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Bad Dog Theatre
Category: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Performing Arts [Edit]
138 Danforth AveToronto, ON M4K 1N1
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
(416) 491-3115
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Bad Dog Theatre
4 reviews in English
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Review from Ian M.
Toronto, ON
1/19/2010
Full disclosure: I'm a local comedian and improviser, and I've often performed over the past 4 years at the Bad Dog Theatre. That said, I don't get paid to perform there, and that's kind of what I love about the place.
The Bad Dog Theatre is one of my favourite things about Toronto. Located steps from Broadview Subway Station, the theatre serves as one of the main hubs for improvisational comedy in Toronto. Frankly, in Canada. On any night at the theatre you can expect to see a healthy mixture of up and coming improv comedians performing with some of the city's best improvisers (for instance, several members of the core cast swept the recent 2009 Canadian Comedy Awards).
One of my favourite things about this theatre is the inclusiveness. Almost anyone who wants to try their hand at improv can get involved in some way at the theatre: from their free drop-in classes on Saturdays, to the student shows through the week, and Thursday open improv jam. There are also workshops and classes, taught by some of the theatre's best performers. Contrast that with the weekend shows headlined by some of Toronto's finest improvisers, and you're sure to be entertained (for a lot less than the price of a movie ticket, too).
Don't let the Theatre's shopfront appearance fool you - it may seem unassuming from the outside, but all of the energy is onstage (where it counts). It's unfortunate that the theatre isn't large enough to accommodate a kitchen, but the shows more than make up for it (and the neighbourhood is full of pubs and eateries).
The Bad Dog is a vital part of the Toronto Comedy community, and just keeps growing year after year. Their lineup of shows is always changing, so it's a good idea to check the website or online listings to see what sounds good before going (Theatresports, on Friday or Saturday, is a good first time bet). -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
11/23/2008
A precious spot for Toronto's comedy community, Bad Dog is a great place to go to check out a show, try your hand at comedy, or take classes in improv or stand up. I've never attended classes at Bad Dog, but I have had the pleasure of attending several comedy shows, and they have always been a fun time.
With a rotating lineup of new and regular themed improv shows, any given night of the week will find you an inexpensive and fun night out at Bad Dog. I always recommend people switch things up from the usual dinner/drinks/movie circuit and take a date out to a comedy show here. I also suggest you check out shows first if you're thinking of taking classes, too.
I find that it's really easy to get locked in a cycle of the same nights out at the same pubs and restaurants, but one of the brilliant things about comedy shows at Bad Dog is not only are they cheap but as they are mostly improvised you can go to the same show and experience an entirely different performance every time. If you haven't dipped your toes into the comedy scene, Bad Dog is a fun and friendly first try. -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
10/24/2008
For ages, the only place that you could get an established theatre designed for improv was Second City (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...). As well, if you wanted to learn improv outside of a community group, you pretty much had to go to the Second City Training Centre (http://www.yelp.ca/biz...) to learn the craft of improv. Well, didn't Bad Dog Theatre start up and mess all that up.
Not necessarily a splinter faction as much as a new creative, Bad Dog Theatre is a performance space as well as an educational venue, allowing you to take improv courses and learn the craft of improv. Instructors are very knowledgeable and the space is also available for rental for shows if you're good enough to venture forward and put one on for the public.
The performance space itself is a black box theatre, with stackable chairs and a stage close to the audience allowing you to feel that you're a part of the action. Which, if you're there seeing an improv show, you more than will be. It's location also provides you with a myriad places to go before and after for a bite and a drink if you need be. Bad Dog Theatre is definitely becoming a big dog to deal with on the improv street. -
Review from Jimi S.
ON
11/23/2008
im only writing this review from the perspective of a patron and performer and not a student of the bad dog. ive performed here a couple of times. the dressing room is spacious enough for a large cast of folks, say 8 perhaps comfortably and its covered with posters from previous shows which gives it its own history and flair.
Through black curtains performers come onto a very small stage, painted all in black that lends itself well to setless acts, specifically improv. ive seen a few things here and they have been enjoyable, but i dont know that i can associate that with the bad dog itself, as the space can be rented out like any other.
if i go there, i go there for the act. you can grab a chocolate bar or some water, maybe even a pop and seat yourself in a tiered audience of about 60 seats and usually have your view blocked slightly by someones head. but you likely wont pay a lot to go in and you could see some super stuff.
so if the show tickles your fancy, the bare bones is well worth the time spent.
