McCurdy's Comedy Theatre and Humor Institute has been a fixture of the Sarasota community since the mid-1990s. Comedians perform nightly, every Wednesday through Sunday. Shows run at 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday are open mic nights, which feature three or four amateur comics before the national, headlining comedian performs. Featured comedians at McCurdy's have included Al Romas, Tom Simmons, Kevin Pollak, Elayne Boosler and Aisha Tyler. The Humor Institute offers classes and instruction for individuals interested in developing the craft of stand-up comedy. Classes are offered in stand-up, improvisation and performance writing on Sundays at 4 p.m. and Mondays at 6 p.m. At the end of the session, students have an opportunity to perform for a live audience. While McCurdy's does not serve meals, appetizers, snacks and drinks are available.
The Lazy Fairy Improv is a Sarasota-based comedy troupe that performs a two-act show regularly throughout Sarasota at venues like the Players Theatre, Home Resource and local churches. The show is completely improvised from start to finish and includes features like auditions for Sarasota Idol, the Ex-Games and Interview with a local expert. The troupe performs for private parties, public shows and corporate events. They also offer lessons and instruction in improvisation technique in a series of three workshops--one free, one for beginners and an advanced workshop.
Located about half an hour outside of Sarasota, Coconuts Comedy Club in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the longest-running comedy establishment in Florida, according to its website. It opened in 1986 and at various times has expanded its clubs to other states as well as in Europe and the Caribbean. Nationally-recognized comedians perform at Coconuts, whose theme is "The Nuttiest Place in Town." Two St. Petersburg clubs are located within the Tradewinds Island Resort and in downtown St. Petersburg on First Street. Shows are held on Friday and Saturday nights and sometimes on Wednesday and Thursday nights as well. Comedians performing at a Coconuts Comedy Club are regularly featured on MTV, the Dave Letterman Show, Showtime and Comedy Central. Performers include Steve Arik, Jeff Barrett and Al Aprill. Appetizers from coconut shrimp to fried zucchini and buffalo wings are served along with a full bar.