Brooklyn Comedy Collective is exploding — but in the best way possible. After a phenomenal success at the 2023 Fun and Dumb Improv Festival, which featured over 130 shows and more than 600 improvisers, making it arguably the largest improv festival in the world that year, Brooklyn Comedy Collective was gearing up for its best year yet. The theater aims to make audiences fall in love with New York-style improv. Learn more about one of Brooklyn’s funniest theater collectives at brooklyn-trend.com.
The Creation of the Collective
Brooklyn Comedy Collective was founded in March 2018 with the goal of producing a theater in Brooklyn, New York, that would encourage and support diverse and sometimes highly risky approaches to comedy while inspiring students to approach performances with joy, enthusiasm, and perseverance. From the start, they believed in providing full support to artists, particularly through a local incentive policy ensuring that show producers received a significant share of ticket revenue—50% of the box office after the first $55 in ticket sales.
They have taught and continue to teach a wide range of comedy classes, including a four-level improv program, stand-up comedy, comedic songwriting, storytelling, and more. When Brooklyn Comedy Collective first started, they were based at The Brick theater, but they have since moved to their permanent location in the back of Cantina Royale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Comedy Collective was founded by Philip Markle and Annie Donley, former directors of Annoyance Theatre NY, a theater that was always deeply committed to supporting and rewarding performers. They provide a welcoming space for artistic experimentation and offer an improv training program that helps young performers find their unique voice and transition to professional performance.
Brooklyn Comedy Collective promotes and nurtures Brooklyn’s comedy community by creating an inclusive space for artistic exploration. Their mission is to create irreverent, fearless shows with a wide range of voices, pay their performers fairly, and inspire students to approach performance with confidence and fearlessness.
At Brooklyn Comedy Collective, they believe in the power of collective decision-making, ensuring diversity of voices at the table and treating everyone equally. From year-round comedy courses to business workshops, three annual festivals, and live comedy performances from Tuesday through Sunday in East Williamsburg, they welcome everyone who wants to let their comedic talent shine.
Theatrical and Training Programs
Brooklyn Comedy Collective produces shows with a distinct perspective and a strong sense of identity. They combine their theatrical program with an original improv training curriculum based on three core concepts: first, helping every performer find their unique voice and confidently own it on stage.
Second, combining that specific, personal feedback with an ensemble focus, ensuring that each individual’s unique voice fits harmoniously into a group setting. And finally, equipping each student with the tools and techniques to transition from training to professional performance—using what only they can uniquely bring to the stage.
Brooklyn Comedy Collective offers a wide range of classes in improv, sketch, stand-up, and more. These classes are available year-round at their fantastic training centers—The Dog House (137 Montrose Ave, Brooklyn) and The Pig Pen (144 Boerum St). Nowhere else teaches students how to say both “Fck it” and “Love it” while making comedy truly funny. That “Fck it” means one thing: they don’t take themselves too seriously and don’t beat themselves up over mistakes.
Mistakes, after all, are part of the journey that makes every performer better, including future comedic actors. The more stress they put on being perfect, the less relaxed and playful they become. So, “F*ck it”—and as soon as they embrace that mindset, they move on to “Love it.”
That means Brooklyn Comedy Collective celebrates everything performers bring to the creative table. Keeping both ideas in mind, they remind students why they fell in love with comedy—one of the most wonderful things in the world—while also ensuring they don’t take it too seriously.
Success at NY Comedy Fest
This approach is bound to lead to success. In 2023, Brooklyn Comedy Collective took the NY Comedy Fest by storm, presenting 36 performances—more than any other theater at the festival. This prompted Jason Zinoman of The New York Times to call Brooklyn Comedy Collective “a leading house of improv.” And according to artistic director Philip Markle, this is just the beginning.
Pitchfest, launched in collaboration with producer Daniel Kramer and now in partnership with producer Jose Acevedo, aims to continue where they left off—blending comedic scriptwriting with live performance, showcasing new and promising pilot scripts to the entertainment industry. By giving talented and unique writers a chance to present their wild and inspiring new show ideas to real producers, Pitchfest adds the excitement of live performance to the thrill of discovering fresh stories.
But Brooklyn Comedy Collective’s continued growth isn’t just about expanding these major festivals and opportunities—it’s about the camaraderie fostered within the collective. With shows happening across four venues—Eris Mainstage, Eris Deep Space, BCC Doghouse, and BCC Pigpen—offering over 24 performances per week, there is an endless opportunity for audiences, comedians, amateurs, professionals, and people simply looking for a laugh to have a great time. Brooklyn Comedy Collective has long been a home for comedians honing their craft.
They believe in building a community where people can find lifelong friends in a space where no one is cooler than anyone else. Here, they bring together a group of comedy lovers in Brooklyn to enjoy their best lives. The collective believes in empowering performers—giving them the stage to refine their skills and grow.
“Show Us Your Comedy, Baby”
Brooklyn Comedy Collective has discovered that the best comedy is created by people who love and support one another. That’s why so many students continue performing with the collective, participating in unique shows and gaining the vital experience needed for comedy success. The philosophy is simple and highly effective—show us your funniest and dumbest comedy, baby.
Additionally, Brooklyn Comedy Collective offers private corporate shows and workshops teaching improv to companies and organizations of any size, including Fortune 500 companies. Improv training helps participants become better listeners, more confident leaders, and stronger team players who lead with joy.
