Live Theater in English
by spinshellby Dillon Font

What with all the brilliant cable and satellite television, the Tsutayas, the plush movie theater complexes sprouting around the city – not to mention the ease of illegally downloading TV and movies – expats here have little trouble finding entertainment in their mother tongue. However, in the century preceding such blessed electronic ease, plenty of bored Tokyoites came together to put on live entertainment for our communities. And they’re still going. And they are forming more theater companies. In fact, theater in Tokyo is getting very exciting lately. So here’s a breakdown of the many groups now operating in the Kanto plains. Take note, wannabe actors and backstage techs: they are always looking for new faces.
Tokyo International Players
This year marks the 112th season of the Tokyo International Players (TIP), the longest-running English-language community theater group operating in a foreign country. (Sadly, this is too much of a mouthful to get put into the Guiness Book of World Records.)
With the closing and renovations planned for TIP’s long-time home, the way-too-stuffy Tokyo American Club, TIP has been branching out into better theater spaces. This move is turning this community theatre group into an increasingly professional outfit, producing shows worthy to be put up on Broadway.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, from the demented mind of Stephen Sondheim, takes place at the Shinjuku Sun Mall Theatre.
More information on upcoming productions can be found at: www.tokyoplayers.org
Tokyo Theater for Children
Listen: your kid, who you love to death, has probably been watching that damned SpongeBob Squarepants DVD over and over. And over. And yeah, you thought it was cute the first few times you had to sit through it, too. You can now quote the entire movie at length, and you slowly feel yourself dying inside.
So, not only to expand your child’s entertainment horizons but for your sanity as well, bring him/her/them down to one of the shows that Tokyo Theater for Children puts up. Live theater at 2,000 yen a pop? That’s the same amount you’d pay to see a movie in Japan, except the stars come down and hang out with your kids afterwards. Kewl!

Each spring the group puts on a touring show that hits all the good international schools in Tokyo and Yokohama. Relying heavily on audience participation, you’ll find your kids laughing and dancing along with the actors on stage. That’s an extra feature not included in any Disney DVD.
More information on upcoming productions can be found at:
tokyotheatreforchildren.blogspot.com
Yokohama Theater Group
Based out of the Yokohama Country and Athletic Club (the low rent version of the Tokyo American Club, although apparently its just as outrageously expensive as its hoity-toity cousin in Tokyo), the Yokohama Theatre Group is dedicated to bringing world-class English theatre to the people of Yokohama and Tokyo. Focusing on smaller shows with an emphasis on local playwrights, YTG shows are quirky and incredibly accessible.

The Yokohama Theatre Group also runs workshops, including an ongoing Playwriting Workshop for aspiring Stoppards. At 1,000 yen per session, it’s a great, cheap way to get your work read and seen by a rising theatre scene.
More information on upcoming productions can be found at:
www.yokohama-theatre.com
New Worlds Theatre
As the new kid on the block, Alec Harris and his company are gearing up for an exciting year of plays. New Worlds Theatre was created in 2006 as a production vehicle for stage plays in and around central Tokyo. Designed to provide a new voice in the capital, its sole aim is to bring together people interested in and committed to creating new theater, no matter what the language.
More information on upcoming productions can be found at:
www.newworldstheatre.com
Tokyo Comedy Store
12 years and going strong, the Tokyo Comedy Store now gives Tokyo three comedy shows a month, two of which are at the beautiful entry price of F-R-E-E.
The centerpiece of the group is their monthly Main Show, located at the Crocodile on Meiji-Dori, right between Shibuya and Harajuku stations. For 2,000 yen, you get the best the Tokyo Comedy Store has to offer, with its strongest stand-ups, tightest sketch teams, and the best improv team in town, Spontaneous Confusion. The Main Show takes place every 4th Friday of the month.

For those looking for a free stand-up fix, Tokyo Cynics, the stand-up arm of the Tokyo Comedy Store, has a free show at The Baron in Nishi-Azabu every 2nd Friday of the month. Starts at 9PM, so get there early to get as drunk as possible to maximize the entertainment.
For sketch comedy and improv, the Pink Cow in Shibuya hosts Improv-A-Go-GO!, yet another free showcase of comedy gold. It’s on every 3rd Wednesday of the month, starting at 8PM. The Californian cuisine of the Pink Cow goes great with a girl pretending to be a talking tree onstage.
For show information and maps, log onto their website at: www.tokyocomedy.com
About the Writer:
Dillon Font is a comedian and writer. You can see lots of sketch comedy he’s written right here on Spinshell.TV, as well as on www.youtube.com/dillonfont
Do you have information about living in Japan we should know?
We pay for your words of wisdom!
Pitch us your ideas: production[at]spinshell[dot]tv
Related articles:
- Takarazuka – Is the Ideal Man a Woman?
- Finding Funnies in Tokyo
- English Bookstores in Japan
- Live Music Venues
- Open Mic Nights
Tags: acting, children, comedy, live, performance, plays, spinshell, theater, theatre, Tokyo, you should know















April 28th, 2008 at 13:16
[...] « Live Theater in English [...]
April 29th, 2008 at 18:39
Brilliant article!!! Some great resources here!
Personally I love WhattheDickens in Ebisu. Several theatre companies perform live theatre there quite a bit.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:06
Thanks for the comments Brad! What did you go to see in What the Dickens? Was it one of the groups here?
I’ve only ever seen Japanese traditional theatre here, like Bunraku.
December 25th, 2009 at 08:27
thank you so much for sharing the great post!.
i found a youtube video about watching tv online that I would like to share: International Tv channel Online.
but seriously, amazing post and thanks allot !!
I look forward to your next post !!
:)
February 12th, 2010 at 02:21
I don’t have time to read all the articles here right now, I found your site while I was looking for satellite tv online company something else on Google but I have bookmarked the homepage and will return soon to read your latest updates. Visit my site if you’d like to read more. Thanks again – great site! Thursday
June 11th, 2010 at 03:28
Satellite TV users will definitely grow in the following years and also satellite internet users.*’-
September 17th, 2010 at 23:45
Hei, admin, I find that your site does not work fine, I use IE 6.0.
September 28th, 2010 at 02:50
i have a satellite TV and cable TV at home, both of them are good;:`
October 14th, 2010 at 05:49
satellite TV is getting cheap nowadays, i would like to have my own satellite TV too’.’
October 14th, 2010 at 19:23
Greetings. I like checking out your website because you often publish great articlesWell written blog post.. Great work once again. I am excited to add this website to my faves. I think I shall subscribe to your feed too. I intrigued by bollywood features in 2010!!
October 21st, 2010 at 07:45
i love the way spongebob laughs, he is really very cheesy:-`
October 25th, 2010 at 18:44
satellite televisions are very affordable today, i even bought two units for myself and my brother“.
November 1st, 2010 at 08:45
I’d be inclined to give blessing with you here. Which is not something I typically do! I really like reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to speak my mind!
November 1st, 2010 at 13:56
i like to watch comedy shows and i also love standup comedy .
December 4th, 2010 at 01:00
im kinda tired and tired of my battery on my droid going down so fast, it annoys the poo outta me, see what happens, find a good site and BAM my battery is dead, so yeah, i luckily had enough battery to read this and post the comment haha, i have no life. yay me!
December 23rd, 2010 at 05:35
satellite tv has got to be one of the best inventions that we humans enjoy, *:;
January 14th, 2011 at 17:44
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.
March 24th, 2011 at 17:22
I completely agree with the above comment, the web is with a doubt rising into a very powerful medium of communication throughout the globe and its because of sites like this that ideas are spreading so rapidly….
April 25th, 2011 at 15:39
I used to be suggested this website by way of my cousin. I’m no longer positive whether or not this post is written through him as nobody else understand such designated approximately my trouble. You are amazing! Thanks!
May 14th, 2011 at 17:10
Perhaps you should update the php server on your webhost, Wordpress is kinda slow.’`~”`
June 16th, 2011 at 23:28
I completely agree with the above comment, the web is with a doubt rising into a very powerful medium of communication throughout the globe and its because of sites like this that ideas are spreading so rapidly…
June 16th, 2011 at 23:29
Greetings. I like checking out your website because you often publish great articlesWell written blog post.. Great work once again. I am excited to add this website to my faves. I think I shall subscribe to your feed too. I intrigued by bollywood features in 2010!!
June 16th, 2011 at 23:29
Perhaps you should update the php server on your webhost, Wordpress is kinda slow.’`~”`
August 2nd, 2011 at 06:08
We discovered much more new products with this fat burning issue. Just one issue is an excellent diet is incredibly vital when they are dieting. A large decrease in foods, sugary foodstuff, foods that are fried, sweet meals, meat, as well as bright flour goods may perhaps be essential. Retaining waste products unwanted organisms, and also harmful toxins minimizes goals regarding fat loss. While numerous medications quickly solve the specific situation, the dreadful negative effects are certainly not worth it, plus they never supply higher than a momentary remedy. This is a identified indisputable fact that 95% regarding celebrity diet plans fall short. Many thanks discussing your considering with this blog.
August 3rd, 2011 at 03:51
Thank you a great deal with regard to providing individuals with this kind of amazing possibility to examine suggestions from this blog. It’s typically very perfect and also stuffed with a lot of fun personally and also my personal business office partners to visit your web site especially 3 times every week to review the fresh items you have got. Not only that, we’re certainly contented in regards to the terrific info allowing. Picked a couple of tips on this page are really the finest I’ve ever experienced.
August 4th, 2011 at 01:28
I needed to draft you this little bit of observation just to give many thanks yet again for all the wonderful ideas you’ve shared in this case. It has been so tremendously open-handed with people like you giving without restraint exactly what a number of people could have offered for an e book to make some money for themselves, even more so since you might well have tried it in case you desired. These good ideas in addition acted to become good way to be aware that someone else have a similar dreams much like my very own to know the truth whole lot more in terms of this issue. I know there are a lot more pleasant opportunities in the future for many who looked at your website.
August 7th, 2011 at 23:05
Happy Today
September 17th, 2011 at 14:49
excelenta a amoncluza si tiviz lontreal con onciado. mobuivira fismo se dinuzar son becos mi dissencem ventad y oloubir cangiro fimog.
September 20th, 2011 at 17:40
What is the Best Diet for YOU?…
[...]You Should Know » Blog Archive » Live Theater in English[...]…
September 29th, 2011 at 09:13
Thanx for a very interesting blog. What else may I get that kind of info written in such an ideal method? I’ve a mission that I am simply now working on, and I have been at the look out for such info.
October 1st, 2011 at 06:23
I don’t even know how I stopped up here, but I thought this post was once good. I don’t understand who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger in case you are not already ;) Cheers!
October 3rd, 2011 at 00:59
Give thanks to you , I wish that the planet could be a far better location
October 29th, 2011 at 17:41
I’m curious to discover out what weblog system you’re making use of? I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest weblog and I’d like to uncover something more safeguarded. Do you might have any recommendations?
November 6th, 2011 at 15:25
Which was sort of inspiring! Completely unforeseen. Now I know what I am going to perform tomorrow
November 15th, 2011 at 01:21
Wow ~ Good stuff ~ Come and check out MY ??
November 22nd, 2011 at 23:18
An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing somewhat analysis on this. And he in truth bought me breakfast because I identified it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to talk about this, I feel strongly about it and enjoy reading extra on this subject. If feasible, as you turn into expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It can be highly useful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!
December 29th, 2011 at 20:05
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So nice to seek out someone with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this web site is one thing that’s wanted on the net, someone with a little bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the internet!
January 2nd, 2012 at 01:28
Thank you so much for providing individuals with an exceptionally spectacular possiblity to read from this site. It’s always so pleasant and packed with a great time for me personally and my office mates to visit your site at minimum 3 times per week to study the new tips you have got. Of course, I am just usually fulfilled with your special tricks served by you. Selected two areas in this post are indeed the most impressive we have all ever had.
January 3rd, 2012 at 19:35
Initial, let’s kill off a genuine fabrication: It is possible to not use a reverse cellular phone number lookup for entirely totally free anyplace, anytime.
January 4th, 2012 at 23:19
Oscar Insana
January 5th, 2012 at 00:19
Im just commenting to ask what theme you use on your blog? is it custom its really nice.
January 5th, 2012 at 05:23
I am keen of learning Flash, is there any piece of writing related to Flash, if okay, then please post it, thanks.
January 7th, 2012 at 20:32
Thanks for the points you have contributed here. One more thing I would like to convey is that computer system memory specifications generally rise along with other innovations in the know-how. For instance, whenever new generations of cpus are made in the market, there’s usually a similar increase in the type demands of both computer memory along with hard drive room. This is because the application operated through these cpus will inevitably rise in power to make new technology.
January 9th, 2012 at 12:32
This will be the first time I’m visiting this post.I’ve gathered a lot of it.Really a interesting firm things.
January 9th, 2012 at 18:07
This internet site just created my week! I have been looking around for facts on this. I’m glad now that I ran across this webpage. Woohoo!
January 9th, 2012 at 19:14
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome web log!
January 28th, 2012 at 23:02
It has long been looking for an article on You Should Know » Blog Archive » Live Theater in English .
January 29th, 2012 at 08:49
Out of my examination, shopping for electronics online can for sure be expensive, however there are some tips that you can use to obtain the best deals. There are generally ways to find discount offers that could make one to hold the best gadgets products at the smallest prices. Great blog post.
February 1st, 2012 at 03:42
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:39
Employing writers’ exercises such as “chunking”. They use several websites that contain several creative writing exercises. Writers read an exercise, and do it.
February 6th, 2012 at 20:18
buy quality backlinks…
[...]You Should Know » Blog Archive » Live Theater in English[...]…
February 9th, 2012 at 06:12
Highly energetic article, I liked that bit. Will there be a part 2?
February 11th, 2012 at 11:37
I’m glad to be one of several visitants on this outstanding web site (:, appreciate it for posting .
February 17th, 2012 at 14:45
We think your information is benificialand will return for and update in the future.
We also have an information source that is top class and if we can find any synergy in our aims it would be great.
February 22nd, 2012 at 22:18
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
February 23rd, 2012 at 01:17
I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re amazing! Thanks!
March 7th, 2012 at 02:21
“I simply had to thank you so much yet again. I do not know the things I would have used without those creative ideas documented by you relating to such area. It truly was a real intimidating matter in my circumstances, nevertheless witnessing this expert approach you handled that took me to cry with gladness. Now i am grateful for the work and then hope that you are aware of an amazing job that you are getting into educating many people through the use of your blog. Probably you have never come across any of us.”
April 10th, 2012 at 01:48
Hoy en día, hay 2 la razón por a una mujer casada busca un hombre fuera de su matrimonio. La primera creo que que atracción salvaje, dar un paso drástico y evitar mujer buscando hombre alejarse de su rutina. La infidelidad de distancia, ayuda a una mujer a una dama saber también buscar las razones por las no no debe terminar su relación. Otro buen punto a que una persona un hombre de compañía. Existen numerosas terminar en un nuevo You Should Know » Blog Archive » Live Theater in English toda una nueva relación de razones financieras, buscar a mayor mujeres calientes situación económica crisis financiera o la posición social, o para cualquier otro en el que el amor no tiene.
April 14th, 2012 at 03:00
I enjoy, lead to I found just what I used to be looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
April 19th, 2012 at 09:47
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of Wordpress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
April 22nd, 2012 at 02:54
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing on your feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!
May 18th, 2012 at 18:53
You are my intake , I possess few blogs and very sporadically run out from to post .
May 20th, 2012 at 05:31
I used to be more than happy to search out this internet-site.I wished to thanks to your time for this glorious learn!! I positively having fun with each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.
May 27th, 2012 at 14:27
Great post at You Should Know » Blog Archive » Live Theater in English. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the last part :) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
July 25th, 2012 at 13:38
It is possible to locate myself nosing about your web site once again
July 28th, 2012 at 17:27
Truly the inventive creating skills gives inspired us to start out my individual weblog website currently. Real estate
August 1st, 2012 at 06:46
Thank you for another informative blog. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such an ideal way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information. mobile bicyle repair london 50 Langton Avenue, London, Greater London, E6 6AL. Phone: 07846 738292
August 4th, 2012 at 07:50
I am often to running a blog and i actually admire your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your site and preserve checking for brand spanking new information.
August 5th, 2012 at 10:55
There are some interesting points in time on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them center to heart. There’s some validity however I will take hold opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as well
September 8th, 2012 at 14:47
Hey ! Il s’agit vraiment d’ un super article, je te remercie de l’avoir écrit. Pour te remercier, je te fournis une ligne pour pouvoir exécuter du card sharing : F: ramzi573TZETc abbs573HGHJc 2 0 0 0:0:1,100:3317 #23/12/2010. C’est donné, alors n’hésites pas à l’utiliser et la partager. Bonne journée
September 26th, 2012 at 05:43
Today, I went to the beach front with my kids.
I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
October 1st, 2012 at 14:24
I have to express my appreciation to the writer for bailing me out of this type of condition. Right after checking throughout the the net and getting methods that were not beneficial, I figured my entire life was done. Existing without the presence of approaches to the issues you have solved by way of your good guideline is a critical case, and the kind which may have in a wrong way damaged my entire career if I had not noticed your web page. Your primary mastery and kindness in touching all the things was invaluable. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not discovered such a point like this. I can also now look ahead to my future. Thanks a lot so much for your reliable and results-oriented guide. I will not hesitate to propose your web sites to any person who will need guidance on this subject matter.
October 17th, 2012 at 20:32
Thank you for the knowledge. Very best
October 29th, 2012 at 01:12
Thank you for this brilliant report really informative and also valuable
November 7th, 2012 at 19:38
Thank you so much as a result of this important content material, you might have merely rescued us a LOT of time
November 12th, 2012 at 10:59
I enjoy how much detail you place directly into every stage. Continue the fantastic function.
November 25th, 2012 at 10:23
Spread the table and contention will cease. – English Proverb
November 29th, 2012 at 06:26
An fascinating discussion is value comment. I feel that it is best to write extra on this topic, it might not be a taboo topic however typically people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
December 23rd, 2012 at 04:19
Hi there, it really is a nice training you might have the following
December 31st, 2012 at 03:32
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
January 2nd, 2013 at 06:46
I believe this web site holds some rattling great information for everyone : D.
March 31st, 2013 at 17:14
Wow, amazing weblog layout! How lengthy have you ever been running a blog for? you make blogging look easy. The overall glance of your web site is magnificent, let alone the content material!
April 1st, 2013 at 22:13
This is very interesting, You are an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and stay up for looking for extra of your great post. Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks
April 4th, 2013 at 07:43
I saw this post nice article
April 11th, 2013 at 17:13
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me. All the best, Hostessy
April 14th, 2013 at 18:20
We appreciate, cause I identified what precisely I was taking a look with regard to.
April 18th, 2013 at 13:37
That is most likely probably the greatest articles I’ve read in a long time, I simply want there were extra goodies on the internet lately, thanks and may God Bless you my child. LOL
April 19th, 2013 at 18:06
Excellent web site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you for your sweat!
April 28th, 2013 at 15:28
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really great posts and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some articles
for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.
Please send me an email if interested. Cheers!