CSz for Groups
Whether it's a block of seats at a ComedySportz® Match, a Private Event just for your group or a customized improv workshop, CSz Portland has your needs in mind.
CSz Portland has hosted and toured to private groups since 1993.
We know what it takes on your end, and we're willing to work with you to make your tour, event or outing successful. We're here to make your job easier.
Group Sales at ComedySportz® Matches at the CSz Portland Arena
Private Events - Shows and Workshops at our Arena
Shows and workshops at your place - including hotels, convention centers and meeting places
CSz is flexible, motivated and focused on you.
Group Sales for ComedySportz® Matches
We offer a 20% Discount for Groups of 10 or more!
Here's what you need to know to qualify for the discount:
The Group Rate is only available with a single advance purchase by credit or debit card up until 5:00pm on the day of the show (or by a check mailed to us a week in advance).
Group Rate seats are reserved seats, not general admission.
The earlier you make your ticket purchase, the closer your seats will be to the field. We're also better able to seat your entire group together if you plan ahead.
We know how planning a group outing is like herding cats, so we have an incredibly flexible policy!
You can change the actual number of tickets until noon of the day of the show. We'll charge your card in the afternoon for the number of seats on record at noon. Just call us with your changes.
If the number in your group drops by more than 5 people, you must let us know more than 48 hours before showtime. If we don't hear from you, you will be charged for no less than 5 seats less than the number of seats you have reserved at the 48-hour mark.
If your group drops below 10 people you must pay for at least 10 people to qualify for the discounted rate.
Want to make a group reservation and just have your people all pay separately?
That doesn't qualify for the Group Rate, but here's a way you can all sit together (if seats are available):
Make a purchase under your name. Tell your friends to tell us they want to sit with you when they make their purchases. We'll do our best, and that's usually pretty good!
Tickets purchased in this manner are $15 each.
Other Services for Groups
We've got cool video screens. Let us know if you'd like us to display any special message before the show or during halftime. We can even put your group's logo or pictures up there if you get us a copy early enough. This is perfect for special occasions.
We may be able to involve one or more of your group's members in our games, depending on the choices and challenges by our ref and captains.
You can purchase Judge Wapners for your group and help decide who wins and loses.
Gift Cards are available for your honored guests. We sell them in any denomination, beginning at $15.
Buy tickets on-line, or call us at 503.236.8888 x2 to book your event.
Private Events
Wouldn't it be great if the entertainment truly revolved around your guest(s) of honor? Think about the joy that can come from a really memorable event. CSz understands this and we deliver on the promise.
Creating an event that captures the reason for the gathering takes something special. CSz makes it easy.
Birthday Parties of any age
Bar and Bat Mitzvah Celebrations
Wedding Receptions and Rehearsal Dinners
Retirement Parties
Holiday Parties
Shows. Workshops. Rentals.
Our ComedySportz® Matches, ComedySportz® Half Court and Exhibition formats revolve around your guests of honor. Our referee takes suggestions from them and about them, and they can even "volunteer" to be a part of action. We help even the most nervous among us to look good. And we make you look like a genius for bringing us to your event.
We travel to you, or you can come to us!
The CSz Portland Arena seats 100 people and is available any time except during primetime Friday and Saturday evenings:
We have a great sound system
Our custom video screen application, JANIS, available to support your event
We can stream your event to Zoom, YouTube and Facebook, depending on your needs
Our Road Shows are available at virtually any time and any place. We supply a good sound system, including wireless mics if needed, and we fit into lots of spaces.
Consider pairing a show with an experiential workshop.
We're great at teaching improv to all kinds of groups. Learn the basics, strengthen your team and have a blast!
CSz offers your group an opportunity to learn improv by working with the most experienced player/teachers around. We teach hundreds of workshops to people of all ages each year, and all of our teachers are professional players.
ComedySportz can develop a workshop to fit into your goals or you can turn us loose to teach the basics of improvisation, including:
Listening and acceptance
Narrative
Giving up control and sharing the stage
Physical space
Character endowment
Status
Scene work
ComedySportz games
We lead with energy, support and positive feedback:
The team supports each other
We celebrate mistakes and fix them together, rather than judging them
We give everyone a chance to shine
We allow everyone to play in a safe, nurturing environment
We Listen, Trust, Commit, Risk, Accept, Share, Enjoy
We say Yes!
DJ and KJ Services
When you want to add music for a complete evening event...
CSz Portland offers post-show DJ services for your event:
Our great sound system is already in place
Fully integrated with our show - one vendor to deal with
19,000 song library and counting - lots of 80s, Motown, Soul and Disco - newer hits as well.
We take your requests - bring an iPod or phone.
We provide these services only in conjunction with ComedySportz® Road Show Events. If you need a standalone DJ, we can recommend some.
Need details? Call us at 503.236.8888 x4 and we'll let you know what the options are.
Rent our Arena
The CSz Portland Arena has flexible, removable seating for up to 100 people, and can be configured for performances, meetings, seminars or any number of uses.
Our space is equipped with UV light in the HVAC system, and we have several Coway HEPA filter machines to keep the air moving and clean.
We serve soft drinks, NW Beers, ciders and wines by the bottle/can and proudly pour Oregon Wines by the bottle. We can recommend local caterers who are famliar with our setup and can seat people facing the stage in seats, or at banquet tables.
Our Arena also features a full sound system (CD, Minidisc, computer audio and audio inputs, wireless and wired microphones) as well as two TV screens that can show DVD/VCR or mirror output from a Windows PC for presentations.
For performances, the Arena also features a full warm-up room backstage; we can provide staffing, box office and concessions service.
We're located at 1963 NW Kearney St - between the Pearl and NW 21/23 Avenues. We're just a block off the Portland Streetcar route, and our parking lot is available after 5:00pm and on weekends. During weekdays, we offer our convenient alley for deliveries and setup.
ComedySportz® at Colleges
It's comedy for U about U.
Every year we play at dozens of schools and colleges in Oregon and Washington, bringing our fast-paced, clean, funny improv show to students (and sometimes their parents).
"ComedySportz®: Thank you again for adding lots of fun and laughter to Pacific's Orientation Program. Your whole crew is amazing and we're glad to have you back each year!"
- Pacific University Orientation Team
ComedySportz® is perfect for college shows because we tailor our show to you. We ask the audience about their classes, campus and dorm life, and then play scenes and games incorporating that information into the show. It's not just another show to watch - it's a show about your school. And the students pick who wins in each round, controlling the outcome of the interactive match!
And of course, ComedySportz® is always 100% clean entertainment; we appeal to everyone, but offend no one.
Works For Any Event, Every Time
For freshman orientation, parents' weekends, graduation, special events and everything in between, a screamingly funny ComedySportz® show is a treat your entire campus will love.
Call us at 503.236.8888 or email office (at) portlandcomedy.com to learn how ComedySportz® can rock the house at your next college function.
Shows for Schools
ComedySportz® is the perfect show for grades K-12. We're fast-paced, funny, interactive and positive. It's entertainment that everyone will love and we never talk down to students.
Bring us to your school for a show, a workshop, or a combination. We strongly believe in what we do and are happy to share our personal stories with the students about the values improvisation has taught us as individuals and a team. In fact, we often end our school shows with a question-and-answer session to share what we know about improvisation, acting and teamwork.
(And yes, we do grad nights.)
Thank you for another wonderful evening. Just like the show for our 2013 graduating class, this year’s graduates said that this was the most fun part of the entire night. They all had a blast and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Sandra S, St Paul High School Grad Night 2015
Why bring ComedySportz® to your school?
100% youth-friendly, positive entertainment. It's the kind of entertainment we approve of for our own students,
Interactive and fun. Everyone gets involved and laughs together. Improvisation teaches the importance of sharing, commitment, teamwork, listening, acceptance trust and friendship.
See a list of the many schools we played here.
Call us at 503.236.8888 or email portland@comedysportz.com to learn how ComedySportz can be a positive, fun, learning experience for your next school event.
So contact us already.
Call Patrick Short at 503.236.8888 x4 or email us at office (at) portlandcomedy.com to talk about having us visit or host your event.
FAQ: Road Shows & Private Events
This short video might help you.
What are the fees?
Our fees are quoted by phone. 503.236.8888 x4.
How long is the show?
30-100 minutes. A vast majority are between 40-60 minutes. It depends on your event.
Can I preview the show?
Absolutely. If you have a specific event in mind, contact us and we'll get you into a regular weekend show.
How does the show fit my group?
We learn a little about you, then our referee knows what kind of suggestion categories to use - your group makes all the suggestions, and the show tailors itself to your group. It's simple, elegant and it works every time.
Is the content suitable for business, school or church audiences?
Yes! ComedySportz® is a clean show - a show for everyone. And still funny. We have never had a complaint regarding content at a road show.
What is a "Full Court"?
The Full Court is our most popular road show - 2 teams of 3 players, referee and sound - and it clocks in between 50-60 minutes. It's a highly energetic competition between the Red and Blue Teams, with the ref getting suggestions from the audience, timing games and calling fouls.
What is a "Half Court"?
The Half Court show is one team of three players, a referee and sound. There's no competition between teams, (and no fan voting or points) but the ref still calls fouls and we play the games with ComedySportz® energy and style. It's a little less splashy than the Full Court, but just fine for audiences up to 100 (or more, depending on your event.) We do a lot of Half Court shows, too. Half Courts can last between 30-50 minutes.
What is an "Exhibition"?
An exhibition may be a two, three or four player show that lasts 15-25 minutes. Exhibitions are usually designed for special situations, such as private parties in a home, very small audiences, unusual locations or United Way kickoffs at companies. We may choose to not offer the Exhibition shows on certain dates, in certain locations, or for certain types of functions.
Can we combine a show with a workshop?
Yes. Let's discuss this by phone. If we're appearing at your meeting or convention, consider an Applied Improv Team Building or Leadership breakout.
Is ComedySportz® available on the date(s) I need?
We won't know that until you call or e-mail, so please do. Sometimes, we can accommodate people with as little as a few days notice. We're staffed and equipped to perform up to four simultaneous events.
Does CSz travel?
Yes. We've played from Anchorage to New Orleans and places in between. Outside of the Portland area, we do add travel charges to help offset room, board, transportation and extra player time.
Can CSz recommend a location?
Yes, we do this all the time, based on our experiences and the experiences of our clients. We do not accept payment from other vendors. We have your interests at heart.
Any recommendations?
Do seat your audience as close to us as possible. Connecting with an audience across the dance floor is possible, but difficult.
Don't have entertainment during dinner. After dessert is laid down is fine, but not during dinner. It doesn't work.
Do share your agenda with us. We've done a lot of corporate, church and convention events, and we can help you avoid some scheduling mistakes. Sometimes, we can even provide support for other parts of your event.
Don't overload your evening. Dinner and an hour or so of entertainment is enough for most events.
What about a show at the CSz Arena?
Sure. Any time. (We do charge a premium for Friday and Saturday evenings).
We accommodate up to 90 people theatre style, or up to 40 at dinner tables.
You can bring your own food and soft drinks to your private event, or we can arrange it for you. We can recommend some catering options. If you want beer, cider and wine, you get to buy those from us. We carry beers, ciders and wines from Oregon.
How much space does CSz need?
We ask for 12' by 16'. A raised stage is necessary if you have more than 100 people at the show. We also need a 6' or 8' folding table, access to one electrical outlet, 7 chairs for a Full Court, 4 for a Half Court, and a clean, secure place for warm-ups.
Here is a good resource for the ideal room setup.
Does CSz bring a sound system?
Yes, a very good one, featuring JBL and Bose speakers. We also can put both teams on wireless. Our systems play well up to 800 people at dinner table rounds and thousands in theatre-style seating. We know the systems and our needs cold, so you don't have to worry about it. We vastly prefer using our own equipment, even if you have a system or the venue has one.
What about a camera and video screen projection system?
Video screens can certainly help the experience when you have 600 guests or more, or even 400+ at banquet tables. We don't provide them, but can help with the arrangements. Just ask.
Does CSz bring lights?
Typically, no. Room lights usually work well, although there are a couple of exceptions. We can rent lights for you if you'd prefer not to deal with it.
What about that extremely cool video system at the ComedySportz Arena - does that travel?
For small audiences - under 100, we are ready to travel now, with two 32" flat TV screens. Ask us for a quote. It's expensive, and really cool.
How much time does CSz need to set up?
Usually about 20 minutes, unless we run into a challenge. We prefer to arrive about an hour before our show and set up; we tear down immediately after our show. That takes less than 10 minutes in most cases.
Some folks like us to set up several hours in advance of the show. In some cases, there is an extra charge of up to $500 to pay our players for an extra call or "sitting around time".
How do I hold a date?
We send you our 1 page agreement. You sign it. E-mail it to us or even fax it to us. That's it. We don't "pencil in" dates.
What are your deposit policies?
We dislike deposits. So do you. ComedySportz gets paid on the day of the show, or earlier if it's more convenient for you. Hand us a check when we get there or call us beforehand with your credit card number.
How can I pay?
By check, ACH or credit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover.
What are the "hidden fees"?
We charge flat fees - not by number of people attending - and there are only these other possible charges:
a modest travel fee for us to play outside of the Portland Metro Area (for shows requiring overnight stays, we'll work out the hotel, air, ground travel and meal costs with you);
and an early set-up fee of up to $500 if you need to us set up more than 75 minutes prior to our showtime.
Can CSz help me put together a poster, event website or put info in our conference literature?
Yes. Check out our graphics and photo resource page. It has all of our logos in web and print formats, as well as a growing number of photos you can use and some pre-fab posters. We can also hook you up with a professional designer if you need assistance creating materials.
How often does CSz do this?
Nearly 100 times a year at private events; about 125 "home" shows a year at our arena.
Questions we'll ask you
Have you seen the show? If so, where?
If not, we'll make arrangements for you to see a regular performance at our arena.
How did you hear about CSz?
This is important to us, and often tells us about many of your needs.
What is your Date and Location?
If you have a location, that's great! If not, we've performed in over a hundred different spaces in the Portland area. Ask us.
What time of day?
We often sign agreements with an exact time "TBD" (to be determined). Our deadline for setting a time is the Tuesday before the event. Don't sweat the exact timing yet.
What is your expected attendance?
How many people do you expect?
Who are your people?
What does your company or group do?
What is the focus?
What is the event all about? Do you have specific goals?
What is the past event experience?
If you've had an event in the past, what worked and what didn't work for you?
To book your next show, or for more information, contact us at 503.236.8888 x4, or e-mail office (at) portlandcomedy.com
Thanks for reading this far! You look great today.
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College Clients
Linfield University
University of Portland
George Fox University
University of Oregon
Oregon State University
Pacific University
Reed College
Lewis and Clark
Corban College (formerly Western Baptist College)
University of Alaska - Anchorage
Portland State University
Portland Community College - Albina
Portland Community College - Rock Creek
Portland Community College - Sylvania
Portland Community College -
Warner Pacific
Willamette University
St Martin's College
Multnomah Bible College
Grays Harbor CC
Tacoma CC
Pacific Lutheran University
Yakima Valley CC
Spokane CC
Eastern Oregon University
Rick's College (BYU Idaho)
Pierce College
National College of Naturopathic Medicine
Central Oregon CC
Concordia University (RIP)
Utah State University
Clark College
Clackamas Community College
Mt Hood Community College
Northwest Nazarene University
Chemeketa Community College
Umpqua Community College
Eastern Washington University
Marylhurst University
Washington State University-Vancouver
NW College of Construction
School Clients
High Schools | Middle Schools | Elementary Schools
High Schools
Stevenson HS
Catlin Gabel School
Banks HS
St Paul HS
Dayton HS
Amity HS
Oregon Episcopal School
Valley Catholic HS
Hillsboro HS
Lakeridge HS
Madison HS
CS Lewis Academy
Westside Christian HS
Portland Adventist Academy
Canby HS
Pac 9 Drama League
State Thespian Festival
St Mary's Academy
Sam Barlow HS
Portland Christian HS
Roosevelt HS
Forest Grove HS
Sunset HS
Rex Putnam HS
Perrydale Schools
Salem Academy
Portland Public Schools Theatre Festival
Milwaukie HS
North Clackamas Christian School
Kelso High School
Trout Lake and Klickitat (WA) Schools
Portland Lutheran
Lincoln HS
Gresham HS
Yamhill-Carlton HS
McKay HS
Livingstone Adventist Academy
West Albany HS
Grant HS (Portland)
Middle Schools
Ninety-One School (Hubbard)
Lake Oswego Junior High
Duniway (McMinnville)
Judson (Salem)
Mark Twain (Silverton)
Poynter (Hillsboro)
Waldo (Salem)
Highland Park (Beaverton)
Gregory Heights (Portland)
Gordon Russell (Gresham)
Rosemont Ridge (West Linn)
Maple Grove (Battleground)
Isaac Newton Magnet School (Newport)
Meadow Park (Beaverton)
Cedar Park (Beaverton)
Athey Creek (West Linn)
Sellwood Middle School (Portland)
Astor School 6-8 (Portland)
Arleta School 6-8 (Portland)
Elementary Schools
Westridge (Lake Oswego)
Buckman (Portland)
Oak Hills (Beaverton)
Palisades (Lake Oswego)
Banks Elementary (Banks, OR)
Cape Horn Skye (Washougal, WA)
Arleta Elementary (Portland)
Laurelhurst Elementary (Portland)
Helen Baller (Camas)
plus over 150 elementary schools with our Thinking People's Theatre shows.