San Jose Improv — Attraction in San Jose

I have had one of the weirdest and most interesting evenings in my life at the San Jose Improv. My girlfriend gifted me a night at the Improv for my birthday, and she said we were supposed to order 2 drinks and a food item each. That means we did not have dinner and were planning to have dinner there. Arrived 2 minutes late after searching for parking, got seated and we were not able to actually put an order for anything for some 1.5 hours. Asking the waiters to get served or if there is a window to order made them bring us some starter "on the house" and some water, without taking our order. Had to get napkins from the restroom. Even talking to the manager of the place did not help a lot, he finally got us some drinks about an hour in though. Still it took another half an hour for someone to ask us if we had been served yet - of course we had not, no one of the waiters at that place ever took our order. We finally decided to pursue our journey to get something to eat elsewhere. I was really happy to find a place on a Thursday night in downtown San Jose where a friendly waiter took my order for food and drinks. (it was amusing to realize how happy that made me). I think they do have a shortage of staff, but also massive organizational problems that they have to figure out. For example, there were 4-5 people standing on the side of the theatre the whole evening, doing nothing but watching the show themselves and probably even getting paid for taking care that the theatre walls are safe. (rather than helping the rest of the staff/taking orders and waiting for example). The manager also mentioned they are understaffed in both kitchen and service since they reopened post-Covid. But then it did not at all make sense for them to 'make you' buy their overpriced drinks and food (btw, the menu did not live up the venue and the prices either, the most interesting food they offered was a starter with 'house' tortilla chips and artichoke dip). Neither me nor my girlfriend liked the show very much either, but that is probably nothing that is their fault or could be changed. The one plus point of the evening was that everyone you talked to was very friendly which, if you think about it, makes it even worse given that this indicates the low quality of management, where your employees suffer to make things happen as well. At least we were not the only one's struggling that evening - met a guy outside who came out of the theatre shaking his head who gave us tips for different, better places for stand-up comedy. Highlight of the evening :-) Whole evening also makes me wanna go up there and talk about the experience that night, pretty sure I'd be able to get...

Terrible treatment by who I’m guessing is the manager. Im watching the headliner and about midway through the set some guy walks by with his super bright cellphone light held in front of him of course since we are sitting this is directly at everyone eyes i thought it was weird but figured he couldn't see and needed the light to watch his step as he left since he looks older (mind you its not that dark to need a light)if that was the case i still think he should have held it lower as to not point it at everyone’s eyes, but instead at the floor. Almost right after his first walk by he walks right back towards where he came from again flashing his light so as he passed me I mentioned to him to put the light down. He came back to me and got right in front of me and asked me what I said, i told him something in the lines of putting light down because it was annoying, but he proceeded to just stare me down didn't say anything at first just mean mugged me. Now he’s blocking my view still flashing his stupid cellphone light at my face now and I can’t see the show so i become upset and tell him to move at this point. I’m confused like what is this guy doing so I tell him to move multiple times and then he tells me to step outside. I’m thinking this guy wants to fight me ? Lol so I ignore him and continue watching the show as he walked away . I figured this was a normal guy but then later on I saw him kicking out a person so I’m guessing this guy is a higher up. So you’re telling me this person is walking with his flashlight at eye level of the crowd and being dismissive one is asked to put it down like he’s starting to fight with a customer getting in front of their view ridiculous and petty. He’s in the wrong and still gets upset when he’s called out for it. Definitely lost a customer. I left right after this cause I couldn’t get over i was so mad. Rest assured I will never come back to this place and I’ll make sure none of my family or friends do either. Also i was there to support a close friend who open up for the headliner. Its a shame places like this where your supposed to laugh and enjoy yourself end up ruining your night thanks oldman! Ps this guys wasnt wearing anything that would identify him as staff had normal clothes on. If you’re too old to need a flashlight to walk that place you’re too old and need to retire and if you need it for ushering purposes what ever that means than learn how to not have it at your customers eye level. Also whats with asking for a receipt for the items I ordered as i was leaving the place dont i pay upfront and then you bring me drinks so why do you need my receipt. Whole place...

I was met with utter disappointment at the recent Alyssa Edwards show at San Jose Improv. Despite purchasing VIP tickets, my experience was a chaotic mess marked by inattentive staff and a total disregard for paying customers.

Seating Nightmare: Our high-priced VIP seats were obstructed by a table with patrons, completely blocking the view. Additionally, people were seated directly in front, further hindering our experience.

Disorganization and Chaos: The entire event was disorganized and chaotic. Waitstaff repeatedly bumped into us without apology, and the lack of basic customer service was appalling.

Meet & Greet Mayhem: We were instructed to wait for a meet-and-greet announcement but upon returning from the lobby (as instructed) found our seats taken. Staff offered no help, suggesting we stand or find new seats - unacceptable for paying customers.

The announced meet-and-greet resulted in a chaotic scramble with people cutting in line and staff providing no order or assistance.

Rude Staff: Multiple staff members were rude and unhelpful. From the initial greeting to the meet-and-greet staff, interactions were unpleasant and dismissive.

One staff member even dismissively put their hand up at me while waiting patiently in line, and found a guest holding a live insect amusing despite causing discomfort.

Unresolved Issues: After the rushed meet-and-greet, we found our seats occupied by non-VIP patrons. Seeking staff assistance yielded no help, with them blaming us for leaving the seats (despite instructions to attend the meet-and-greet).

Forced to Leave: The escalating chaos and staff indifference led me to leave before the show even began. Feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, I was unable to enjoy the event I paid for.

Avoid This Venue! This experience was far below the expected standard for a paying customer. I urge you to consider attending a show elsewhere to avoid similar disappointment. The venue prioritizes neither organization nor customer service.

The careless behavior, negligence, and incompetence of both the venue and staff resulted in significant financial loss.

This negative review reflects the reality of my experience and serves as a warning to potential patrons. Hopefully, the San Jose Improv will address these issues to prevent others from enduring the...