National Comedy Theatre Awards & Press
More than 25 years of professional improv comedy in San Diego.
Since opening in 1999, National Comedy Theatre has presented more than 7,000 performances and become the longest-running show in San Diego history. NCT has been repeatedly recognized by San Diego audiences, publications and the City of San Diego for its live comedy performances and contributions to the community.
25+ Years of Recognition
National Comedy Theatre has been repeatedly recognized by San Diego audiences and publications, with Best Comedy Show, Best Live Comedy and Best Comedy Club honors spanning more than two decades.
MAGAZINE
Readers' Pick —
Comedy Club
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A-LIST
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A-LIST
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UNION-TRIBUNE
Union-Tribune
National Comedy Theatre Day
National Comedy Theatre has been formally recognized by the City of San Diego on multiple occasions for milestones in the theatre's history and its contributions to the San Diego community.
10th Anniversary
In recognition of NCT's 10th anniversary, the San Diego City Council proclaimed October 9, 2009 "National Comedy Theatre Day."
The resolution recognized NCT's more than 2,500 performances for more than 150,000 people, its professional company and its international tours entertaining U.S. service members.
5,000th Performance
When National Comedy Theatre reached its 5,000th performance, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer proclaimed March 18, 2017 "National Comedy Theatre Day."
The proclamation recognized NCT as the longest continually running show in San Diego history, as well as its performances across the United States and around the world, tours entertaining members of the U.S. Armed Forces, work with San Diego schools and youth, and history of teaching thousands of people.
25th Anniversary
In recognition of National Comedy Theatre's 25th anniversary, Mayor Todd Gloria proclaimed October 10, 2024 "National Comedy Theatre Day" in the City of San Diego.
The proclamation recognized NCT as the longest-running show in San Diego history, its more than 6,500 performances for over 400,000 people, and its history of training thousands of people in improvised theatre while serving the San Diego community.
National Comedy Theatre in the News
National Comedy Theatre has been featured by San Diego media for its long-running improv comedy performances, professional cast, classes, community programs and milestones spanning more than 25 years.
Comedy Club Holds Longest-Running Title
The San Diego Union-Tribune featured National Comedy Theatre's history and its distinction as the longest-running show in San Diego.
Celebrating 25 Years of National Comedy Theatre
CBS 8 marked National Comedy Theatre's 25th anniversary with coverage of NCT's history, performances and place in San Diego's comedy community.
The San Diego Comedy Scene
KPBS featured National Comedy Theatre in its coverage of San Diego comedy, including NCT's live performances and history performing for audiences locally and abroad.
More Press Coverage
Watch NCT News Interviews
See television interviews and news features covering National Comedy Theatre, its improv classes, team-building programs and community work.
Professional Improv Since 1999
Since opening in San Diego in 1999, National Comedy Theatre has presented more than 7,000 live performances with its professional cast, becoming the longest-running show in San Diego history.
Every NCT performance is created live from audience suggestions. The cast creates the characters, dialogue and comedy on the spot, making every performance completely unscripted and unique.
NCT performers have also appeared throughout the United States and around the world, including numerous overseas tours entertaining members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
National Comedy Theatre also offers improv classes in San Diego for adults and teens, drawing on more than 25 years of experience teaching improvisation to thousands of students.