10 Comedy Clubs in California That You Shouldn't Miss

Melrose Avenue's Groundlings have been practicing their high-octane brand of anything-goes improvisation for nearly three decades. Audiences know the group for their wacky sketch comedy and lightning audience participation rounds, but for aspiring comedians and writers it's the Groundlings School that's the real draw. With courses in beginning and advanced improv, sketch and monologue comedy, the school has trained several generations of young wits. Its alumni includes a laundry list of "SNL"-ers (Phil Hartman, Julia Sweeney, Will Ferrell, Laraine Newman), Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson and Emmy-winning "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow. The theatre was also the home of Paul Reubens' early, raunchier version of "Pee-Wee's Playhouse." With pristine standards and a pool of hundreds of talented newcomers to draw from, the troupe offers some of the quickest, cleverest improv in town, cozily presented in their own 100-seat theater.

This unforgettable evening begins as you enter into a historic speakeasy. The perfect setting for a remarkable evening of entertainment. Upon entering you will be escorted into the Oasis Lounge where you will witnesses world class sleight-of-hand magic prior to the main performance. A wonderful assortment of drinks and Moroccan appetizers are available for purchase prior to the show. You will then be escorted into our intimate showroom for Jay Alexander‘s unforgettable performance of magic, mentalism, and psychological feats such as human lie detection. This evening of entertainment will lift your spirits and leave a lasting memory. Find out why Bono of U2 called it “Astonishing” and Monty Python’s John Cleese said it was “Wonderful!" You'll witness intriguing feats of mentalism, sleight-of-hand miracles, and throughout, Jay Alexander’s clean comedy will keep you laughing! Get your tickets today!

Made Up Theatre is the Bay Area's home for improvised comedy and entertainment. Each show features an all-star cast of improvisers who use nothing but audience suggestions to create fresh and hilarious improvised scenes. Voted Best Comedy Theatre by Reader's Choice, we invite you to enjoy the night out and experience the magic and fun of improvisational comedy.

WHAT IS COMEDYSPORTZ? Two teams of players compete in an improv match for laughs and points, with a referee getting suggestions from the audience and calling fouls. Each show is different, with different players, different games, and different audiences supplying new suggestions. The fans judge the scenes, and decide the winners and losers. And who knows, an audience member might even make it up on stage! As Silicon Valley’s longest-running show, we’ve been named Best Comedy Venue and Best Local Theatre by the Metro’s Best of the Silicon Valley. If you like TV’s Whose Line Is It Anyway, you’ll love ComedySportz! WHO IS IT FOR? It’s a fun, fast-paced comedy show that’s great for the whole family, business entertainment, and groups of of all types. It’s the only entertainment that’s funny enough for bachelor parties, and still suitable for your faith-based or business group.

The best thing to do in Hollywood on a Wednesday! Voted "Best in LA" by the LA Magazine and LA Weekly. Boobietrap brings together world class performers from all over the world to bring you an unforgettable show experience. You'll see Magic Castle magicians, Cirque Du Soleil circus performers, Netflix Comedians, and surprise celebrity all in one show- doing their best four minutes on stage. “Wildly weird and entertaining!” - Huffington Post "I'll come back every time I'm in town for the good feeling it gave me!" -Academy Award winner Emma Thompson “Very fun!” - People’s Choice winner John Stamos “I had a blast” - MTV‘s Jackass’ Steve-O Audiences looking for a million laughs, a rollicking night out, and feed worthy photos are sure to say the same.

The National Comedy Theatre is San Diego's nationally acclaimed improv comedy show and the longest running show in the history of the city. Performances every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 & 9:45 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.

The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre is home for all things comedy. Founded by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh, our theatre features cheap, top-quality comedy 7 nights a week!

Mi's Westside Comedy Theater is right off the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica and features the best standup and improv in Los Angeles. Recently named "Favorite Los Angeles Comedy Club of 2012." We have shows seven nights a week, a beer and wine bar with over 30 beers to choose from and never a drink minimum! Come check us out, you'll be glad you did!