As the entertainment capital of the world, L.A. is a breeding ground for hot new talent. Just enter one of the many Los Angeles comedy clubs and catch a rising star.
Laugh Factory on Sunset
Laugh Factory in Hollywood
Jamie Masada opened this Los Angeles comedy club in 1979. Among the comedians who have performed at the club are Tim Allen, Louie Anderson, Roseanne Barr, Milton Berle, David Brenner, Nick Cannon, Drew Carey, Jerry Seinfeld, Damon Wayans, Chris Tucker, George Carlin, Jim Carrey, Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, Rodney Dangerfield, Ellen DeGeneres, Phyliss Diller, Jeff Dunham, Jeff Foxworthy, Redd Foxx, Bill Maher, and countless others.
The Groundlings Theater on Melrose
This school and theater, which has an amazing reputation for improvisation and sketch comedy, has been around since 1974. Many of the familiar faces you see on film and television started on their stage, including, Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman) Kathy Griffin, Will Ferrell, Michael McDonald, Kristen Wiig, Larraine Newman, Phil Hartman, Melissa McCarthy, Cheri Oteri, Lisa Kudrow and Jon Lovitz. Thursday is alumni night and you never know who’s going to pop up and perform.
Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip
Opened in 1972 by Sammy and Mitzi Shore in the same location as the legendary Ciro’s Restaurant and Nightclub. Just look at the signatures of the famous comedians that are scrawled onto the building, and you can understand how many careers this venue has helped launch.
The Comedy Store
Hollywood Improv
Bud Freidman opened this Los Angeles comedy club on 1974. Just about every famous comedian has hopped up on this stage with the familiar faux brick background. The Improv has hosted Richard Lewis, Paul Reiser, Richard Belzer, Carol Leifer, Milton Berle, Jerry Seinfeld, Drew Carey, George Carlin, Chevy Chase, Bill Cosby, Billy Crystal, Rodney Dangerfield, Jeff Dunham, David Letterman, Steve Martin, Freddie Prinze, Joan Rivers, Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall, Bill Hicks, Ron White, Marc Maron, Joe Rogan, Dennis Miller, Bill Maher, and Larry Miller.
Other Los Angeles comedy clubs to check out include IO West, and UCB – Upright Citizens Brigade, and Uncaberet.
For updated information on things to do in Los Angeles, and private tours, visit Glitterati Tours.
