The Pirates of Tokyo Bay are holding open auditions on Sunday, July 5th, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Tokyo Comedy Bar in Shibuya. No prior improv or acting experience is required to audition. The group welcomes complete beginners alongside seasoned performers. The audition is completely free.
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.
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
Date: Sunday, July 5th, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Place: Tokyo Comedy Bar, 3rd floor, The Renga Bldg, 1-5-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043 (Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bT8s7Wv8YjrvBGTe8)
Cost: Free
What to bring: Comfortable clothes, pens or pencils, a drink, and an open mind
What NOT to bring: Prepared material. This is improv, so we'll figure it out together on the day
We'll walk you through our games and techniques during the audition. We're looking at how you work as an individual and as a team player. Whether you've done years of performing arts in Tokyo or you've never set foot on a stage, you'll get a fair shot.
See Us Live Before You Audition
Want to see what you'd be getting into? Our last show before auditions is June 28th (Sunday) at 7:30 PM 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. Attending the show has zero impact on your audition, it's purely for your own curiosity.
Show details: https://www.piratesoftokyobay.com/shows
Ready to Join the Crew?
Fill out the application form and reserve your spot. It takes about five minutes.
Apply now: https://forms.gle/CrJg5D9VVCrmNcMS7
Full audition details: https://www.piratesoftokyobay.com/auditions
We only hold auditions once ever year or two, so if you've been thinking about it, this is the moment.
We'll see you on July 5th.
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There is no hard deadline, but spots may fill up. We recommend applying as early as possible to secure your place. The audition is a single day — July 5th — with no alternate dates planned.
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The existing cast deliberates on the same day. We'll contact all applicants with our decision within a few days of the audition. If selected, you'll join weekly Sunday practices and start working toward your first show.
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Absolutely. Our last show before auditions is June 28th at What the Dickens in Ebisu. Attending has no effect on your audition — it's simply a chance to see the group in action and get a feel for the style.
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We understand that life happens, but consistent attendance is important. We practice every Sunday and perform on the last Sunday of each month. If you can commit to the majority of Sundays, that's what we're looking for.
