Consider this building a hub for New York City’s comedic talent. This is the Magnet Theater. It has been a cornerstone of the city’s improv scene since 2005.
Magnet Theater is located at 254 West 29th Street. Armando Diaz and Ed Herbstman founded it. They wanted to create a space for improv comedy.
Diaz and Herbstman were friends from Chicago. They studied improv under Del Close. Close was an improv guru at Improv Olympic. Diaz also co-founded the Peoples Improv Theater. Herbstman taught there. Today, Diaz and Sean Taylor own and operate Magnet Theater.
The Magnet offers classes for all levels. You can learn performance and writing. The theater is known as the world epicenter of musical improvisation.
The New York Musical Improv Festival calls Magnet home. T.J. Mannix founded the festival. Robin Rothman co-produces it. The festival celebrated its 11th annual event virtually in July 2020. Hundreds of musical improvisers and musicians participated. They came from all over the United States and Canada. Past performers include Baby Wants Candy and Broadway’s Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.
Many Magnet instructors contribute to The Truth podcast. They write and lend their voices.
Magnet Theater’s mission is simple. They nurture a community of great comedic talent. They unite improvisers, writers, actors, and storytellers. They all share a love for making smart comedy.
Magnet teaches anyone to improvise. Their faculty consists of veteran instructors. Some are homegrown. Others come from esteemed comedy institutions. Students receive training in various styles.
Magnet Theater even takes its show on the road. The Magnet Touring Company performs and teaches workshops. They travel to improv festivals around the world.
The Magnet Genius Machine also creates corporate workshops. They focus on improv and storytelling. They have worked with companies like Google and LinkedIn.
You might recognize Magnet’s performers from TV and film. Their credits include Broad City and 30 Rock. They have also appeared at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Festival.
Magnet Theater is more than just a theater. It is a community. It’s a place where comedic talent thrives. It’s a place that welcomes everyone.