Yes, THE KNUCKLE BALL NOW is an Improv Comedy troupe based in Austin... but first and foremost, TKN is a philosophy, an energy and a way of thinking. Its all about HAVING FUN. It's having an unwavering faith in each other, where the brain synapses are in sync, and there is a connection through chaos.

They are creators of a format they call "Peak & Pop"... they get one word inspiration or "the last text you received", then its lights down... When the llights come up, the Ballers will fire through a series of scenes, perhaps even only one line long, while building up a contagious energy and a bank of characters and story ideas. Once the show is off and rolling, the scenes become longer and deeper... The edits and wipes are quick, organic, and often spin off into flashbacks or flash forwards, and "What ifs."

TKN prides itself in trying to give each other a great time in the moment. The crowd is the benefactor, because there is usually enough "great time" to go around to share with every member of the house. They are constantly "looking for the game", raising the stakes, and thinking two steps ahead... No subject is off limits, therefore they try to bring a new view to topics from yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

TKN has become a staple in the highly popular and annual "Out of Bounds Improv Festival" in Austin, as well as the Waffle Fest every fall. They play every 3rd saturday at Salvage Vanguard Theatre as well as regular shows at the HIDEOUT Theatre.

The Knuckleball Now was born in Late 2004, the same night The Boston Red sox began their impossible comeback down 3-0 in the best of seven with the Yankees. That night Craig Kotfas, Mike D'Alonzo, Mike Dolan, and David Modigliani decided to break down what makes improv fun and rewarding. TKN was then taking shape and over the next year or so the philosophy was refined on stage. Mike Dolan, soon left to pursue writing, David is now a award winning Producer/Director/Writer, and Mike D'Alonzo left for LA (but still performers with TKN at the "OOB" festival every year.) Soon TKN saw the arrival of Michael Joplin (yikes, that is a lot of Mikes), who is now a main stay. They had a blessed run of shows with the super talented and charming Lee Eddy, who bolted for the Big Apple. For the past few years Craig & Mike Joplin held the force together with frequent special quests, until recently they added Ace Manning, who now adds a solid third leg to this comedy stool.

If you wish to see TKN check the "WHEN" page, or if you wish to book them for yourselves, go to the contact page.