Mettlesome Theater
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.
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I started taking classes and watching shows at mettlesome a year ago and it has been a blast. The quality of instruction is top notch, and there are plenty of opportunities to perform. Above all, great community. Diverse, friendly people who are supportive and welcoming.
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When I moved to Durham three years ago, I never imagined how important the Mettlesome community would become. I wanted to meet new people in Durham so I took the Improv 101 class with Ashley. She taught me the fundamentals of improv and made it accessible to everyone, regardless of your performance background. I moved on through the various levels of Improv classes and fell in love with the fun, vibrant community and improv as an art form.
I have now since participated in a handful of the sketch shows that are produced a few times a year and perform on the short form improv team, House Party, which is perfect for a date night or fun night in Durham.
Mettlesome is the cornerstone of live comedy in Durham. They have shows every weekend and frequent classes in improv and sketch writing if you are interested in learning. The actors are hilarious and there are many times I laughed so hard I cried. Thanks to the many passionate people who are building a beautiful community, performance space, and are making Durham an awesome place to live ❤️❤️ -
I just went to see "Laughs In Spanish" by Alexis Sheer, and it was relatable,awesome and so funny! Truly grateful for including the latin community in the theater. The customer service is Great and the environment is comfy and small.👌🏽😊 I highly recommend it. I look forward to seeing more performances.
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I've been taking improv classes at Mettlesome for years and I'm a regular in the audience for their house team shows on the weekends. I've laughed to tears more times than I can count. The performers are incredibly talented, the classes are well-taught, and the energy in the room is always electric. Whether you're looking for improv classes in Durham or just a great night of live comedy, Mettlesome theater is the place. One of Durham's best-kept secrets — shhhh!
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Signing up for improv classes at Mettlesome was a semi-impulsive decision I made earlier this year, and I cannot express how grateful I am that I landed here.
As someone with anxiety who doesn't particularly like being the center of attention, I expected to feel intimidated and out of my element. From the first day of Improv 101 with Joe and Mandy, I found this was a space where being vulnerable and silly was not only encouraged, but surprisingly easy! My classmates have also played a huge role in making the space feel safe and comfortable to explore and have a good time.
I'm currently taking my second class here with Charles, and it's been an absolute blast (as expected). I got very lucky with the people I've met here and genuinely look forward to learning and laughing with them every week. For anyone on the fence, you definitely don't need to be an aspiring comedian to take an improv class! At the very least, it's a great space to gain some confidence and make new friends, or if classes aren't your thing, check out a show to support. :)
+ big shoutout to April and Zoe for everything they do behind the scenes! Y'all rock!!
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