OH CLAIRE IMPROV: Local Couple to Open Improv Theater
JP Fry and Alyssa Rivera are hoping the space will be ready in October
Local comedians JP Fry and Alyssa Rivera have been making waves in the community this summer, first by co-creating the new stand-up comedy series in Phoenix Park, Comedy in the Park, and now by preparing to open a new comedy and improv theater. The space will be 515 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire (currently housing Dear Prudence thrift store), and will be affectionately named Oh Claire Improv.
The vision for the space is to be a haven for all things comedy: stand-up shows, improv shows, and classes. Fry and Rivera have an extensive background in improv groups, which was how they met back in Chicago. Since moving to the Eau Claire area in May 2021, the duo has wanted to bring a comedy theater to the area and finally got the opportunity when the space on Wisconsin Street opened up.
“There's a lot of great music venues and other types of venues in the area, but there's nothing that's really conducive for improv or sketch comedy,” Rivera said. “There are some (venues) that are great for stand-up, and we hope to host some of that as well, but we're really just leaning into comedy events and comedy classes.”
The couple gets the keys to the space on Sept. 1 and will begin revamping it immediately. They will model the space as a black box theater, with a main stage, seating, a ticket booth, and a small concession stand that will likely sell popcorn and beer.
The first show at the theater is slated for Oct. 11 with Caitlin Cook, a New York-based comedian who will be performing her comedy/musical, The Writing on the Wall, which she wrote based on writing she found on bathroom stalls.
Rivera and Fry are aiming to create a space where any prospective comic could perform, which is why they will have an 80/20 ticket revenue split for performers.
“It’s not going to be a big gate you have to get through to perform with us,” Fry said. “As long as you’re advertising the show and you can get people there, we want as many different kinds of shows and improv acts from local people and people in surrounding areas to be able to perform.”
Learn more about Oh Claire Improv at ohclaireimprov.com and on Facebook.
