National Comedy Theatre to Celebrate 15th Anniversary, 10/11

National Comedy Theatre (NCT), San Diego's longest running show, will be celebrating its 15 year anniversary on October 11, 2014 at the 7:30 & 9:45 shows.

NCT is a hidden gem of local nightlife scene. The 25-member cast provides high-octane, highly interactive and hysterical shows four nights a week in their intimate 115-seat venue. Performances are clean and appropriate for all audiences. Guests pick the games, suggest scenarios, help call the fouls and then ultimately decide which team is the evening's winner.

"It's hard to imagine that we're about to begin our 16th season," says Gary Kramer, founder and artistic director, National Comedy Theatre, "We really thought the authorities would have shut us down by now"

Since opening night, the National Comedy Theatre has performed over 4200 shows, and in May, 2013 became the longest running show in the history of San Diego. "It's been an amazing journey for our performers, a few of whom actually were in the cast on opening night in 1999," says Kramer. "There are so many memories, ranging from cast members marrying each other to having babies to a surprise proposal on stage between audience members. It would be very difficult to pick a favorite moment."

Tickets for nightly performances range from just $12 to $17, so a night with NCT is affordable and fun; perfect for date nights, girls night out, or an evening with a group of friends. Valet parking is available for $7. For more information or to purchase online, visit www.nationalcomedy.com.

National Comedy Theatre is an ideal model for arts and entertainment business in the region.

In addition to the nightly performances, Kramer has expanded operations beyond just performing, and has enabled NCT to survive during challenging economic times when other arts organizations have downsized or folded. He's been able to diversify the business; by offering workshops and classes to individuals looking to improve their public speaking and workplace communication, through booking performances at corporate events with well-known companies and organizations; and providing workplace teambuilding activities. "We have realized that the improv comedy skills we've learned and perfected throughout our years of training and performing also have an ideal fit for the workplace," explains Kramer.

After seeing performances, guests often indicate an interest in learning more about the art of comedic improvisation. A recent Wall Street Journal article on must-have job skills in 2013 as determined by human resource professionals, indicated that flexibility, and employees getting out of their comfort zone to adapt to changing customer needs and the industry environment. NCT's improv classes are an exciting and fun approach for people from all walks of life: actors, writers, lawyers or plumbers, beginners to experienced performers, the skills taught can be applied to all areas. Whether it's performing improv in front of a live audience, to nail the next acting audition, or develop improved communication skills in the workplace, NCT's improv classes and workplace teambuilding activities are taught with the student in mind.

In February 2013, National Comedy Theatre opened their NCT Training Center at NTC's Liberty Station in Point Loma. The expansion accommodates the public's increased demand for the improv classes NCT offers for adults, kids and teens. For workshop schedules and registration information, visit http://www.nationalcomedy.com.

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