Improv Little Rock

Founding (c. 2003-2004)

Brett Ihler and Clayton Aronowitz founded Improv Little Rock in approximately 2003-2004, establishing Arkansas's first continuous improv performance. Ihler brings over 25 years of improv experience from Utah and national training backgrounds. The organization filled a gap in Arkansas's performing arts landscape where no dedicated improv tradition had previously existed.

Weekly Format

Improv Little Rock developed a weekly Wednesday night show format at 8pm, building a loyal audience through consistent programming rather than through a fixed dedicated venue. The show combines scenes, games, and musical improvisation drawn from audience suggestions, offering a varied and accessible program for Little Rock area audiences. Press coverage from 2017 described the organization as a 13-year mainstay of the Arkansas comedy scene.

Ongoing Operations

Improv Little Rock continues to perform weekly at Birdies Cabaret Theater in Argenta, maintaining its status as the state's only continuous weekly improv program.

Improv Little Rock presents a mix of scenes, games, and musical improvisation in a weekly recurring format, functioning as a performing ensemble rather than a fixed venue or training center. The accessible format prioritizes audience engagement and variety over a single consistent structural approach, making it appropriate for Arkansas audiences across the state's limited comedy infrastructure.

The Joint Venture is the company's primary weekly show, performed every Wednesday at 8pm at Birdies Cabaret Theater and Lounge in Argenta (North Little Rock). The show blends scenes, games, music, and multiple formats in a style drawing from both Second City and Whose Line traditions. A monthly late-night show tests experimental ideas and new formats. The company occasionally returns to perform at The PUBLIC Theatre in Little Rock, its original home venue. Armadillo Rodeo, Arkansas' only professional teen improv group, is an affiliated ensemble.

Improv Little Rock has maintained continuous weekly performances for over 20 years, operating as the only weekly improv comedy show in Arkansas. Founding member Brett has performed improv and acted for over 25 years. Musical director Clayton Aronowitz has served the company for over 11 years and co-founded The Big Dam Horns. Cast member Rivka Kuperman puppeteers on the Emmy-winning ARPBS show Blueberry's Clubhouse. Ashley Ihler hosts The Articulate Coven, a long-running podcast. The company built Arkansas' improv community from scratch, providing the state's primary venue for live improvised comedy.