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
Latest Videos
Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital Theatre
7 Upcoming Events
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April 19
Get ready for a night of laughter and connection in “All of us are Asian”, an improvised comedy show about the joys and challenges of growing up with Asian parents. The show is fuelled by real life stories collected from the audience (submitted anonymously) about all the secrets we keep hidden away from our parents. Secrets submitted at previous shows include:
“I paid someone to change all m...
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April 19
Award winning comedian Sunny VK mixes her sarcastic and silly comedy with tarot readings. She’s a mess herself but she loves giving advice! Love, taxes or where to hide your ex’s body, the cards say it all!
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April 25 - May 22
Comedians and improvisers play a game show where they don't know the rules or how to win, in this fan-made version of the popular online show! Each performance has a different host, game, and players! Join us at SoCap Comedy for the chaos that is Change The Game!
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April 26
Join The Coincidence Men for their monthly improv blowout on Friday April 26 at 8 PM at SoCap Comedy, which this month will also feature the amazing duo of Matt Baram and Naomi Snieckus! Tickets at https://stupidgoodcomedy.eventbrite.ca!
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April 26
A comedy show about experiencing life as an immigrant in Canada. Comics from all over the world talk about their Immigrant experiences. Whether it be dealing with racism or real estate, these comics do it with an attitude (except if their parents tell them not to do so!). Along with Vishal and Sunny the show features a line up of some of the best comics in the City.
Featured Comics:
Visha...
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May 14
*Check out this special Toronto preview of the show we’re taking to Montreal Fringe in June!*
Featured at FanExpo, Toronto ComiCon, and HumourFest Québec, Comedy Game Showdown is Toronto’s funniest fake game show for nerds!
Each episode, two teams of Toronto’s finest comedians face off in a series of quizzes, games, and debates to see who will win the game, and with it…the people’s ovatio...
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May 16
The Whore Store & Steve Degay present... DragsNGags!!!!!
Buckle up hunties because we're about to SASHAY into MAY (insert it's gonna be Me by NSYNC) with a full blown Comedy And Drag Extravaganza at Socap Comedy! Featuring Lucy Flawless, Faiza, Anjelica Scannura and hosted by Amanda Custodio and headlined by Steve Degay!
This show is all about featuring the hottest new drag queens and com...
