FIREHOUSE THEATER

Firehouse Theater is an intimate comedy venue nestled in a historic 1895 building in Newport's cultural district, seating just 75 people for a personal, connected experience. The theater is housed in a beautifully restored historic firehouse designed by architect George Champlin Mason that originally served the Newport Fire Department until the 1920s. The intimate space attracts comedy lovers and date-night crowds seeking authentic improv performances by RI's most celebrated comedy ensemble.

Expect high-energy improvisational comedy modeled after "Whose Line is it Anyway?" with The Bit Players performing material tailored to audience suggestions. The theater maintains a welcoming BYOB policy while complimentary water and soda are provided. Performances happen Friday nights at 8pm and Saturday nights at 7pm and 9pm year-round.

The 1895 building functioned as Newport's firehouse until the 1920s, then served as a bus terminal, union hall, and laundromat. The space was converted into a theater in 1999, becoming exclusively a comedy house in 2009. The Bit Players have earned "Comedy Troupe of the Year" from Motif Magazine and "Best Local Event, Newport" from RI Monthly.