The state of improv in the Queen City: A conversation with Colin Thornton from Improv Cincinnati

In a city known for its deep arts heritage, from ballet and symphony to experimental theatre, another creative force has been steadily reshaping Cincinnati’s cultural landscape: improv. And according to Colin Thornton, Artistic and Education Director, and co-owner of Improv Cincinnati (IC), the Queen City’s improv community is not only thriving, but entering a new era of growth, creativity and inclusion.

“People think improv is just comedy, just laughs, just the fast-paced stuff you see on TV,” said Thornton. “But in Cincinnati, improv has become a bridge. It’s connecting communities, building confidence, and giving people a space to create without fear.”

Improv Cincinnati began as a grassroots collective of improvisers nearly a decade ago, dreaming of building a hub where creativity could flourish. Today, Thornton leads an organization that has expanded from small pop-up performances into a full-fledged arts institution offering classes, shows, corporate training, festivals and community programs.

“When I moved here with my family, I met Jon Ulrich and we started an improv theatre together,” Thornton said. “We are going to have our tenth anniversary in April 2026.”

Thornton credits the city’s growing appetite for live performance and experimentation. “When we started, what set us apart from others doing improv in Cincinnati is that we taught improv classes which helped us stay alive through the pandemic, and which shows that Cincinnatians are craving connection, and improv gives that in a really special way.”

What’s happening at Improv Cincinnati right now

Improv Cincinnati’s calendar is packed, and Thornton’s enthusiasm makes it clear the organization is hitting its stride. The theater’s flagship shows continue to draw in new audiences, especially “Stacked All Stars,” which is IC’s premier showcase, featuring the city’s top comedic talent in a night of fast-paced, side-splitting improv. 

“What we want to do is to take improv comedy and show all the various ways that improv can manifest,” Thornton explained. “People are surprised by how emotional, real, and engaging it can be.”

Another crowd favorite this holiday season is “Law & Order: Santa Victims Unit,” which is a chaotic, candy-coated musical mystery where cops and courtroom elves team up to stop Santa’s signature cookie from sending people into magical comas. Packed with holiday spirit, wild musical numbers, and Hot Mic–level hilarity, it’s the festive crime spoof you never knew you needed. “The energy,” according to Thornton, “is electric.”

“Improv is a tool for personal development,” says Thornton. “With improv, we are recreating life on stage for an audience, and we are doing it in real time, building and rebuilding the scene together. When you are recreating life, you have to possess the same skills that are important in life; listening, communication and collaboration.”

Improv Cincinnati’s training center remains one of the strongest parts of the organization’s identity. With multi-level improv courses, sketch writing, character workshops, and youth classes, IC has become a pipeline for emerging performers.

“We’re investing heavily in artist development,” Thornton noted. “People want a place where they can grow creatively, take risks, and feel supported. That’s our mission.”

Thornton credits the city’s growing appetite for live performance and experimentation and is part of a larger movement in Cincinnati. A movement that says the arts aren’t just entertainment; they’re part of how people heal, grow and find belonging.

At its core, improv says yes. It says yes to possibility, to connection, and to showing up as you are. Thornton added, “Cincinnati is a city that’s learning to say yes more boldly, more joyfully. We’re proud to be part of that story.”

For show schedules or more information, visit Improv Cincinnati or stop by their Clifton studio at 404 Ludlow Ave.

Beginner, advanced and elective classes start in January at Improv Cincinnati’s training center.