WEST PALM BEACH – Broward County is rapidly approaching the return of its own Improv.
The brand new Dania Improv is tentatively scheduled for an August 19 grand opening, with Marlon Wayans headlining the first four nights.
The opening of the Dania Improv will give South Florida three different Improv properties.
“It’s great to have three clubs and have them in all three markets – Miami, the Fort Lauderdale area and West Palm,” Palm Beach Improv partner Rene Harte said.
Until a few years ago Fort Lauderdale residents enjoyed an Improv on the property of the Seminole casino, but that venue closed about five years ago to make way for the building of the Seminole Hard Rock hotel.
The new Dania Improv will be located east of I-95 and north of Stirling Blvd., at 139 South Compass Way. The venue’s capacity is greater than 400 people.
“The Fort Lauderdale scene was amazing – even open mics there,” Harte said.
The Dania Improv’s website, DaniaImprov.com, is already live. The calendar touts upcoming shows from Steve-O, Jeff Ross, Nick Colletti, Brad Williams, Steve Trevino and Damon Wayans.
The new venue will also offer open mic nights similar to those held at the Palm Beach and Miami locations. Harte says she tabbed local comic Jay Guy to help develop the Dania Improv open mic. In recent days Harte posted on her social media a save-the-date notice for the first such show, Sept. 23.
Harte also created a new email address, NewFacesDania@gmail.com, where local comics can request a spot on the shows. Harte says spots will be assigned on a first-com-first-slotted basis. Comics must pledge to bring 10 fans to their performances.
“I think the spots will go really, really fast,” Harte said.
The Dania Improv’s calendar doesn’t yet show any acts booked past December, but Harte did say she intends to bring back her statewide Florida’s Funniest competition in 2022. The plan at the moment is to hold the first qualifier at the Dania Improv in January of 2022. As of now, the finals will remain at the Palm Beach Improv, likely held in March of 2022.
