Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital is one of Toronto’s most active improv clubs and best comedy venues with nightly events, hidden in plain sight on the second and third floor above Black Swan pub.
Improv is just the tip of the iceberg at SoCap, as it’s lovingly known. They also host stand-up, sketch comedy, cabaret, poetry readings and workshops of all stripes, and rooms are available for rent.
Apparently this was formerly a blues bar, and musicians sought out the spaces for performances or recordings due to its unique acoustics.
A second floor pub area has the main bar, seating mostly worn leather armchairs and swiveling wooden chairs. Audience members flood this area during breaks in performances, rushing out again just as quickly.
On this same floor there’s a relatively large performance space with chairs clustered around roughly 16 low tables, some higher chairs at the back.
On the third floor there’s a slightly smaller, more intimate room without any tables.
To say events are “nightly” at SoCap is an understatement. Due to the two stages on separate floors, there are typically multiple events each day, including regularly recurring Friday night comedy shows like That Friday Show and the $15 Beer Beer Comedy Show ($15 for admission plus two drink tickets).
Many other events, workshops and drop-in classes are PWYC or free.
I happen to visit during The Toronto Celebration of Improv, which has even more shows here than normal, if you can believe it. Improv troupes of varying sizes with names like Hot Doggies, Trophy Husbands, and Curious George Washington perform throughout the day starting around noon all week long.
Draught beer isn’t super diverse with an Amsterdam monopoly, but a pint of Boneshaker for $8.50 will get the creative juices flowing or possibly make your friend’s act seem just that much funnier.
The Social Capital feels like one of those nerd havens where you can find “your people” if amateur improv, comedy and theatre of all stripes is your thing.
Whether you’re an amateur or a pro when it comes to improv, this is a good place to get your feet wet or flex your chops in Toronto.
Hector Vasquez
Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital Theatre
6 Upcoming Events
-
May 28
A selection of Toronto's funniest, edgiest male comedians doing their best sets with one female thrown into the mix, a proper bukkake!
Line up:
Brett Young
Alex Dewitt
Tyler Hartley
Matt Render
Jamie Villeneuve
John Morley
Dana Topping
Headlining: Josh Infald
Hosted by: Max Ross
-
June 2
Shooting to Kill is a monthly live comedy taping in which Toronto's funniest professional and amateur comics show off their best material for the camera!
Join us June 2 at the Social Capital Theatre for a sneak peak at the sets our performers will be sending to club bookers, comedy festivals, and TV producers as they take the next step in their comedy careers!
Hosted by Dan Donnelly
Ti...
-
June 3
Come laugh with a killer lineup of comics.
May cause uncontrollable fits of laughter
Event Highlights
- 2 Headliner Comics, 5 Acts Total
- An Evening that will have you Roaring with Laughter
HOST
- Marc Anthony Sinagoga (Absolute Comedy)
FEATURING
- Luke Lynndale (Salem Comedy Festival)
- Moira Lepage (Feb '22 BRING IT winner)
HEADLINERS
- Angela Maiorano-Thurst...
-
June 3
The greatest comedy show of ALL time.
This Hottest Stand-Up Comedy Show in Toronto includes an amazing lineup including co-headliners, both doing 30 minutes of their best material. The show is hot and hilarious.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
– 2 Headliner Comics, 5 Acts Total
– An Evening that will have you Roaring with Laughter
HOST
– Marc Anthony Sinagoga (Absolute Comedy)
FEATURING
... -
June 3
A comedy show featuring some of the best Asian comedians in the city!
About this event
Mahjong Mafia presents All of Us Are Asian: Comedy Show! Highlighting some of the best Asian comedians in the city! This is Toronto’s hottest improv comedy show that will take you on a wild and hilarious ride. If it’s date night or just go out to see some comedy night this is the funniest and most diver...
-
June 10
3 Headliners, 1 Hilarious Show.
This comedy night includes an amazing lineup including THREE headliners so prepare yourselves for an amazing night filled with laughter. The show is always hilarious, thought provoking, and silly.
Event Highlights
- 3 Headliner Comics
- Welcome Drink included for each Seat
- An Evening that will have you Roaring with Laughter
HOST
- Cathy Boy...
