, stand-up, sketch, and musical improv, plus youth classes.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Portland and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
Open Court runs on Wednesdays at 9:30 PM, with doors opening at 9:15 PM, at the Curious Comedy Mainstage, 5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Tickets are $5 in advance or at the door, and free for Curious students.
