CATCh Comedy and Theater Company

Founding (2016)

Abigail Head and Kevin Shimko met at Charlotte Comedy Theater before deciding to establish a separate company focused on theatrical, character-driven long-form improv. They co-founded the Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte on November 16, 2016, building the organization from rented spaces while developing its class curriculum and ensemble programming.

Permanent Venue (2019)

CATCh opened its first permanent venue at 4200 South Blvd on February 8, 2019, giving the company a dedicated home for performances and classes. During the pandemic, the organization relocated to a larger space at 4128 South Blvd in the same South Boulevard complex, improving the facility while maintaining its position in Charlotte's LoSo arts district.

Transition to Single Ownership (2024)

In December 2023 Kevin Shimko exited ownership; Abigail Head became sole owner and director in January 2024. The organization continues to operate as a for-profit theatre with Head as its primary artistic and operational leader.

CATCh presents long-form improv with a patient, character-driven, theatrical approach that distinguishes it from joke-focused short-form formats. The company's curriculum explicitly develops audience sensitivity and narrative craft over punchline timing. This theatrical orientation reflects the founders' interest in using improvisation as a tool for character-centered storytelling.