Improv comedy theater to open in September in North Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Dan Reitz is an all-around entertainer. From music, to comedy, to production and more, the Williamsville East grad is using his talents to help educate others in the creative field. Reitz is opening a new comedy theater and training center in North Buffalo on Sept. 6 -- the Buffalo Improv House.

"There have been improv companies [in the Buffalo area] in the past -- I know that Comedy Sports had a theater in Amherst," Reitz said. "But as far as I'm aware, we're the first training center and comedy theater dedicated to improv, sketch and alternative comedy seven days a week."

The venue's grand opening kicks off at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 and features an array of different improv performances. The weekend concludes with a $10 beginner workshop for anyone interested in improv comedy.

Buffalo Improv House is located at 255 Great Arrow Ave. and will offer community events, workshops and classes, with shows taking place every weekend.

One of the community events Buffalo Improv House will be hosting is an improv mixer, in which people are paired up or put into teams to do improv together once a week. The event will have a suggested $5 cover charge, but Reitz said they would never turn anyone away from trying comedy.

"We were doing that at Amy's Place by U.B., and they've been a great partner for us," Reitz said. But we're moving to our new spot, so we'll be doing it there starting in a couple weeks."

He said that student workshops typically run for 90 minutes and are inclusive of all levels -- from total beginners to people who have been working on improv for a while.

"A huge part of it is just connecting with other people," Reitz said.

Classes will run for six and eight weeks, for all levels, with a basics class at level one through an expert level four class. The organization has already taught 16 level one classes since its foundation in 2022.

In addition to the leveled classes, Buffalo Improv House offers the 'Adventure Club,' a recreational course for those who have had some past improv experience. Currently, classes are recommended for ages 17 and up, but Reitz said the theater is working on developing classes geared toward kids and teenagers as well.

Reitz said there will also be a sketch-writing program, which will run as often as there is interest, where participants can submit sketches they've written to be rehearsed and produced at the theater.

"I'm almost completely focused on the open right now," Reitz said of these future plans. "Once the open happens, and if it's successful and generates a lot of great energy, then we'll start putting that energy into other areas."

Reitz also said Buffalo Improv House is looking at opening a nonprofit arm of the operation within the next 18 months, which would includes improv sessions for communities such as refugees and those who have experienced domestic violence.

Shows will take place every weekend, mostly in the evening, with a monthly matinee.

Reitz got into comedy making comedy videos with his friends in the 1990s. From there, he helped found improv club Zamboni Revolution at Syracuse University. Reitz then taught K-12 music for eight years. He lived in New York City from 2008 to 2020, and upon his return to Buffalo during the pandemic, he spoke to his connections in the area to get Buffalo Improv House started.

"It's a purpose-built theater, specifically for improv and sketch comedy," he said. "We have a classroom, an office, a library and a performance greenroom, in addition to our theater and bar."

Reitz gave appreciation to the Buffalo Improv House team, which started with just himself and his wife, whom he met through improv comedy. The team has since grown to be a larger group of teachers and behind-the-scenes operators.

"None of this would've been possible without all the people who are doing their part in this whole thing," he said.

For a list of Buffalo Improv House's opening weekend shows or to purchase tickets, click here.