Great grassroots improv theatre in Fremont! FREMONT, peoples! This group is on par with other improv troupes in the Bay Area. Even more awesome because every other week they switch between short form (a la Whose Line) and long form, which culminates in a fully improvised play! Looking for something to do on Saturdays? For the price of a movie, watch some hilarious live theatre!
Review Source:A bit of a different take for my review of Made Up Theatre - I am NOT ONLY a fan of watching Made Up Theatre's troupe - Five Play Improv - perform their long form and their short form improv (via Saturday night shows as Five Play and with Laugh Track City) BUT ALSO a student improvisor with them since they began teaching classes and workshops. They make life more fun!
I took my very first improv class with Made Up Theatre (MUT) in Jan 2011. With zero drama, theater, and performance experience (maybe except for high school band and cultural/ethnic dances back in college), MUT has transformed my initial anxiety (and my somewhat misunderstood concept) about improv to a love for this fascinating craft. AND the unexpected BONUS - the improv community is a really fun community. Â I enjoy the opportunity to spend a couple hours each week to be with a variety of people who are curious and interested in this craft of improv.
Made Up Theatre classes are affordable, fun, and helpful in learning and practicing life skills (e.g., listening, supporting, making choices, building relationships, being expressive, etc.). I feel like the instructors care about each person's development. Â They are supportive and encouraging of students trying other forms of improv, which I think says a lot (in a positive way) about their wanting students to have a range of improv tools and skills from which to draw upon. They even host Make A Wish events, giving back to the community. Â
THEREFORE, in addition to making Saturday nights your MUT improv show night, definitely consider going at least to one of Made Up Theatre's intro classes, day workshop, or student jams to experience what and how improv can make your life more fun. Oh yeah, and get on their newsletter mailing list and check out Goldstar for specials!
I expected just to take a Level A class and be done. Lo and behold, I'm starting my Level C class and couldn't be more happy about it. I've learned so much so far that I can apply to my daily life, in my career, and with friends and family. It's not so much about spitting out jokes and getting the punchline. That's what stand up comedy is for. Improv is unrehearsed, organic, and spontaneous. It's really about actively listening, working with your scene partner (the concept of "Yes and...") to create dynamic, Â funny moments, and to understand relationships. If you're looking to break out of your shell, try something different, and meet new people, this is the place for you!
Also their Saturday night shows are, by far, too hilarious. They will leave you in stitches, tears in your eyes, and abdominal muscles cramping from all the laughing you'll be doing. There are two types of shows, Laugh Track City (1st & 3rd Sats) and Five Play (2nd & 4th Sats). Laugh Track City is similar to the show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" with quick, fun games. Five Play is a long form of improv that creates a story based on a suggestion from the audience. Both are wonderful!
Ben, Dustin, Sean, Bobby, and Karin are phenomenal in their craft. Make sure to check out a show and see them in action!
2 hours... by the time it's done, I was in stiches!! Hillarious!!
These guys really love what they do and it shows. Few things  learned from this experience..
Don't eat too much before the show, it will be tough to hold everything together
Find a chair close to the wall... that way, you can avoid falling out of the chair laughing.
I learnt first thing as I didn't do it and second thing coz I did!!
It's so easy for improv comedy to go wrong, yet Made up Theatre did everything right. The actors supported each other beautifully, and kept us laughing and the stories going without relying on cheap tricks or blue humor. It was never boring, and no alcohol was required to make it a lot of fun. I look forward to returning to see their other format -- improv games.
Review Source:This place ended up really surprising me. Â I was also surprised that we showed up to a sold out show and were told we need reservations, so we came back the following week. Â The show was great, and our party ranging in ages from 24-55 really enjoyed it and were laughing nearly the entire time.
Review Source:First Friday of the month is free! We came here last Friday night. Â It was a tiny little place in a commercial neighborhood. First Friday is students performing. It was a fun outing for a change of pace. We had a good time. Â Regular admission is only 10 bucks. Â Pretty good deal for a few laughs!
Review Source:Thanks to Groupon for introducing me to Made Up Theatre! Â My hubby and I went on Oct 6th to celebrate our anniversary and had a wonderful time. Â I laughed at the suggestions audience members were throwing out and laughed even harder when the actors found ways to incorporate the suggestions. Â It was definitely a great date night! Â Much better than a movie and easier on the wallet than The Improv. Â We will be back!
Review Source:The show was absolutely fantastic! I laughed out loud the entire time. We were there for my friend's Bachelorette Party and it was the perfect venue - a fun, lively, creative show. It's interactive but not in an offending way. Audience participation is encouraged but it's not like you are put on the spot or anything. I was so impressed by the actors' ability to improvise from what seemed like nothing and create genuine entertainment on the spot. This comedy show is definitely worth going to. I am planning on going again since apparently they have two different shows (and since it's improv, every time is different and unique anyway :)) Thanks, guys, for a great time!
Review Source:I have to admit, I wasn't really sure what to expect. The theatre was ... in the middle of nowhere somewhere in Fremont. It was dark. Were these people for real? We went for my friend's bachelorette party, so I figured it'd be fun, but.. my expectations were wildly exceeded.
The show we attended was their "Laugh Track City" show - they pitch it as being similar to "Whose Line Is It Anyway" but this was actually funny, so I'm not sure that's the best comparison :) They bring their own set of games to the event but each game is fully inspired by guest suggestions, and the actors + actress had to, on the fly, figure out how to work phrases like "pick up a chicken" into their dialogue, or figure out that the other actors were pantomiming "washing dishes that were actually sand with ketchup". It was brilliant!
Bobby was an excellent MC, and Dustin, Ben, Sean and Karin passed every test with flying colors, and we were all laughing hysterically the entire time. We'll definitely be back!
An improv theater in Fremont? Who knew?! If you like the show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" you'll like this place. The show we saw was called Laugh Track City where the cast plays a series of improvised games and scenes based on audience suggestions. Some parts were funnier than others but for the most part they had us laughing hysterically. My friend said she almost wet herself. Highly recommend!
Review Source:We found out about Made Up Theatre through a Groupon offer (two tickets for just $10, plus a free bag of popcorn), and ended up going to one of their Laugh Track City shows (short form improv similar to "Whose Line is it Anyway?").
The nearly two-hour show (with a 10 minute intermission) was terrific; very funny, and easily worth the regular price of $10 a ticket. It's been a long time since I laughed that much. Note that our show was sold out (the theatre only seats 45 people), so reservations are a must. Nice diverse crowd too, ranging in age from mid-teens to folks in their 50's and 60's, and everyone seemed to have a great time. Some of the humor is adult in nature, which they are careful to inform you of beforehand, but nothing over-the-top.
We'll come back for sure, and hope Made Up Theatre is here for a very long time. In fact if our show was any indication, they might be due for a larger venue!
Fun & Affordable.
I was hoping it didn't get too raunchy . I wasn't sure for in the first few scenes where the gal wanted to keep using the F word. BTW: later in the eve, there was a skit where they had to use other creative words to fill in and SAY it differently. What a perfect time to make this a funnier skit with silly words like Chuckletrousers or French toast, etc .
The show stayed fun and didn't get even when the audience fed some lines and themes that could have gone over the top. I liked that these people had quick enough thinking and humor to not go where Hollywood writers or popular comedians seem to have sunk. I.E trashy topics or language. It's refreshing to laugh about situations that are cleaver and pulled together in a witty way.
Thanks! I'll be back.
P.S. Thanks also to GoldStar that's who helped me find you.
It's a must see show for anyone in the Bay Area. MUT has a quaint 50ish seat theatre which means everyone has front row seats to one of the funniest and more interesting shows around. Bobby, Ben, & Sean challenge their well-honed improv skills by taking on difficult audience generated scenarios and creating unique humorous situations that had everyone laughing from start to finish of the show.
The show lasts 1.5 hours with a short break, its stated as an adult show but I thought it was fine for my 15 y/o who loved the show (they do offer "family friendly" shows), they have snacks and water to purchase, Katy (staff) was very pleasant and helpful, its a fantastic value, I wasn't the only one brought to tears from laughing at a few of the skits, and my family and I will be returning. Go!
My first visit to Made Up Theatre was this past weekend for my friends fundraiser for Make a Wish Foundation. I was touched by their donation of time and talent as they performed a night of pay and time for Make a Wish.
The cast really seemed to enjoyed what they do - and it showed. (Dustin was adorable) For a random night out, I would recommend checking them out. *Note* they don't sell alcohol but that's okay.
A BIG THUMBS UP FOR ANOTHER MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION FUNRAISER AT MADE UP THEATER....We raised $900.00 for this awesome organization and again these guys rocked the house......THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to share Dylan's story and THANK YOU for the best entertainment that money can buy......YOU GUYS ARE ROCK STARS.....We will be doing this again in September.....ROCK ON
Review Source:Excellent show, excellent performances, excellent venue! I'm not usually into improv but this show was a Make-A-Wish-Fundraiser, so I showed up to support the cause. I'm so glad I did! It does get a little racy, but no more so than anything on Comedy Central. If that bothers you, I recommend that, instead of writing a nasty review, you read the warning on your ticket, and ask about attending a family-friendly show. It's not their fault if people can't read.
Review Source:I went last night and really didn't know what to expect. Â The guys on the 1st Saturday are hilarious! Â I was laughing from beginning to end. Â They put their all into every skit. Â I don't know how they keep going. Â They are "on" and in top form the entire time. Â They are such quick thinkers and physically expressive--it was a total joy. Â I'm definitely going back. Â Best deal around!
Review Source:Skip the usual end of the week movie or clubbing outing and try something different. Â I loved their improv show very witty and intelligent and of course hilarious! Â Personable comedians. Â Cheap refreshments. Â The place can be a little hard to find at night but they have big signs leading to the place. Â Another local and hidden gem one must find.
Review Source:Even though their name is "Made Up Theatre", I gotta say the 5-star hype about this place is anything but made up! The group is truly hilarious, and their comedic talent is amazing! The hubby and I went there tonight on a date, and laughed from beginning to end!
In my opinion, It's like "Whose Line..." only BETTER - because these people are local folk like you and me, who love what they do, and do it well. Ticket and concession prices are an absolute steal for the enjoyment that you're sure to have, and in the cozy theater that they play in, every seat is close to the stage, with a great view. For an all-around good time, you can't beat it! We'll be back for sure!
Downright hilarious. Skip the latest hollywood comedy movie and just come here - you'll laugh literally 10 times as much and it'll probably cost less.
If it's your first visit, I recommend coming on the first saturday of the month; some of my friends have found the short-form improv to be more accessible if they aren't familiar with improv.
Everyone in the group is extremely talented and they do a great job incorporating phrases and themes from the audience.
Multiple times I have had friends remark that their stomachs hurt by the time they left because they couldn't stop laughing!
You know a comedy show is good when you're in such hysterics that you have a headache, all from laughing, during the entire second half of the performance. This is how good Made Up Theatre is. They're a great improv group that just started putting on performances in Fremont last year (they announced today was their one-year anniversary!).
The theatre is pretty small, and holds around 50 people. The only way to reach it is to go down a road that is constantly under construction and adjusting its lanes, and to top it off, it's hard to see the road to turn onto in the dark. However, this is easily the only inconvenience about the group.
The guys are really friendly and they are ridiculously dedicated to their shows. Tonight's performance had one hanging off the ceiling beam! You can tell they are incredibly comfortable with each other, one reason being that they get very physically close with one another in every performance. I can't stress how talented they are; they're able to adapt really quickly to anything the audience gives them, and the audience is pretty out there. Sample situations that have been played off brilliantly include a scene involving the quotes "You're fired!" and "You're a kitty!", and a criminal being interrogated for not picking up his dog's poop with Dumbledore as an accomplice.
The boyfriend and I have been to at 5+ performances and introduced 10+ friends to the theatre, and all of them have raved about how good the shows have been. So bring a date over and have a good time. At only $10 a ticket, it's an amazingly good deal. Make sure to preorder your ticket, as the performances sell out more often than not.
P.S. The guys also teach improv classes, beginner through advanced. They offer the chance to audit classes for free, so if you're more hands-on and enjoy not spending money, it's a good way to spend a weeknight.
My first visit to the place was for the fundraiser for Make a Wish. Â I had an amazingly fun time.
These guys are not only adorable, but they are SO talented. Â On a moment's notice they can take whatever crazy words the audience throws them and make a scene or a song - and we gave them some crazy words.
I totally recommend this place for a fun laugh filled evening - you won't be disappointed. Â I will definitely go back again - soon!
Made Up Theatre is an improv group that's made their home here in Fremont. The reviews for the group have been great, and when a groupon popped up for it, I just couldn't help but snagging one for myself. It was good for two, which was perfect since I was planning on taking the girlfriend anyway. We had a blast.
Their theatre location is essentially a glorified shack (with the walls painted black). It isn't much, but you pay for the laughs and good times the group provides and not the decor of the theatre. And goodness, there were definitely some good laughs during the performance! It's definitely a fun way to spend a Saturday evening. Take your friends! Support a small but growing group!
Who knows, maybe with enough support we can get them a bigger theatre and make them one of the key highlights of Fremont. :)
They also offer improv classes (one free class every month)! I'll probably be back to check out one of these.
Oh and bring a few extra dollars if you want snacks ($1/each for anything) or a t-shirt ($5) or if you want to tip them for the extra laughs they provided. :)
p.s. their current theatre (the shack) is at the end of the court of Osgood, which is essentially a road that is still the middle of nowhere. It's *very* close to the edge of Fry's Electronics; the second or third court coming from Fry's. They usually have a giant sign up on evenings of performances.
Made Up Theater and and the 5 Play Improv is such a nice find in Fremont. Â It's very small compared to other local improv places, but the guys are worth the $10.
I laughed for 2 hours and never worried about how long the show was. These guys are great at improv and I can't wait to see another show.
Other local improv places tend to have the same routines, but these guys were strictly improv and I loved every moment of it.
At night, it can be tricky to find, once you turn on the street, enter the small parking lot directly at the end. Â (useful tip: follow the blue dot via your yahoo maps on the iphone. SUPER helpful since the streets are dimly lit and it's easy to pass up Seldon.)
Take a friend or two and enjoy an evening of laughter. Two big thumbs  up.  It's also not a place to take children people. Some coarse language and adult subject matters.
I have the opportunity to check this place out this last weekend, it was allot of fun.
While driving up to the Location for the first time, not knowing what to expect, I noticed it was in a bit of a remote location. Off hand this didn't bother me much, besides I got a 50% off coupon, so if it's stinks I didn't pay much right?
Walking in, I would admit it's a very well put together stage and audience, but smaller then I visually imagined. Again, didn't pay much, so... lets see how things go....
Not knowing what to expect, I sat in the middle of the audience/chair with my girlfriend. We waited while the either all or nearly every chair was filled. I had never been to a live Improv Comedy, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
It doesn't take long to become involved with the show. They ask the Audience questions to get idea's for what to "skit" next. After they asked "Tell us something that you will find in your Garage"... someone yelled out Weed and everyone laughed, the improv relating to that was funny.
This brings me to my next point. If I remember correctly it's posted somewhere that it's not intended for children. They also remind the audience prior to beginning that it's not for the sensitive. I can understand what Dave B might have experienced, but I am fairly certain they were extra careful the night I went because some genius brought a kid (like, a 10 year old or younger kid), with them.
I, personally, am not offended by much, so the fact that they had to hold back because of someones inability to respect the rest Venues suggestion, is irritating but I congratulate them on drawing the line with not being overly offensive. I think they said the F word once, and they could have been caught "thinking twice" about words and settling for something appropriate on multiple occasions.
@Dave - They clearly do now which is great.
but
@The parents who brought the kid, I wasn't wanting a PG-13 show..
Either way, the show was awesome. I had a blast. During intermission I bought 2 waters and a candy. I gave them a $20 and told them to keep the change, I didn't feel it was right, at that point, to take 50% a ticket I enjoyed so much.
I will be returning and will be communicating their talents to others that would enjoy their services. They are for hire, so if you are looking into something for your Corporation and wanna check them out before hand, I highly recommend it.
Actually, I'd give it 4.5 stars for talent, but 2.5 for the need to use crude language too much.
They aren't bad. Â A lot of funny improv work done pretty well. Â From time to time, they step on each other's lines and/or go a little too fast to follow. Â But over all, they keep it going and keep you having a good time. Â
My only complaint was they need to make sure they tell folks if they are going to be doing a PG-13 show or not. Â The pre-game slide show advertises they are available for churches, but not the show I saw. Â Too many G-d d@mns this and f--k that for my tastes. Â
Maybe I come from a different era, but "What's My Line" can do a clean improv show and make it pretty darn funny. Â I'll pay good money to see a clean show. Â But you can have the foul language shows.
Maybe it's just this 53-year old dude is outta touch with the kids, but I just don't find hearing "sh-t" over and over and OVER again to be terrifically funny.
I had the pleasure of seeing Five-Play perform at Las Positas College on September 18th. Â First of all they are all eye-candy, which may have contributed to the large group of lovely, enthusiastic, Â young, single ladies sitting in the entire front row of the theatre. Â
That being said, Five-Play is a group of professional, very talented, engergetic, good-humored, and quick-on-the-draw comics that draw their audience in as if they were good friends hanging out at a very large party. Â
Their show consisted of three parts.
The first part of their show focused on a series of sketches that reminded me alot of Kids in the Hall. Â Funny stuff,,,off the wall...not choppy at all...each scene easily morphed into the next one....
The second part was the Improv portion of the show.  Minimal audience participation  was required and no one was put on the spot.  Simple words such as "Ball" and "Porcupine" were the catalyst for crazy, improvised scenes,  You can tell that the guys really enjoyed themselves because this is what they excel at.  I can't imagine what it would be like to sit at a dinner table with them.
..the energy crescendoed into......
...The third and final installment, which was the "Game" portion of the show. Â At this point audience members volunteered to be part of the show and were gently encouraged to participate. Â By now the audience were rolling their seats. Â I won't ruin it for you because you have to be there to witness it. Â It was great interactive fun!
What a great way to spend an inexpensive evening out...well..that and a nice drink at your local watering hole... Â :-D
******************
Current news:
From what I hear, they are opening up a new performance space in Fremont, CA. Â
They are also offering Improv classes @ Las Positas College
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