Mopco Improv Theatre

Mopco Improv Theatre
The Mop and Bucket Company
Formation1995; 31 years ago
TypeImprovisational comedy, theatre, variety shows
Location
Artistic director
Michael Burns
WebsiteMopco.org

The Mopco Improv Theatre (Mopco) is a improvisational theater venue and improv training center in Schenectady, New York that opened in 2016. Located in a former firehouse in downtown Schenectady, it is the home of The Mop and Bucket Company, an improvisational theatre troupe formed in 1995 by Mopco Artistic Director Michael Burns.[1]

The theatre presents many short and long-form improv comedy formats including Theatresports competitions and Spontaneous Broadway, which was created by Mopco co-owner Kat Koppett.[2][3][4] They also offer improv classes, corporate workshops, and private entertainment, as well as in-school programs.[5][6][7] They present guest artists under their Mopco Presents banner and occasionally host outside theatre groups.[8]

History

Michael Burns began by teaching improv classes in the back of a karate studio and his troupe performed at many other venues in the Capital District such as bars, libraries, and cafes before landing a show at Caffé Lena in Saratoga Springs.[9] In 2008, The Mop and Bucket company began a long-term engagement performing at Proctor's Theater, and the company remained there until they purchased their current space in 2016.[1]

The building was originally a firehouse, and then became a strip club which was closed down in 1997. The building remained unoccupied until it was purchased and renovated to become the Mopco theatre.[10][11]

The Mopco is also the headquarters of Koppett, an applied improvisation consultancy founded in 2001 by author and improv pioneer Kat Koppett, winner of NASAGA’s Ifill-Raynolds Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to experiential learning.[12][13]

In 2018, Amy Schumer called the Mopco to request a night to test new material, and it sold out within minutes of being announced online. Schumer stipulated that any proceeds from her Mopco show should go to charity.[9][14][15]

In 2026, the theatre hosted the Actorvists Takeover, a multi-day event focusing on art and activism which featured a comedy benefit, a collaboration with Art Night Schenectady, and more community-focused offerings.[16][17]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Ditsche, Ameara (2025-12-07). "Mopco Improv Theatre celebrates 30 years of laughter with local roots". Times Union. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  2. ↑ Lamar, Paul (2020-03-01). "Review: Head to MOPCO for unique, laughter-filled experiences". Gazette News Group. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  3. ↑ "PREVIEW: Improv Meets Broadway in Mop and Bucket Company's Latest Show". Metroland Now. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  4. ↑ "Spontaneous Broadway, a CurtainUp review". www.curtainup.com. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
  5. ↑ "Mopco Improv Theatre | Schenectady, NY 12305". www.iloveny.com. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  6. ↑ "8 Capital Region Classes You Need to Try". Capital Region Living Magazine. 2025-04-15. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
  7. ↑ Hosier, Alison (2019). "I was once a world famous magician: Using improv to improve performance in the classroom". College & Research Libraries News. 80 (8). Archived from the original on 2020-08-13. Retrieved 2026-07-24.
  8. ↑ "REVIEW: "Distant Country Called Youth" at Harbinger Theatre". Berkshire on Stage. 2026-04-27. Retrieved 2026-07-25.
  9. 1 2 "Interview: Mopco's 30 Years of Making the Capital Region Laugh". Metroland Now. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  10. ↑ Diana, Chelsea. "From firehouse, to strip club, to improv theater: Inside MopCo's new Schenectady headquarters". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  11. ↑ "A look at MopCo's new Schenectady theater". All Over Albany. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  12. ↑ "Maker of the Week – Michael Burns and Kat Koppett | The Collaborative". Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  13. ↑ "EP. 387: Self-IMPROVment with Kat Koppett! • Paula Poundstone". Paula Poundstone. 2025-12-09. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  14. ↑ Barlette, Kristi Gustafson (2018-07-30). "Amy Schumer performs pop-up show in Schenectady". Times Union. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  15. ↑ Buell, Bill (2018-07-30). "Amy Schumer makes impromptu visit to Schenectady's Mopco". Gazette News Group. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  16. ↑ Moore, Kathleen (2026-06-03). "Mopco Improv Theatre to host benefit for Schenectady nonprofit". Times Union. Retrieved 2026-07-23.
  17. ↑ White, Patrick (2026-06-22). "Art as activism showcase to stage at Mopco in Schenectady". Gazette News Group. Retrieved 2026-07-23.

42°49′00″N 73°56′18″W / 42.8166°N 73.9384°W / 42.8166; -73.9384

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