Los Angeles is famous for the film industry, but the city is also home to countless comedy clubs. Go down anyone’s list of favorite comedians and no doubt there will be several who made their name in Los Angeles. Here’s where you can find some of the next generation of comics.
NerdMelt Showroom © Michael Dunn | Flickr
NerdMelt Showroom
Who: Louis C.K., Jim Gaffigan, Kumail Nanjiani
What: NerdMelt is the performance space of Chris Hardwick’s Nerdist Industries, which grew out of his famous podcast The Nerdist. It is part of L.A.’s growing trend of DIY comedy, with shows popping at bowling alleys and taco stands. NerdMelt is held in the back of Sunset Boulevard’s Melt Comics, and also hosts improv nights, film screenings and writer panels.
UCB Theatre
Who: Amy Poehler, Donald Glover, Aziz Ansari
What: Upright Citizens Brigade is an improvisational and sketch comedy group that grew out of Chicago’s ImprovOlympics. They relocated to New York in 1996 before opening UCB Theatre in Los Angeles in 2005. While it’s not the oldest or biggest outfit, many of its performers have gone on to do big things in the entertainment industry, with alumni appearing on The Daily Show, Saturday Night Live and Parks & Recreation.
The Laugh Factory © Rach | Flickr
The Laugh Factory
Who: Kevin Nealon, Chris D’Elia, Jon Lovitz
What: The Laugh Factory might be the most recognizable name on this list, with Jamie Masada opening the venue in 1979 with a $10,000 loan from Neal Israel. The Sunset Boulevard building was formerly owned by Groucho Marx, and has seen the likes of Richard Pryor, David Letterman and Jay Leno. The Laugh Factory also hosts an open mic night every Tuesday, with Masada in the audience screening for headliners.
The Comedy & Magic Club
Who: Jerry Seinfeld, Daniel Tosh, Ray Romano
What: For four decades, this club has had some of the best emerging comedians perform on its stage. It was host to Jerry Seinfeld’s first headlining gig and continues to serve as Jay Leno’s home base every Sunday. The venue is filled with memorabilia, from Seinfeld’s “Puffy Shirt” to Ray Romano’s wardrobe from Everybody Loves Raymond.
The Groundling Theatre © Zemistor | Flickr
The Groundlings
Who: Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy
What: The Groundlings has arguably the most impressive alumni on this list, with performers going on to find success in the top ranks of film and television. For just $15, the Sunday Company’s improv and sketch shows feature the best up-and-coming talent, some of whom will probably be movie stars in the near future.
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