Plucky 13

When we say that Arizona is home to a lot of people who are funny, we're not just joshing. We could take a beat and tack on the punch line, “funny-looking.” But this is really for serious. The Valley's home to a slew of stand-up comedians and sketch jokesters. But...

By Becky Bartkowski

April 17, 2014

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When we say that Arizona is home to a lot of people who are funny, we're not just joshing. We could take a beat and tack on the punch line, “funny-looking.” But this is really for serious.

The Valley's home to a slew of stand-up comedians and sketch jokesters. But from April 17 through 19, the spotlight will shine brightest on our guys who make it up as they go along. The 13th annual Phoenix Improv Festival features 26 improv troupes from across the country -- 17 of which are based in or have ties to Arizona. Nine of those locals, including Unicorn Warpath and Robot Destroyers from Planet Earth will get the goofiness going with an Arizona showcase at 7 p.m. Thursday. Throughout the weekend, attendees will sample the comedic styles of Boston squad Specter, Minneapolis' Michael Keaton, and Phoenix's Galapagos, featuring New Times contributor Jose Gonzalez.

The comedy marathon runs through Saturday at Herberger Theater Center, 222 East Monroe Street. See the full schedule and buy tickets, which range from $10 to $15 per show, at www.thephoeniximprovfestival.com. Call the Herberger box office at 602-252-8598.

Thu., April 17, 7 p.m.; Fri., April 18; Sat., April 19, 2014

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