The Peoples Improv Theater, or The P.I.T., was established in New York City in 2002 by Ali Reza Farahnakian. Currently located at 123 East 24th Street near Madison Square Park, The PIT's shows include improvisational comedy, sketch comedy, and other forms of theater, all working together to raise the craft of comedy to the level of art.
The theater is also known for its classes, which include a 5 Level Improv Program and a professional comedy writing program. Improv instructors include Kurt Braunohler, Kevin Scott, Scott Eckert, Ashley Ward, Pat Shepherd, Pat Shay, Nate Starkey, and Ali Farahnakian. Writing instructors include Michael Showalter, Emmy Award winner Joe Toplyn, J. R. Havlan (The Daily Show), Tom Purcell (The Colbert Report), Kevin Allison, Randy Pearlstein, Joe Schiappa, Alexander Zalben (Elephant Larry) and Ali Farahnakian.
In addition to its classes and shows, the theater also has a corporate workshop program, customizing improv and team-building workshops for companies and groups of all sizes. The theater is run by Artistic Director Jeff Lepine. Working with Business Manager Jen Curran, the classes & training center is run by Chris Aurillio while the workshop program is headed by Tommy Galan.
Prominent performers at the theater include Harvard Sailing Team, Centralia, Elephant Larry, Kurt Braunohler, Kristen Schaal, Ellie Kemper, Matt Oberg, Ali Farahnakian, and Joe Lipari.
Wednesday night is billed as "Super Free Wednesdays," where all the shows that night are free of charge. Currently performing on Wednesday nights are the P.I.T.'s house teams: Watson, Tuscarora Fire Company Picnic, The Whiskey Rebellion, Stranger, Local 154, Borealis, Handsy and The Faculty.