ArtsQuest will host several upcoming comedy events taking place on the SteelStacks campus this winter season, including the 11th Annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27, with The Improvised Shakespeare Company as this year’s festival headliner.

The festival starts at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, with The Improvised Shakespeare Company taking the stage at 9:30 p.m. on both nights.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first time, the characters are created as you watch and if ever you’re wondering where the story is going.

“The Improvised Shakespeare Company received the most thunderous standing ovation I’ve ever seen when they performed at the SSICF in 2017; I can’t wait to have them back,” said Addyson Young, ArtsQuest Programming Specialist and SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival Director. “I’m also excited to get improvisers from New York and Philadelphia all under one roof with our own area performers to further create community in our improv scene.”

Tickets are available at www.steelstacks.org/festivals/improvfest.

Please note, children ages 12 and under will not be permitted. Ages 13-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Are you interested in learning more about Improv comedy? This style of comedy is a fun, liberating performance medium with benefits that extend beyond the stage. Learn improvisational techniques to better listen, support and ultimately satisfy your clients. The following classes are being offered through ArtsQuest:

• Improv 301 with Evan Stutts on Tuesday, Jan. 9

• Improv 101 with Jamie Bleasdale on Wednesday, Jan. 10

• Intro to Sketch Comedy Writing with Jiah Peck on Monday, Jan. 22

• Improv 201 with Christy Devlin on Sunday, Feb. 4

• Intro to Standup with Glen Tickle on Monday, Feb. 12

For more information, visit Steelstacks.org.