Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital is one of Toronto’s most active improv clubs and best comedy venues with nightly events, hidden in plain sight on the second and third floor above Black Swan pub.
Improv is just the tip of the iceberg at SoCap, as it’s lovingly known. They also host stand-up, sketch comedy, cabaret, poetry readings and workshops of all stripes, and rooms are available for rent.
Apparently this was formerly a blues bar, and musicians sought out the spaces for performances or recordings due to its unique acoustics.
A second floor pub area has the main bar, seating mostly worn leather armchairs and swiveling wooden chairs. Audience members flood this area during breaks in performances, rushing out again just as quickly.
On this same floor there’s a relatively large performance space with chairs clustered around roughly 16 low tables, some higher chairs at the back.
On the third floor there’s a slightly smaller, more intimate room without any tables.
To say events are “nightly” at SoCap is an understatement. Due to the two stages on separate floors, there are typically multiple events each day, including regularly recurring Friday night comedy shows like That Friday Show and the $15 Beer Beer Comedy Show ($15 for admission plus two drink tickets).
Many other events, workshops and drop-in classes are PWYC or free.
I happen to visit during The Toronto Celebration of Improv, which has even more shows here than normal, if you can believe it. Improv troupes of varying sizes with names like Hot Doggies, Trophy Husbands, and Curious George Washington perform throughout the day starting around noon all week long.
Draught beer isn’t super diverse with an Amsterdam monopoly, but a pint of Boneshaker for $8.50 will get the creative juices flowing or possibly make your friend’s act seem just that much funnier.
The Social Capital feels like one of those nerd havens where you can find “your people” if amateur improv, comedy and theatre of all stripes is your thing.
Whether you’re an amateur or a pro when it comes to improv, this is a good place to get your feet wet or flex your chops in Toronto.
Hector Vasquez
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Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital Theatre
Social Capital Theatre
9 Upcoming Events
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March 14
Make your Friday night legendary with Comedy Nuggets! On Friday March 14 at 7:00 PM we’re bringing a must-see comedy show to The Danforth in Toronto.
If you want to add a little extra fun choose the ticket option that includes a free drink to get the night started! The lineup features both rising stars and seasoned pros who perform regularly at top Toronto spots like Yuk Yuk’s Abso…
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March 14
Hello website viewers!
The Little Miss Normal Show is an elegant improv show!
Featuring an all-star fully improvised musical featuring genius pianist Jordan Armstrong!
Headlined by Little Miss Normal, whose members' credits include The Second City, What We Do in the Shadows, This Hour has 22 Minutes, Canadian Comedy Award nominations, umpteen viral videos, and more!!!
Only 15 doll…
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March 15
3 Headliners, 1 Hilarious Show
Comedy live on The Danforth at SoCap Comedy! Pro headliners & Canada’s best comedians perform in one of the best standup comedy shows in Toronto!
Whether you’re wearing green or just in the mood for a good laugh, this show promises a night of entertainment. Bring your friends, grab a pint, and get ready for a raucous evening filled with laughte…
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March 21
Get ready for a night of laughter and wild confessions in 'All Of Us Are Naughty', also known as ‘All Of Us Have Secrets’, a comedy show that delves into the hilarious misadventures and secrets we’ve all hidden away. This is a great show for a night out with friends or a fun date night, where we’ll be fueling the comedy with real-life stories submitted by our audie…
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March 21
Get ready for a night of laughter and wild confessions in ‘All Of Us Have Secrets’, an improv comedy show that delves into the hilarious misadventures and secrets we’ve all hidden away. This is a great show for a night out with friends or a fun date night, where we’ll be fueling the comedy with real-life stories submitted by our audience (anonymously, of course) about ever…
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March 27
Comedians give you a glimpse into their THOT PROCESS, as they perform their best working material, before having it broken down and analyzed by a panel of peers, critics, and industry professionals during a feedback + roast session.
It’s Kill Tony meets Call Her Daddy!
Presented by feminist comedy collaborative the Whore Store!
Hosted and Created by Amanda Custodio
LINEUP + PANE…
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March 29
THE WHORE STORE - Toronto’s premier feminist, queer, sex positive standup comedy showcase - is happening Saturday March 29 10pm at The Social !
More than a comedy show, the Whore Store is a community bringing together comedians and audience from across the spectrums of gender, race and sexuality. Instead of conforming, we’ve decided to embrace what makes us different, and have a fe…
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April 5
The Whore Store Presents…THE BACHEL-WHORE
Everyone wants a partner with a sense of humour. So one sexy single has decided to find love the only way they can: a comedy competition!
Watch as 4 comedians test their skills in standup, improv, and roast battles, as they vie for the heart of one lucky Bachel-Whore.
Featuring Bachel-whore Michael Custodio
CONTESTANTS
Lindsay Enders…
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April 24
An hour of volcano jokes from NYC based scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller, based on the month he spent as Artist in Residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Winnipeg Free Press
“Ben Miller’s nerdy and vivid comic mind erupts in this hour-long set!” - Winnipeg Free Press
