Official Comedy Partner
From the North End to the Festival of AI — with Improv Asylum
Improv Asylum has been making Boston laugh from its legendary theater at 216 Hanover Street since 1998 — improv and sketch comedy built live from audience suggestions, six nights a week. In 2026, Improv Asylum joins Boston AI Week as an Official Comedy Partner.
The Improv Asylum Difference
A Boston institution since 1998
Founded in the North End, Improv Asylum has performed more than 10,000 shows for over two million people — and has repeatedly been voted Boston's best comedy.
Comedy created live, with you
Main Stage revues, fully unscripted shows, and late-night sets blend sketch and improv — every performance shaped by the audience in the room, so no two nights are ever the same.
Training Center & corporate programs
Improv classes for first-timers through seasoned performers, plus corporate training and custom shows that build the skills every team needs — listening, collaboration, and thinking on your feet.
Asylum CoLab and beyond
A creative venue for private events and productions, with a sister stage in New York City — Asylum NYC.
How to experience Improv Asylum
- Catch a show in the North End: See the Main Stage cast at 216 Hanover Street — in the heart of the North End, a short walk from Faneuil Hall.
- Take a class: Learn the art of improv at the Training Center, from first-time fundamentals to advanced performance.
- Bring your team: Book corporate training, a custom show, or a private event — improv's core skills translate directly to how great teams work.
- Make a night of it: Pair a show with dinner on Hanover Street in one of Boston's most celebrated restaurant neighborhoods.
Explore Improv Asylum
Improv Asylum is an Official Comedy Partner of Boston AI Week 2026 (September 24 – October 2), bringing the improviser's craft — listening, adapting, and building on every idea — to the Festival of AI. CEO Norm Laviolette serves on the Boston AI Week Board of Directors. Comedy programming during the festival will be announced on the schedule (/schedule) — see also Board & Leadership (/board). Discover shows, tickets, classes, and corporate programs at Improv Asylum.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Improv Asylum?
- Improv Asylum: Boston's North End home for improv and sketch comedy — Official Comedy Partner of Boston AI Week 2026.
- Why is Improv Asylum part of Boston AI Week?
- Improv Asylum is a Comedy & Entertainment partner of Boston AI Week 2026, The Festival of AI. Boston AI Week is built as a rising tide for the whole ecosystem, and partners like Improv Asylum help make the festival open, statewide, and useful to the people building AI here.
- How can I connect with Improv Asylum?
- Use the "Visit Improv Asylum" link on this page, or visit improvasylum.com. You can also meet the Improv Asylum team during Boston AI Week events across Massachusetts.
- When is Boston AI Week 2026?
- Boston AI Week 2026 runs September 16 – October 28, 2026, with Core Festival Week from September 24 – October 2, 2026. Browse every session on the Boston AI Week schedule.