Formerly known as "Improv Olympic," this theater changed its name when threatened with a lawsuit by the Olympic Committee. Still going strong, it boasts improvisational comedy shows every night of the week. As of June 2010, most shows are only $5, and range from popular "house teams" performing the theater's signature Harold, to class shows by (almost) complete beginners.
iO West
6366 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-962-7560
iowest.com
This improv and sketch comedy theater boasts among its illustrious alumni many Saturday Night Live cast members, as well as comedic powerhouses such as Conan O'Brian, Cheryl Hines, and Lisa Kudro. Shows by Groundlings troupe members are ever Wednesday through Saturdays, with performances on Sundays by up-and-comers from the Groundlings' training classes.
Groundlings
7307 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-934-4747
groundlings.com
Richard Pryor, David Letterman, Roseanne--The Comedy Store has helped launch the careers myriad famous stand-up comedians. Numerous shows are offered seven nights a week, and the theater boasts "the hottest new comedians in the country." As of June 2010, midnight shows are held every Friday for night owls.
The Comedy Store
8433 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
323-656-6225
thecomedystore.com
Spawned from the flagship New York City theatre, which gave rise to the award-winning television show, the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Hollywood hosts offbeat improv, sketch, stand-up, and talk/variety shows every night of the week. All shows at the 92-seat theater are all-ages. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre also runs one of the largest improv schools in the country.
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
5919 Franklin Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-908-8702
ucbtheatre.com
Another breeding ground for famous and soon-to-be famous comedians, the Laugh Factory in Hollywood offers stand-up comedy shows every night of the week. Nationally acclaimed headliners as well as novice open mic performers can all be found at the Laugh Factory. Patrons can enjoy pizzas, sandwiches and a variety of cocktails during the show.
Laugh Factory
8001 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90046
323-656-1336, ext. 1
laughfactory.com
This stand-up club offers nightly entertainment in the heart of the Universal Studios Citywalk in Hollywood. Lovitz himself, of "Saturday Night Live" fame, performs every Wednesday night. Valet parking as well as an extensive dining menu are available.
Jon Lovitz Comedy Club
1000 Universal Studios Blvd. #222
Universal City, CA 91608
818-824-6545
thejonlovitzcomedyclub.com
Founded in New York City in 1963, The Improv has a rich history of performances by famous comedians and has stages in many cities across the United States. The San Jose theater offers shows every night besides Mondays, and brings some of the biggest names in today's comedy scene. Contrary to its name, The Improv exclusively has stand-up comedy.
The Improv
62 S. 2nd St.
San Jose, CA 95113
408-280-7475
improv.com
Featuring well-known stand up comedians most night of the week, the Ice House Comedy Club is the oldest club to continuously feature stand-up comedians. Insider tip: free admission is offered on your birthday!
Ice House Comedy Club
24 N. Mentor Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
626-577-1894
icehousecomedy.com
Offering shows Wednesday through Sunday, Laughs Unlimited is a stand-up comedy club and lounge that proudly wears its title of "Sacramento's Original Comedy Club." Beer, wine, cocktails and late night snack fare are offered by the kitchen. As of June 2010, Laughs Unlimited holds an open-mic showcase on the first Tuesday of every month.
Laughs Unlimited
1207 Front St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-446-8128
laughsunlimited.com
With improv, stand-up and sketch comedy shows every Wednesday through Sunday, the Sacramento Comedy Spot provides visitors with a wide variety of shows formats. It opened in 2006, as an offshoot of the successful Sacramento comedy troupe, Free Hooch Comedy.
Sacramento Comedy Spot
1050 20th St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
916-444-3137
saccomedyspot.com
Offering interactive improv comedy shows, the National Comedy Theatre features professional comedians performing improvisational games, similar to the ones seen on the television show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Shows are appropriate for all ages.
National Comedy Theatre
3717 India St.
San Diego, CA 92103
619-295-4999
nationalcomedy.com
Offering a full dinner menu and a full-service bar, Cobb's Comedy Club brings stand-up comedians who often can be seen on The Tonight Show, The Late Show, and Comedy Central. Many big name comedians have graced the stages of Cobb's since its opening in 1985.
Cobb's Comedy Club
915 Columbus Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94133
415-928-4320
cobbscomedy.com