Events

Cited by The Portland Mercury as "One of the funniest (and most educational) comedy shows in town": Comedy, queer history, and dangerously delightful shenanigans collide at Be Gay Do Crime.

July features a Know Your Rights presentation by community activist Frances Portillo, with scenarios acted out in sections by the featured BIPOC improv troupe Brown Sugar.

**This presentation is specifically geared towards allies wanting to know more about how to support their immigrant and BIPOC neighbors and community members.**

Also featuring the talents of local comedians and performers, including:

• Stand-up comedy from Lindy Tongol (Host of qu eer, BIPOC show House Party)
• Improv from Brown Sugar
• Stand-up from Julia Corral (host of Comedy in the Park, House Party, and Bruja-ja)

July's show will be hosted by Jane Dillinger and Jenna Britann.

Tickets are GAYAF — give as you’re able, friend. Ticket sales will go towards compensating the hosts and performers. All additional tips collected during the show will support a different local community non-profit organization each month.

(Please note, this show is about history and adult themes, and adult content is often included, including themes of violence, racial discrimination, homophobia, sexual violence, sexual content, drug use, mature language, etc. There are also "dishonorable guests" whose comedy or artistic material could include similar themes. Recommended for ages 14+ and parental discretion for those under age 18.)

Search and Destroy (S.A.D. for short) is a multimedia variety show happening on the last friday of every month featuring artists and local leaders sharing their craft and talking about what matters most to them. Through storytelling, live conversations, audience interaction, and heavy doses of honesty and humor, S.A.D. seeks to give hope and to be an entertaining and informative space for all to have fun, let loose, and be reminded that we as a people have the agency and ability to initiate change by working together as one.

S.A.D. was partly inspired by late-night television talk shows and variety hours and follows a similar format: an eye-catching opening number, a charming Emcee willing to play the fool, and a shared evening of dance, music, film, comedy, and conversations/interviews, all loosely tied to a theme of the night. The show ends with a dance party where the audience is invited to join the party on stage.
One of the main goals of each S.A.D. show is to dissolve the separation between artist and audience by directly engaging, conversing, and interacting with the audience, inviting them to participate in their seats as well as on the stage.
 Every show features dance movement, improvisation, visual imagery and soundscapes, conversations and spoken word, and various bits that play with the blurring of boundaries between the scripted and unscripted, all through an honest and humorous lens and the intention to entertain, educate, and inspire. Each episode of S.A.D. showcases different artists and acts than the previous one, guaranteeing that every iteration is unique and can only be experienced once.
S.A.D. is a show for everybody and every body, regardless of their identity, background, age, and anything else used to describe oneself.

*Revenue generated from each show is split evenly amongst the contributing artists

X-Prov is a fully improvised, never-before-seen episode of the X-Files where you choose the case and your favorite FBI agents solve a brand new mystery. Is the truth really out there?

Remember the X-Files? What if you got to see one more episode, never before seen and never to be seen again?

In X-Prov, the audience decides which X-File agents Mulder and Scully will investigate. This completely improvised homage to America’s favorite conspiracy-laden ‘90s procedural will feature shadowy government organizations, small-town secrets, and at least one unexplainable creature.

Featuring Tessa Waring (as seen in Group Shower) as Scully, Mo Merrill (as seen waiting for the bus on Glisan) as Mulder, and a supporting cast of Kickstand favorites.

So ask yourself: Do you want to believe?

J Names is one of the area’s longest running improv teams. A prominent comedy supergroup of local comedy veterans whose first names (most!) start with the letter “J”. This is high-quality improvisation you won’t want to miss. Featuring: Jay Flewelling, Jed Arkley, Justin Himes, Jenn Hunter, Jon Bolden, SJ Santa Cruz, Katie Behrens, Craig McCarthy.

All ages welcome, though assume PG13 content.
$15 online / $20 at door

Join the Change Through Play Improv studio for an evening of improvisation. The showcases feature students from every level of classes, improvisers from around Portland, and the Founder and staff improvising as well. The showcases are fun and different!. Come see students demonstrating what they’ve been learning. Learn the difference between what beginning improvisers explore versus intermediate and advanced improvisers.

These showcases are VERY supportive and nurturing, and they're designed to let the students publicly show what they've been working on in class, so bring the spirit of support with you.

Come see sets from the Foundations, Intermediate and Advanced Workshop teams. Also featuring a Harold from the special guests: Mouth Stuff.

The evening will close out with a set from 3hree with Eric and Aden Nepom and the Founder, David Koff.

Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions. Each show is an unpredictable tribute to Shakespeare's comedy, filled with ridiculous twists and spontaneous delights. Follow a merry band of players — former buddies of the great Will himself — as they unravel one of the Bard's "unfinished" gems. Love, Shakespeare is a lively celebration that's equal parts homage and hilarity – a comedic gem not to be missed.

Cult favorites Hopes ‘n’ Prayers returns to Kickstand Comedy with an explosive late-night comedy show that will blow you into a million pieces. Throw out your SSRIs and mainline the dopamine that is Party for the End of the World. Join another favorite indie team for a night of improv comedy, party games, chaotic characters, end-days camaraderie, and whatever the hell else they feel like.

***content warning: guns, violence, sex, language, giant boobs, abstinence, drug use, war (what is it good for), suicide, patricide, matricide, fratricide, misandry, shit and piss, vomit, semen, sexy anthropomorphic animals, depression, addiction, alcohol use, hot carl, two girls one cup, slime, squirt, blood, menstruation, tooth decay, incontinence, impotence, desecration of national monuments, vehicular manslaughter, paranoia, diseases of despair, astrology, anti vaxxing, over vaxxing, neurodivergence, recycling, that thing of when a person on a lime scooter flies off and is mortally wounded, skateboard, huffing, puffing, poppers, whoppers, antiauthoritarianism, flashing lights, being way up on high, petty theft, acab, rippin beers, big tech, artificial insomnia, ménage á trois, peace, love, unity, respect, drunk driving, arson, being in a cemetery after it closes, cannibalism, disney adults, going no contact, uncles and nephews being in a band, bus of life, late stage capitalism, columbine, male loneliness epidemic, 23&me, polyamory, the 2008 financial crisis, microplastics, plastic surgery, running from the law, breaking stuff, little to no respect for furniture, splash zone, osteoporosis, scoliosis, paranormal encounters, blood, sweat, tears, hemorrhoids, neck, back, pussy and crack issues, bill paxton, bizarre allergies, mass extinctions, war on christmas, using the computer, organ theft, broken hearts, huge boats, bodily harm, necrophilia, sexually transmitted infections, buying in bulk, heliocentrism, conspiracies, witches who buy things on amazon.com, pussy hats, hillary clinton jail time, 9/11, buying airline tickets for a discount on 9/11, factory farming, evolution, long content warnings, toxic positivity, party rocking, not being sorry for party rocking, unappealing textures, atheism, misotheism, loving god with no proof, homosexuality, and homophobia.***

Hopes ‘n’ Prayers is Diana Kolsky (The Chris Gethard Show), Lauren Sinner (Night Cheese), and Blade Weedman (Fuckos).

Witness the Magic of Unscripted Shakespeare!

Step into the offbeat world of Love, Shakespeare, where seasoned Portland comedians attempt something audacious: performing a fully improvised Elizabethan play based on your suggestions! Each show is an unpredictable tribute to Shakespeare's comedy, filled with ridiculous twists and spontaneous delights. Follow a merry band of players – former buddies of the great Will himself – as they unravel one of the Bard's “unfinished” gems. Love, Shakespeare is a lively celebration that's equal parts homage and hilarity – a comedic gem not to be missed!

• Friday, November 13, 2026 - 7:30-9:00 PM

• Saturday, November 14, 2026 - 7:30-9:00 PM

Hot Goss: Rebecca Feldman, Jason Hays, and Jessica Zodrow have been improvising/performing together for years. Their love of pop culture has manifested in their original format — where they recreate a real movie they’ve never seen before. They take what they know (or don’t) about a movie suggested by the audience, fold in classic story tropes, joyous relationships, and filmmaking devices to bring their director’s cut to life. Each performance will feature an opening group from the reputable Portland improv scene.

All ages welcome, though assume PG13 content. $15 online / $20 at door.

Unscripted, family-friendly improv right here in Vancouver, Washington!

Tickets $10 + fees. Show two hours plus one 15-minute intermission.

Cr1tical Mischief began their RPG-themed improv show in 2014 as Advanced Minions & Mazes performing at Guardian Games. This band of comic adventurers has been entertaining audiences in theaters and Cons in and around Portland for over a decade. With their band of characters and your suggestions, they’ve raised the dead and razed villages. Not always in that order. Come roll the big 20-sided die to shape the action and laugh hard at the Cr1tical Mischief that ensues!

Featuring: Brad Fortier, Erin Cunningham, Bill Cernansky, Merrily Antony, Eric Zipper, Craig McCarty, Meagan Gombart, Wayne Moodie.

Directed by Brad Fortier

• All ages welcome, though assume PG-13 content.
• $15 online / $20 at door.

30 of Portland's best improvisers, one totally secret guest host. Every show rearranges the performers into brand-new teams and features a special character host. You won't know who it is until they step out on stage. No two shows are the same, and it's always a surprise.

Past guest hosts have included David Lynch, High School Theater Students, a baby, Tinder Dracula, Waluigi, and many more...who will it be this week? Come and find out.

The original fast-paced, competitive, comedy match - for all ages! It's improv played as a sport. Rated E for Everybody.

After the performance of Do You Feel Anger? ends (approx. 9:00 pm), P.I.E. (PSU Impro Ensemble) will take over the stage for an hour of "unscripted" (that is, improvised) post-show fun! You don’t need to attend Do You Feel Anger? to enjoy this high-spirited performance. It’s available to everyone for free!

Learn more about the School of Music & Theater.

P.I.E. graphic created by PSU student collaboration: Leslye Gonzalez Juarez, Alex Herd, and Danger Swatosh.

There's someone dangerous among us... and Giant Worm is on the case! Join us on November 7 at 8pm for our FIRST show of the year! Capri-suns provided and laughs encouraged.

OBC
K Marie, Natasha Baptiste, Rita Davis

OBC, aka Oprah’s Book Club, is a trio of funny Black women who test boundaries and try on characters from the stories you’ve read. K, Natasha, and Afrita have spent the past four years building chemistry, vulnerability, and boldness in each of their shows. No story is off topic, and we have just enough audacity and plenty of opinions to explore the worlds you love to read. Expect big characters, wild choices, questionable decisions, and the kind of connection that can turn one audience suggestion into beautifully unhinged chaos.

All ages welcome, though assume PG-13 content.
$15 online / $20 at door.

A ComedySportz match featuring students from our Rec League classes.

With lots of fun costumes and some improvisational magic, the players of Bridge City Improv will weave tales of heroic adventures and faraway lands — all flowing from suggestions and ideas we gather from the audience. Though the show is geared for kids ages 4 to 10, littler and bigger people are welcome too. It’s fun for the whole family! $8. $25 family tickets are available at the door. Doors open at 130pm.

Velodrome is a weekly improv showcase of Portland's best and brightest indie teams. Every week, you'll see 3 different teams, each bringing their unique forms, flavors, and a whole lot of funny.

Monthly Rotating Anchor Teams:

• Shaving Season - 1st Thursdays - Cast: Carmen Pfeil, Kerry McPherson, Lori Blonn, Kaz Shepherd
• Brown Sugar - 2nd Thursdays - Cast: Alé Martinez, D’Guar Herrera, Dyvisha Gordon, Laz Romankiw, Michelle Dorantes, Nicholle Ortiz, Monel Chang, Tali Aflague
• Cat Cabinet - 3rd Thursdays - Cast: Ben Spoon, Krista Wright, Lisa Wheeler, Trinton Tello
• High Risk Behavior- 4th Thursdays - Cast: Alexander Henderson, Amirra Patterson, Ashley Bove, Chloé Riggs, Ian Davis, Jax Ko, Kevin Holden, Wayne Moodie, Wren Reynolds

Kickstand’s Harold teams perform classic improv comedy. What makes it classic? Scenes featuring oddball characters, strange situations, big emotions, and magical connections all made up completely on the spot from your one-word suggestion. It's like watching a sitcom that only exists for the 25 minutes it's being performed.

The Harold is a quintessential improv comedy form developed and honed at theaters like iO, UCB, and Second City. Google it if you must… but all you really need to know is that it's gonna be a night of great comedy from Kickstand's rising talent.

2nd and 4th Thursday of the Month

Team 1 Cast:
Alisha Madison Hunter
Bimpe Adewusi
Chris Anderson
Joe Arthur
Jordan Curry
Rosie Fry
Savannah Webber
Tyler MacFarland
Directed by Adam Trabka

Team 2 Cast:
Carmen Pfeil
Madison Ford
Magenta Ferguson
Molly O'Reilly
Paige Howell
Peter Zingelmann
Sat Khalsa
Zeke Zager
Directed by Randy Smith

After the performance of Do You Feel Anger? ends (approx. 9:00 pm), P.I.E. (PSU Impro Ensemble) will take over the stage for an hour of "unscripted" (that is, improvised) post-show fun! You don’t need to attend Do You Feel Anger? to enjoy this high-spirited performance. It’s available to everyone for free!

Learn more about the School of Music & Theater.

P.I.E. graphic created by PSU student collaboration: Leslye Gonzalez Juarez, Alex Herd, and Danger Swatosh.

Elegant improv, comfortable shoes. DAME is a Portland-based collective of seasoned femme improvisers focusing on story and character. Most of us have been performing for 10 or more years and we are adventurous and always up for fun creating stories with each other and entertaining audiences.

DAME is Georgia Gunesch, Rebecca Rothery, Stephanie Wichmann, Leann Ruth Johnson, Kari Smit, Angela Michtom, Laurie Martin.

All ages welcome, though assume PG-13 content.
$15 online / $20 at door.

Friday Night Fights is a tournament-style show where each team gets 17 minutes to win your hearts, minds, and VOTES. Fight Promoters Dave Pinson and Lauren Russell pit improv teams head-to-head. A...

Almost PHAMEous, PHAME Academy’s resident comedy troupe, hosts this monthly improv comedy showcase featuring some of Portland’s finest talent. Each month, Almost PHAMEous kicks it off with their hilarious brand of fast-paced short form improv comedy a la “Whose Line is it Anyway”. Then they invite a carousel of creative cadres, including special guest improvisers, comics, and musicians, to close out the show. PHAME is a fine and performing arts academy serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located in Portland, Oregon, and also operating online, their education and performance programs empower students to learn new skills, take artistic risks, and build lasting relationships with people who share their experience of having a disability.

You’re in for a Treat! Chris Williams, Zack Poitras, and Kristen Schier are three veteran improvisers who come together to create a sweet, spontaneous show made just for you. Whether they’re performing a montage or an improvised sitcom format, Treat delivers focused, fun, and committed improv every time.

• All ages welcome, though assume PG-13 content.
• $15 online / $20 at door.

Enjoy a comedy show about Portlanders living in Portland. Kickstand's signature style of improv is performed by a rotating cast of incredibly talented players

Rotating Cast featuring:
Afrita Davis, Chris Williams, Craig McCarthy, Dana Murphy, Diana Kolsky, Eric Simons, Jon Bolden, Justin Himes, Kristen Schier, Mariah Muñoz, Michael Zimmer, Natalie Haddad, Roland Mechanik, Thea Crowley

The Pretty Flower starts with an original scene inhabited by interesting characters. But any thought, idea, phrase, or memory can jump out and come to life in a new world of comedy.

Two gorgeous improv forms presented by Kickstand's house teams. It's two shows in one.

The Eventé is focused on the world of a single event, the characters, the backstory, and everything around it. Like watching a live sitcom.

The Pretty Flower cast:
Cami Craven
Eiley Morrison
Gabriele Zachary Chodosh
Gracie Canfield
Kristin Gregory
Laz Romankiw
Nathan Offers
Wren Reynolds
directed by Kristen Schier

The Eventé cast:
Carmen Pfeil
Madison Ford
Magenta Ferguson
Molly O'Reilly
Paige Howell
Peter Zingelmann
Sat Khalsa
Zeke Zager
directed by Diana Kolsky

Thursday evenings we mix it up.
We chose a host, and they choose their cast. Dream teams, mash ups, OG vets, up-and-comers, and everything in between– exploring formats, free form play, or any muse to create spontaneous entertainment for you.

All ages welcome, assume PG13 content.
$15 online / $20 at door.

A B-movie improvised live onstage, with hilarious 'snarkers' on microphones mocking it as it happens! Based on the beloved TV series, the Mystery Science Tribute Show is a long-running fan-favorite show. But now it's gotten the Late Night treatment: we've expanded it to be full-length, added midnight-movie host characters, and made it adults-only! This show is for audiences 18 and over.

An improvised comedy news program where you are the news. Join Breaking News as they create an entire broadcast news program based on your favorite current event: you. No algorithms. No competing corporate interests. Just the blazing-hot energy of a live studio audience. Producers, grab your clipboards. Anchors, big smiles. Back from break in 3… 2… 1…

Fresh from their year-and-a-half run as one of the top improv teams at Kickstand Comedy, Breaking News brings you their brand new hour-long show. Featuring Thea Crowley, John Taylor, Lauren Sigler, Justin Himes, Julie Basque, and Catherine Retica.

Kickstand brings you the best in Portland improv comedy with our 3 incredible house teams here to make you laugh.

Dear Diary
From cringe-worthy crushes to over-the-top teenage hormones, Dear Diary finds the humor in the sometimes painful (and smelly) journey of being a teenager. Every show features a guest reading real teen diary entries that the improvisers bring to life. Cast: Aleah Liebenau, Brianna Núñez-Webb, Jon Bolden, Kara Moore, Katie Knackstedt, Lauren Sinner, Natalie Haddad, Roland Mechanik

Sardine
Open up and lean in for a night of improv comedy with your local bottom dwellers. Sardine takes you on a character-driven exploration, turning your familiar mishaps into a cathartic display of comedy. Misery loves company — all are welcome in the tin. Cast: Hannah Dulaney, Jo Nichols, Meg Kausch, Mo Merrill, Sophie Thorsen

Townies
Anything can happen at a Townies show. It could feel like a stage play one week and a hyper fever dream the next. The only way to know where they're going is to follow along, so buckle up and enjoy the ride. Cast: Catherine Retica, Emily Bolcik, Lucas Salazar, Tim Hunt