Cheap things to do: Best improv and sketch theaters

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
Long-form improv is still a relatively young art. Since the four members of the original Upright Citizens Brigade brought their craft here from Chicago in 1996, the theater has been the best place both to study and perform: Audience members can confidently walk into any weekend show, and many during the week, and be rewarded with greatness. 307 W 26th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-366-9176, ucbtheatre.com). Cover $5–$8. Average drink: $3.

The Magnet Theater
In the four years since this generation’s improv guru Armando Diaz and his partners opened the Magnet Theater, they’ve built a strong community both of ensemble teams and faithful audience members. Since it’s still pretty young for a theater, though, your best bet is any of the weekend shows. Catch the Made-Up Musical Fri 27 or 4Track Sat 28—or the popular Thursday Night Out series. 254 W 29th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves (212-244-8824, magnettheater.com)

The Peoples Improv Theater
The PIT is best known for its classes, which have included teachers from The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live in the writing series, as well as quality improv instructors. This is not to suggest that the theater’s shows are lacking: You won’t be sorry if you drop in on sketch group Harvard Sailing Team (most Saturdays) or the theater’s consistently sold out Super FREE Wednesday night of improv. 154 W 29th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, second floor, (212-563-7488)

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