The Courtyard Playhouse
The Courtyard Playhouse
5
About
The Courtyard Playhouse Performing Arts Training Center is the first and only dedicated improv’ theatre and KHDA licensed training center in UAE. It is home to Theatresports Middle East, affiliated with the International Theatresports Institute. Nestled in the creative heart of Dubai, amongst galleries and cafes is a warm and friendly, family owned 60 seat auditorium, centrally located near the Mall of the Emirates and easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road. Offering workshops in acting and improvisation for all ages, corporate training and development using improv’ techniques, three improv’ and comedy showcases per week, vintage film screenings, National Theatre Live, RSC Live, Kenneth Branagh Theatre Live, and Almeida Theatre Live in HD.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Neighborhood: Al Quoz
Al Quoz sits literally at the halfway point between old and new Dubai. At first sight it has little to recommend it: warehouses and factories dominate the area, with some residential areas on the outskirts. Heavy goods vehicles roar up and down the roads and laborers stop at small hole-in-the-wall cafes for a cheap lunch. But it is fast becoming a magnet for art lovers: Alserkal Avenue is a significant contemporary art hub, home to 25 galleries and arts spaces, with ambitious expansion plans. The galleries host exhibitions, talks, panel discussions, auctions, and community events. If you love art, pass by to visit the galleries, it’s a great opportunity to get a sense of art and community in the region and to sit alongside key influencers and artists as they go about their day.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
11 reviews
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11
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0
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Bob S
Dubai, United Arab Emirates17 contributions
Mar 2021
I went with a friend for an improv comedy night. I can't claim every single thing they did worked, but enough did that I would recommend it as an experience for anyone in Dubai or visiting and in the mood for something that isn't shopping.
There is no charge for admission - you rsvp and arrive early to secure a place. They ask for donations at the end of the performance and everyone who attended the night I was there seemed really happy to be able to support by giving.
The building is interesting and has a lot of character. The staff are clearly very passionate about what they do and the result was a fun night out. Both of us would return, knowing that the next show will be new every time, even if we went for every show they do - improv after all.
There is no charge for admission - you rsvp and arrive early to secure a place. They ask for donations at the end of the performance and everyone who attended the night I was there seemed really happy to be able to support by giving.
The building is interesting and has a lot of character. The staff are clearly very passionate about what they do and the result was a fun night out. Both of us would return, knowing that the next show will be new every time, even if we went for every show they do - improv after all.
Written March 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yasirshk
Dubai, United Arab Emirates36 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Genuinely the best way to spend time in UAE. I have been there for their Monday night comedy and a lot of their Wednesday Maestro nights. Each is 2 hours long. Best two hours of your week. Its like traveling to a different universe. Maestro is sort of similar to Whose Line is it Anyway. There are 10 seasoned improv artists and of all ages from teenagers to people in their middle age, competing in various improv challenges given by the audience and the director. Every round some are eliminated and there is a winner at the end.
Besides the remarkable quality of humor and act, there’s a general warm feeling all around. The artists, staff etc are extremely “human” and the love of what they do really comes out.
They also have many children focused and adult classes and events throughout the week.
Besides the remarkable quality of humor and act, there’s a general warm feeling all around. The artists, staff etc are extremely “human” and the love of what they do really comes out.
They also have many children focused and adult classes and events throughout the week.
Written November 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rami
16 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
What a place. Makes you feel your traveled abroad. Cozy and very friendly staff. The actors are all very talented, but more importantly passionate about what they do. Highly recommend experience that everyone should try.
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahmed Punani
Somerset West, South Africa12 contributions
Nov 2020
This beautiful theatre offers Acting and Impro' Courses, Plays, Kids' Shows, Comedy - Amazing! The only venue of this type in the Middle East.
Written November 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pablo hombre
London, UK889 contributions
Sep 2019
The Courtyard Playhouse is a building of great character filled with people of great passion and skill - what an amazing place and highly recommended. Even the story of how it was created is fascinating. They offer many different acting workshops and on 3 evenings a week there are free performances, so you can just go along and enjoy!
Written September 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jammyblue
Lytham St Anne's, UK82 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Just watched the Bollywood improvisation night . Absolutely fantastic. So clever and hilarious. The set up is brilliant . A charming and intimate venue. An amazing night out . Looking forward to my next visit .
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rushdi R
Dubai, United Arab Emirates286 contributions
Sep 2022
Truly a once in a lifetime and amazing experience!
Truly a hidden gem in Dubai, one of the most creative set-ups. A must visit when in Dubai to witness the only fully fitted grassroots theatre in the region.
Truly a hidden gem in Dubai, one of the most creative set-ups. A must visit when in Dubai to witness the only fully fitted grassroots theatre in the region.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kulbhushan A
188 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
It was the second play that we watched in the city. It is a bit far away from the main tourist location. Only worth a visit if you are an ardent art lover.
Written April 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mop003
Dubai, United Arab Emirates66 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
The atmosphere of Courtyard playhouse is wonderful, it's a small but legit theater with red carpeted stairs and all. I loved the venue so much, I felt like I'd left Dubai, and the show (Desert Monologues) was even better! All performers were fantastic and really went all out to put on the best show. This is a great way to spend an evening and escape the monotony of routine nights out. It's an alcohol free place but the coffee is excellent and they sell popcorn too! Don't be late for a show though, you may not get a seat.
Written April 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the lovely review! Hope to see you again!
Written August 4, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bolts
Austin, TX345 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Small theater with lots of fringe talent on a budget. Some funny, some not so funny, but worth the night out.
Book seats advance or wait in line for bean bag seats if lucky.
Book seats advance or wait in line for bean bag seats if lucky.
Written February 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming and for taking the time to review us!
Written August 4, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
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