Improv Cincinnati

Founding (2016)

Colin Thornton and Jon Ulrich co-founded Improv Cincinnati in 2016. Thornton had co-founded a college improv team in 1999 and brought nearly two decades of performance and teaching experience to the venture. The organization launched with 9 students in its first class cohort and built steadily through word-of-mouth and community engagement in Cincinnati's Clifton neighborhood.

Growth and Clifton Comedy Theatre

Improv Cincinnati established its home at 404 Ludlow Ave in Clifton's Gaslight District, operating as the Clifton Comedy Theatre. The organization grew to over 300 enrolled students annually across its multi-level curriculum spanning improv, sketch writing, character workshops, and youth classes. The venue presents high-energy comedy performances every weekend.

Ongoing Operations

Improv Cincinnati continues to operate at 404 Ludlow Ave as a training center and performing venue, marking its tenth anniversary in 2026.

Improv Cincinnati presents a hybrid education-and-performance model, with structured class tracks serving beginner through advanced students alongside a regular weekend performance schedule. The multi-level curriculum covers improv, sketch writing, character work, and youth programming, positioning the Clifton Comedy Theatre as Cincinnati's primary comedy training institution and a producing venue for its student and ensemble performers.