About

The PIT Chapel Hill is dedicated to the instruction, performance, and development of original comedy. The PIT strives to entertain and educate the community about the comedic arts in a safe and nurturing environment. The PIT is composed of three elements: a school that focuses on the craft of improvisation, an eclectic variety of electives, and an unparalleled professional writing program; a theater that presents original comedic shows nightly; and a corporate and educational workshop program that offers team building, leadership, and business training.

HISTORY

The Peoples Improv Theater was founded by Ali Reza Farahnakian in New York in 2002 and expanded to Chapel Hill in 2017.  PIT NYC has received numerous accolades including “Best Improv lessons” by New York Magazine, “Best Comedy Club” by Village Voice and “Best New Development in Comedy” by Time Out.   PIT founder Farahnakian graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1990 and  moved to Chicago after graduation to study sketch writing at Second City.  While in the Windy City, he also studied at Improv Olympic with Charna Halpern and Del Close, serving on the seminal house team The Family. Farahnakian toured with Second City and was a founding member of the Upright Citizens Brigade.  In 1999, Farahnakian moved to New York after being hired as a writer at Saturday Night Live for the 25th anniversary season.

 

POLICIES

Standards of Conduct Comedy School Course Enrollment Policy Box Office Policies