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
9 Upcoming Events
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March 29
Laugh non-stop to high-speed comedy.
Experience the best jokes from many shows packed into one and delivered super fast.
Prepare to be hit by one punchline after the other before you have a chance to stop laughing.
Come join the madness!
Lineup:
Sugaa Daddy
Vikash Paul
Kari Johnson
Sneha Suhas
David Green
$15 online, $20 at the door.
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March 30
Your favourite all women-identifying improv show!
PWYC
Proceeds going to Red Door Family Shelter
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March 30
Lets get Sloppy! So sloppy you'll be coming back for seconds! We have a fire lineup of comedians with Abbas Wahab headlining. Featuring Ernie Vincente, Rob Khakham, Anil Bandhakavi, Monica Gross, Jas Dhanda and Aidan Long.
Follow: @aidan_shlong to receive a promo code for discount tickets.
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March 31
3 Headliners, 1 Hilarious Show.
Comedy live on The Danforth! Pro headliners & Canada’s best comedians perform in one of the best standup comedy shows in Toronto!
This standup comedy show includes an amazing lineup, including THREE headliners so prepare yourselves for a night filled with laughter. The show is always hilarious, thought provoking, and silly.
A guaranteed good night out wi...
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April 7
3 Headliners, 1 Hilarious Show.
Comedy live on The Danforth! Pro headliners & Canada’s best comedians perform in one of the best standup comedy shows in Toronto!
This standup comedy show includes an amazing lineup, including THREE headliners so prepare yourselves for a night filled with laughter. The show is always hilarious, thought provoking, and silly.
A guaranteed good night out wi...
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April 7
3 Headliners, 1 Hilarious Show.
Comedy live on The Danforth! Pro headliners & Canada’s best comedians perform in one of the best standup comedy shows in Toronto!
This standup comedy show includes an amazing lineup, including THREE headliners so prepare yourselves for a night filled with laughter. The show is always hilarious, thought provoking, and silly. A guaranteed good night out with ...
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April 8
This wild comedy show will have you laughing non-stop for over an hour.
The show is centered around Bollywood songs, movies, dialogues, and gossip.
Come with your gang of desi or non-desi friends and have fun, bring your date along or just come solo.
Doors: 8 PM
Tickets: $12 online / $18 door
Lineup:
Ashdeep Sood
Saumya Pahwa
Prathaviraj Purohit
Sugaa Daddy
& more
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April 20
Featured at Toronto ComiCon and HumourFest Québec, Trivial Pursuit meets Whose Line live on stage in this hilarious fake game show for real pop culture fans!
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 ovation and fame forever!
This episode: Reefer Madness!
It's April ...
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April 21
This month on Comedy Champions we have;
Dylan Gott - a world-traveled comedian who has performed professionally in 21 countries across the globe, appeared on Comedy Central in the UK had his own show on Sirius XM Radio along with being featured on CBC and Just For Laughs.
Christophe Davidson - He’s performed numerous times at both the Just For Laughs festival in Montréal & JFL42 in Toront...
