Gatlinburg Improv Fest Returns with Hilarious Shows and Workshops

If you’re looking for some laughs during your next vacation in the Smoky Mountains, you can’t beat the Gatlinburg Improv Fest! Returning to Gatlinburg, TN this February, this annual festival brings some of the best improv comedy troupes in the Southeast to the Smokies for two days of gut-busting fun. Popular with both locals and visitors alike, the Gatlinburg Improv Fest features a great collection of interactive shows and workshops. To help you plan your getaway, Visit My Smokies has put together a handy guide to this year’s festival.

When and Where

The Gatlinburg Improv Fest is scheduled for February 23 – 24, 2018. There will be shows on Friday and Saturday nights and workshops on Saturday during the day. All of the fun will take place at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, which is located at 461 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. Opened in 1977, this music hall-style theater has been recognized as a National Historical Treasure by the Tennessee State Senate.

What is Improv Comedy?

Improv comedy is a type of live theatrical performance where everything is made up on the spot. Instead of relying on a written script, actors work together to spontaneously create characters, story, and dialogue in real time. The most famous example of improv comedy is the popular television show Whose Line Is It Anyway?.

Audience participation is typically a huge part of any improv show. Performers will often solicit suggestions from the audience to start their scenes, and in some cases, audience members are brought on stage to tell a story or play along with a bit. Participation is completely voluntary, so shy audience members don’t have to worry about being dragged into the spotlight!

Gatlinburg Improv Fest Show Schedule

The Gatlinburg Improv Fest has a stellar lineup this year, featuring troupes from Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Chattanooga, TN, Columbia, SC, and Atlanta, GA. Check out the complete show schedule below:

Friday, February 23, 2018

8 p.m.
M-Prov
Steve And Friends
Nashville Improv

10 p.m.
Cumberland Striptease
Tomorrowquest Theatre
Blue Plate Special

Saturday, February 24, 2018

6 p.m.
Shenanigans
The Maybe Pile
ISP

8 p.m.
Einstein Simplified
Cardigan Party
Honeymoon

10 p.m.
Four First Names
Full Disclosure
Ian & Josh

Gatlinburg Improv Fest Workshops

If you’ve always wanted to give improv comedy a try, this is your chance! On Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Gatlinburg Improv Fest will host a number of excellent workshops where novices can learn the fundamentals of improv from seasoned performers. Who knows, you might just be the next Amy Poehler or Will Ferrell!

Gatlinburg Improv Fest Tickets

Tickets for the Gatlinburg Improv Fest are available online. Admission to each show is $10 or you can see all five of the weekend’s shows for just $25. To purchase your tickets, visit the official Gatlinburg Improv Fest website.

More Comedy in Gatlinburg

Looking for more comedy during your getaway in Gatlinburg? Here are a few of our favorite sidesplitting shows and activities in town:

• Comedy Hypnosis with Guy Michaels
• Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre
• Gatlinburg Comedy Tours