FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

First timer to an improv show? A little wary of the funny? Wanna know where to park? Want to impress your friends with your vast knowledge of all things improv and Theatre 99? Use these Cliffs Notes and impress your pals!

What is improv? Is it like stand up?

Improv comedy is hilarious unscripted theatre. If you’ve ever seen the TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” you’ve seen improv. It is not stand up comedy…improvisers don’t tell jokes. They take audience suggestions and create comedic scenes based on those suggestions. Because of that, every show is different.

How long do the shows last?

8:00 p.m. shows are typically 1 hour and 45 minutes in length. 10:00 p.m. shows are 60 – 75 minutes in length.

Do we need to buy tickets in advance?

We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance here on the website. It is an excellent idea as shows often sell out. Show up a half hour before showtime to ensure you can sit with your friends because seating is first come, first serve. Tickets are available online in advance until one hour before showtime. After that, unsold tickets will be available at the box office for cash only. 

Can I purchase tickets at the door?

If a show is not sold out in advance, tickets will be available for cash at the box office beginning one hour before showtime. 

Do you take credit or debit cards?

No, it’s cash only. You can purchase tickets with a credit card here on the website. Online sales end one hour before showtime.

Where’s is the closest ATM?

In our lobby…how convenient is that?

Can I get a refund if I can’t make it to the show?

All sales are final and we are unable to provide refunds or transfer to another date. 

Are the shows family-friendly or can I bring my teenager to the show?

The shows are not family friendly. Our shows are appropriate for ages 16 and older. Shows are rated R and contain adult language. The f bomb will be said in shows. Because the shows are based on audience suggestion, there is a chance that someone might yell out something inappropriate. We do not encourage inappropriate suggestions and frankly, we frown upon it, but it can happen. If you’re looking for clean family fun, this is not the show for you.

How do I redeem a gift certificate or free pass?

Go to the calendar on our website and click ticket link for the show you want to attend. If it is not listed as sold out, call 843-853-6687 to make a reservation by leaving your name, phone number (please say it twice), date of show you want to attend and number of tickets you want (up to value of the tickets).

Reservations must be made at least 24-hours in advance. The earlier the better! 

For 8:00 p.m. shows, free pass holders must arrive by 7:30 p.m. and gift certificate holders by 7:45 p.m. After those times, tickets are released to the waiting list.

Keep in mind that seating is general admission (first come, first serve). You will need to present the pass or gift certificate when you arrive to the show.

Can I bring my well behaved baby or child to the show?

No, but thanks for asking! We do offer a monthly Clean Improv Comedy Improv show, so be sure to check the schedule for that. 

Does Theatre 99 serve food?

We do not have a kitchen. We sell snacks like Cheez-its, peanuts, and candy bars at the bar. The bar is cash only.

What drinks are sold at the bar?

Great question! We sell beer, wine, hard seltzer, sodas and bottled water at the bar for cash only. We feature many awesome local beers as well as old favorites like Miller Lite, Yuengling and PBR. White or Red wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle. Beer and wine prices range from $3 to $6.  We do not sell liquor.

Are outside food and drinks allowed?

NO.

Can I bring a backpack?

NO.

Where can I park?

There is NO PARKING at Theatre 99. We repeat – there is no parking at Theatre 99. 

PARKING TIPS: There is FREE street parking in downtown Charleston after 6pm. Hooray!
Affordable parking garages:
85 Hasell Street (Charleston Place)
399 King Street (Marion Square) 
32 Alexander St. (by the Gaillard Auditorium).
We strongly recommend avoiding the parking lot on George Street between Meeting St. and King St. because it is very expensive.

Will they make fun of me or make me get on stage?

No. Many shows have audience volunteers but the person must volunteer themselves. Pointing at your friend or family member will not get them on stage.

How much do shows cost?

When we say cheap laughs, we mean cheap! Prices for each show can be found on the appropriate pages. 

Does Theatre 99 offer group rates?

No, we keep our prices as low as possible for everyone so we do not offer group rates.

Where is Theatre 99 anyway? Where the heck do I park?

We do not have parking at Theatre 99, but there are lots of nearby options. Click on our Contact Us Page for a map of nearby garages, and there is street parking in downtown Charleston that is free after 6 pm. There are tons of metered parking spaces behind the Gaillard Auditorium on George Street between Anson and East Bay Streets. There is a paid lot on George Street between Meeting and King Streets.

Is Theatre 99 wheelchair-accessible?

Theatre 99 has an ADA compliant vertical platform lift with a 500 lb. maximum capacity. If someone in your group needs to use the lift: Please have them wait at the door on the north side of the building along the driveway and then have someone in your party notify the box office. One of our staff members will bring them up in the lift. Please note: The lift enters into the theatre, so we are unable to use it after the show begins.

Can we eat and drink in the theatre?

Hell yes, but outside food and drink are not allowed. We pride ourselves on being the only live theatre in Charleston with a cup holder at every seat! And lucky for you we offer beer, wine and snacks at our bar available before each show and during intermission. We do not have a kitchen. Cash only, so load up on those $1s and $5s.

Are seats reserved?

No. Seating is general admission (first come first serve). Even if you purchase tickets in advance, seating is still general admission. It is strongly recommended that you arrive 30 minutes before showtime to ensure that you can get seats together. If you show up close to showtime there is always a good chance that you can’t sit together, Early bird gets the worm.

If I laugh my ass off will you help me find it?

You betcha!

I’ve got another question. How can I get an answer?

No problem at all. Just email us at thehavenots2000@aol.com and we’ll get back to you asap.

Thanks and we hope to see you at a show!