The Pirates of Tokyo Bay hold open auditions approximately once a year. Our most recent auditions took place in July 2026 at Tokyo Comedy Bar in Shibuya. No prior improv or acting experience is required to audition — the group welcomes complete beginners alongside seasoned performers. Auditions are always free to attend. Sign up below to be notified when we announce our next auditions.
Your Stage Is Waiting
Ever caught yourself thinking you'd be great on stage? Maybe you've done some theater, taken a comedy class, dabbled in stand-up, or you're just the person who always makes the room laugh. If you've been looking for an acting audition in Tokyo or a creative outlet that goes beyond the typical expat hobby, this is your shot.
The Pirates of Tokyo Bay have been performing English and Japanese improv comedy since 2010. Every month, we take the stage at What the Dickens pub in Ebisu and create an entirely new show from scratch, no script, no plan, just the audience's suggestions and whatever chaos unfolds. Our cast is an international mix of performers from all walks of life: teachers, engineers, marketers, musicians, scientists. What they share is a love of making people laugh and a willingness to take risks on stage. Learn about improv comedy in Tokyo.
Now we're looking for new crew members.
What We're Looking For
We don't need you to walk in with a polished five-minute set or a theater degree. Here's what actually matters to us:
You're willing to play. Improv is about saying "yes" and building something together. If you can listen, react, and commit to an idea, even a ridiculous one, you're already ahead.
You have some kind of stage presence. Maybe it comes from theater, music, public speaking, stand-up, YouTube, or just being the loud one at the party. We're looking for people who aren't afraid to take up space.
You can commit to Sundays. We practice weekly and perform monthly. This is a volunteer group, but we take the craft seriously. If you're living in Tokyo for at least another year and can make Sundays work, we want to hear from you.
You speak English, Japanese, or both. Our shows are performed in English and Japanese. You don't need both, some of our members only speak one. No Japanese needed to audition or perform.
Audition Details
Our 2026 auditions have concluded. Thank you to everyone who came out!
Want to know when we hold auditions next? Sign up here and we'll email you as soon as dates are announced:
https://www.piratesoftokyobay.com/auditions-signup
See Us Live
Want to see what we're all about? We perform every month at What the Dickens in Ebisu. Come watch, grab a drink (the first one's on us with your ticket), and see the group in action.
Show details: This month's show
Ready to Join the Crew?
Sign up to be notified when we announce our next auditions. We only hold them once a year, so getting on the list is the best way to make sure you don't miss it.
Sign up for audition alerts: https://www.piratesoftokyobay.com/auditions-signup
In the meantime, come to a show! It's the best way to get a feel for who we are and what we do.
