In big cities like New York, Chicago, and Toronto, Improv comedy is a staple. There are numerous clubs and organizations that specialize in Improv, but it is an art form that isn’t known in smaller areas. Luckily Buffalo has a budding improv scene, and thanks to CSz Buffalo, located in Snyder, the laughs keep coming with their Saturday evening ‘Knockout’ Performances.

“Our ‘Knockout’ show takes place in our after hours slot, or after 9:30PM, and is held every third  Saturday of the month,” says Kelsey Wagner, Managing Director of CSz Buffalo. “It consists of 8 comedians who compete in-front of an audience by playing improv games, and the audience votes on who they’d like to knockout.” After hours programming is for those who are 18  or older.

Knockout gets their comedians from their improv shows, and puts them into the ‘knockout’ arena. “The audience loves getting a say in who is the winner, and that winner gets the bragging rights of the night,” says Wagner.

That’s not the only way the audience gets to be involved. “We choose a member of the audience to compete too, and if they win, they get a real award!” laughs Wagner.

CSz Buffalo offers other after hours programming on the other Saturdays during the month. “On the first Saturday of the month we have Babushka,” says Wagner, “Don Gervasi and Todd Benzin will create and improvise an entire hour play, based on the suggestions of the audience.”

On the second Saturday of the month, the Life of the Party show is offered. This is the fourth anniversary of the show where improv artists create a show that comes from crowd suggestions.

There is also a show called dotCOMedy where the troupe will perform a show based on the content of the internet.

Wagner says that audiences can expect a fun energetic environment when they come to see an after hours show at The Arena. “We have audience members who come and have so much fun at our shows that they sign up for an improv class afterward.”

CSz Buffalo also offers all ages programming and their 7:30PM performances. For a full calendar of events, click here.

Promotional Consideration Paid For By The Theatre Alliance Of Buffalo.