Cambridge's longstanding hub of humor, ImprovBoston, has announced it's shutting down after more than four decades of laughs, classes, and nurturing comedic talent. The comedy theater, a Central Square cornerstone known for its vibrant weekly shows and esteemed alumni, will cease all operations by the end of this year, citing unsustainable fiscal and operational strains, as reported by Boston 25 News.
In a statement obtained by Boston 25 News, Managing Director Matt Laidlaw shared the distressing news, "This is incredibly difficult," expressing gratitude for the effort put forth by everyone from leadership to volunteers to keep the doors open, especially after the financial havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, but now, without a theater to call 'our own' our chances for surviving long-term are very low.
Chair of the Board of Directors, Tammi Pirri Day, told Broadway World, "While trying to maintain operations over the last three years has been incredibly challenging, ImprovBoston is proud to have taught many students the art of Improv," indicating the organization's longstanding commitment to the community despite severe operational difficulties.
Theater's closure not only marks the end of an era for Cambridge's comedic landscape but also halts the institution's tours, corporate training programs, and classes offered through its acclaimed Comedy School, as reported by Broadway World. Amidst navigating the uncertainty as best as they could, working with partners like The Rockwell Theater and Lyric Stage Company and receiving the Small Business Administration's “Shuttered Venue Operator Grant” in 2021, the theater couldn't find a new space owing to smaller audience sizes, limited commercial venue space and the timing of new funding opportunities, which is a telling tale of the challenge facing not only ImprovBoston but other small arts organizations in this complicated financial climate.
However, before its final bow, Laidlaw stated that the theater will fulfill its contractual obligations, including the last session of classes at the Comedy School. He emphasized the depth of his gratitude: "On behalf of the entire organization we owe our students, instructors, performers, technicians, front of house staff and our audiences an incredible debt of gratitude and appreciation for helping us keep going, for so long," as mentioned in a Broadway World article. The storied theater will leave behind a legacy of humor and heart on December 31.
