Nashville’s two most active improv companies hit the boards this weekend, and there’s laughter on tap on either side of the Cumberland. Nashville Comedy Theater plays Dec. 2-3 at The Next Level at 1008 Charlotte, presenting holiday-themed pieces including the “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Improv Games” spectacular and “Director’s Cut,” in which a video is spontaneously “filmed.” In related news, the 1-year-old company also has shows scheduled for Dec. 16-17, which will mark the final appearance of troupe founder Dylan Kinney, who is taking an extended leave from performing and turns over the day-to-day operations to fellow actors Lacie Madison and Michael Kearney. Over in East Nashville, the more veteran Music City Improv returns on Dec. 2 to The Building at 1008-C Woodland St. in Five Points for its usual mix of short- and long-form games and scenes, with special focus on improvised songs. The company has had some minor cast changes of late, and former Improv Nashville co-founder, teacher and player Scott Field has assumed the role of artistic director.
— Martin Brady