RISE Comedy is a Denver, Colorado improv and comedy venue founded on October 26, 2011, by Stephen Wilder as Voodoo Comedy Playhouse before rebranding as RISE Comedy. Located at 1260 22nd Street in Denver's Five Points neighborhood, RISE presents improv, sketch, and stand-up five nights per week with a full bar. The company operates Colorado's most comprehensive improv comedy training center and is home to Hit and Run Musical Improv, Denver's longest-running improv show. Alumni have appeared on The Late Show, Better Call Saul, and Parks and Recreation.
History
Opening as Voodoo Comedy Playhouse (2011)
Stephen Wilder opened Voodoo Comedy Playhouse on October 26, 2011, at 1260 22nd Street in Denver's Five Points neighborhood, establishing Colorado's primary dedicated improv comedy venue. The space features a full bar and presents shows five nights per week across improv, sketch, and stand-up.
Hit and Run Musical Improv
Voodoo Comedy Playhouse became home to Hit and Run Musical Improv, Colorado's premier improvised musical team and Denver's longest-running improv show, which built an audience through the venue's consistent programming.
Rebrand to RISE Comedy
The company rebranded from Voodoo Comedy Playhouse to RISE Comedy at some point after its 2011 founding, retaining the Five Points venue, programming model, and training center.
Alumni
RISE Comedy alumni have appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, BoJack Horseman, Better Call Saul, The Office, and Parks and Recreation.
Artistic Identity
RISE Comedy programs improv, sketch, and stand-up from its Five Points Denver venue, operating as Colorado's most comprehensive improv training center alongside a weekly performance schedule. Hit and Run Musical Improv's long-running tenure at the space reflects the company's commitment to sustained ensemble work.
Key Events
Voodoo Comedy Playhouse Opens in Denver
Stephen Wilder opened Voodoo Comedy Playhouse on October 26, 2011, in Denver's Five Points neighborhood, establishing Colorado's primary dedicated improv and comedy venue; the company later rebranded as RISE Comedy.
How to Reference This Page
The Improv Archive. (2026). RISE Comedy. Retrieved March 17, 2026, from https://improvarchive.org/companies/rise-comedy
The Improv Archive. "RISE Comedy." The Improv Archive, 2026. https://improvarchive.org/companies/rise-comedy.
The Improv Archive. "RISE Comedy." The Improv Archive, 2026, https://improvarchive.org/companies/rise-comedy. Accessed March 17, 2026.
The Improv Archive is a systemically maintained repository. The archive itself acts as the corporate author.