Challenge Tonight!
2550 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
January 4th, 2025
Walking into All Out Comedy Theater on a Saturday evening felt like stepping into a cozy artist's living room. Located on Telegraph Avenue, the theater's small, welcoming lobby was a gentle introduction, with a display of beer, wine, sodas, and chocolate to tempt as I passed through the doors. Despite the post-holiday guilt whispering in my ear, a bar of chocolate found its way into my hands. Tonight, I was after the kind of organic comedy that only good improv can provide.
As I settled into my seat, I recalled the few times I had taken improv classes when I was younger. In those classes, I learned the importance of positivity in moving things forward, the flexibility required to pivot gracefully in any situation, and, most importantly, the ability to laugh at yourself — and with others — until your sides hurt. These were the core elements of improv that had stayed with me over the years.
The night’s show kicked off when Charlotte O'Keefe Stralka, Joey Cox, Jonathan MacDonald, Tony Shen, and Adrian Vasquez took to the stage. Their energy was infectious, immediately filling the room with anticipation. What followed was a series of ridiculous scenarios, each more unpredictable than the last, as the cast created narratives that no one could have predicted but everyone wanted to follow. Even when the jokes didn't land, the rest of the cast was quick to pick up the pieces and brush it quickly under the carpet.
From greedy heater salesmen cowering before dominant motorcycle owners in a town hall scenario, to a deadly brain amoeba named Hank, the cast kept the audience in fits of laughter. It was impossible not to be swept up in the absurdity. The performers seamlessly bounced off one another, reacting to the audience's suggestions with razor-sharp wit. The crowd was an active participant in the show — no suggestion was too small—and the actors deftly wove them into the narrative, creating stories both ridiculous and hilarious.
As the show came to a close, a sense of loss settled over me — the kind you feel when you’re truly in the moment, enjoying something, and don’t want it to end. I realized that I am “improv curious.”
Adrian Vasquez, our host for the evening, cheerfully informed us that a new class would be starting every day this week. He encouraged the audience to try a class, “The least that will happen is you’ll make four new friends,” even if we were shy or felt like we couldn’t do it, he told us.
Founded in 2016 by Coleen Breen, All Out Comedy Theater was built on the principles of community and inclusivity. Its mission is to bring the art of improv to anyone who wishes to learn, regardless of experiences, with a broad range of classes at every level of interest. And though the cost of renting space in Oakland can be steep, scholarships are available; it is clear that the theater is not just a place for performances, but a community hub for all who wish to be involved.
In a world that can often feel rigid and predictable, improv offers a refreshing reminder of the power of spontaneity and human connection. The performers and instructors at All Out Comedy show that the best way to learn is by doing — and in their hands, that “doing” becomes an unforgettable experience.
All Out Comedy Theater is located at 2550 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA. For more information on shows and classes, visit their website.
