Crossroads Comedy Theater is an Indianapolis theatre company focused on all things comedy. Crossroads offers courses in improv and comedy writing with both online and in person options available as well as applied improv training to companies in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas. There are plans to produce live comedy shows, but right now Crossroads is focused on building up a solid base of performers.

Don’t go thinking improv is just for performers; as Mike says, “Improv is for everyone. That’s why our Improv 1 course is titled Improv for Everyone. The lessons learned in our courses go well beyond the stage to benefit people in their everyday lives and work. Lessons in improv can help improve communication skills and memory retention, build self-confidence, increase your ability to agree and collaborate, help you to think faster on your feet, to have more fun, and much more. Whatever brings you to Crossroads – we got your back!”

In addition to classes, applied improv training, and live shows down the line, Crossroads also has a podcast network featuring an assortment of pop culture themed shows covering big franchises like Marvel, Star Trek, Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings and also smaller, targeted shows covering Killing Eve, The Good Fight, Better Call Saul, and a bunch more. Podcasts also hit the “crossroads” theme of the theater as they blend comedy, commentary, and pop culture as well as feature performers from Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and beyond.

ABOUT CROSSROADS
Crossroads Comedy Theater was founded in 2021 by Mike Marbach. During his time in Chicago Mike trained and performed at iO Chicago and The Annoyance theaters. After moving back east Mike trained with the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theatre in New York and quickly became involved with Philly Improv Theater (PHIT). While at PHIT, Mike served as Education Director (2011-2017) and Artistic Director (2017-2020) as well as class registrar, instructor, director, and the creator and producer of several hit comedy shows. After PHIT closed due to COVID-19, Mike found that many of the performers he most often worked with were still interested in continuing to find ways to create, so Crossroads Comedy Theater was born and has been going strong in Philly since. Crossroads Philly offers classes in various types of improv, comedy writing, stand-up and more and has been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer, as well as on NBC10, 6ABC, and CBS3. Though Mike is still involved in the Philly arm of Crossroads, Indy has his focus. “Philly is now in the great hands of people that actually live there. I am in Indy and it’s time to focus on doing what we can to add to the already lively comedy and theater scene here. It may take some time for people to find us, but I know people will love what we have to offer once they do.”