This Durham based performance and production collective is the perfect spot to catch some improv, a theatrical production, or attend a class. Located in the Goldenbelt Campus, Mettlesome provides the community with an invaluable outlet to pursue the arts.
Classes: I just finished my Improv 101 class - six weeks of pure fun and personal growth. Time and money well spent.
People: My classmates were some of the coolest people that I never knew right here in Durham. And the entire Mettlesome staff is so great to work with - helpful, kind, encouraging, fun.
Events: they have a huge variety of shows - some recurring troupes, and other new ones, or traveling groups popping up all the time. Whether its sketch, improv, or something else, they've all been a blast.
Meg Rayder
Jul 20, 2025
5
Such a great local theater! Made for a fun night out with my partner. The limited-run show we saw was hilarious and we stayed after to get more laughs in with their improv Show and Tell. Good selection of beer! Friendly folks running the theater. We will be back!
M Myers
Mar 30, 2025
5
I took my first improv class with Mettlesome in 2019 and I've loved coming to this theater ever since (highly recommend the sketch classes too!). Professional-quality comedy from the kindest folks in the Triangle.
Charles Givens
Jan 2, 2025
5
Ever been with a friend group and they're all "I want to go somewhere different." Mettlesome is absolutely that place! Great local comedy scene here, with hilarious improv and sketch performances. I also hear the improv and sketch classes are excellent 😉
Daniel Duncan
Jan 2, 2025
5
Best live comedy shows in Durham. Cheap tickets, cheap beer (good beer!), great entertainment with a real local community feel. They do improv classes and sketch comedy too!
Steven Tegreeny
Dec 30, 2024
5
Great live comedy theater here in Durham with a fun and welcoming atmosphere. It's tucked away in Golden Belt right by the brewery. I had a great time at the last sketch show I saw here.
They have non-alcoholic drinks as well as some beer and ciders to enjoy during the shows.
Adrienne Tegreeny
Dec 27, 2024
5
Love Mettlesome! There's live comedy improv shows every weekend as well as phenomenal sketch shows (just check the calendar on their website and you'll find something for you). I love that we have such a great local theater here in Durham.
The community vibe is amazing and I felt so welcome from the first time I took a class here.
It's located right next to a brewery, an ice cream shop, and a few restaurants so it's a perfect spot for a whole night out. Plus parking is a breeze!
Kevin Chamberlin
Dec 22, 2024
5
What a great comedy theater! One of our favorite weekend activities is seeing an improv or sketch show at Mettlesome. The performers are all so funny and welcoming, and the bar is always stocked with a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. I'm a fan of the ciders and kombucha!
They offer classes in improv and sketch comedy which starts every few months and are a great way to make friends from around the triangle community. Taking improv 101 here two years ago was one of my best decisions in recent years.
Durham is so lucky to have a space like Mettlesome to celebrate local artists!
