About Los Angeles

As a global hub for the film and entertainment industries, Los Angeles has a reputation that precedes it. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, with sun-drenched beaches, engaging museums, and culturally rich neighborhoods to discover.

As home to some of the best comedy clubs in the U.S., Los Angeles is an ideal place to host an improv event. It boasts an extensive network of professional crews you can call upon, and a diversity of venues that range from private residences to purpose-built theaters.

Improv Options in Los Angeles

No matter the size or genre of your comedy event, you can find improv spaces in Los Angeles to suit your needs.

• Homes
  From farm-style cottages to modern suburban homes, you can find a variety of residences to host your next improv event. They offer a cozy and familiar atmosphere that will instantly put your audience members at ease.

• Warehouses
  Los Angeles’ warehouses offer an industrial setting that can range from run-down to super chic. They serve as a blank canvas for you to add your creative touch to, with plenty of space to work with.

• Studios
  Planning an intimate improv event? You can find plenty of film studios in the L.A. area that come complete with all the sound and audio gear you need. Some are conveniently equipped with green rooms and behind-the-scenes spaces.

• Theaters
  Los Angeles’ purpose-built theaters are an obvious choice for hosting your improv event, with sound and lighting gear, suitable seating, and ready-to-go stages all part of their appeal.
  
  
• Bars and Clubs
  Many of Los Angeles’ bars and clubs are ideal for hosting improv events and can be rented for private shows on request. The fact that they come with fully-staffed and stocked bars only adds to their advantage.

Performance and Event Companies in Los Angeles

Need help finding your dream improv venue in Los Angeles or planning your event? You can secure the services of one of the city’s experienced event management companies to handle all the behind-the-scenes logistics.

• Sequoia Productions
  Sequoia Productions plans, designs, and produces some of the most prestigious events in the city and offers a range of creative services. Whether you need assistance marketing your improv event or day-of management services, they will deliver a stress-free occasion.

• 360 Destination Group
  With two decades of experience in the event planning industry, the 360 Destination Group is one of L.A.’s premier teams. They boast an enviable position on Sunset Boulevard and pride themselves on delivering clients a stress and hassle-free experience.

• A Wynning Event
  A Wynning Event offers full-service event planning and design for weddings, corporate, and non-profit events, including improv shows. They have strong working relationships with some of L.A.’s leading vendors who can bring your improv event visions to life.

Pros and Cons of Improv Spaces in Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ international airport and network of experienced professionals are among the advantages of hosting an improv event here. But the high costs of living and heavy traffic are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind.

Advantages

• Established industry
  Los Angeles has a well-established comedy and improv industry, which means you already have prospective audience members who are willing to pay for standup shows.

• Diversity of venues
  L.A. Improv spaces range from industrial-style lofts and warehouses to intimate theaters and neighborhood homes, meaning you can find a venue to suit your needs.

• Experienced professionals
  Need sound engineers or stage crew to make your improv event a reality? Los Angeles has no shortage of professionals you can draw on who have extensive experience in the industry.

• Easy international connections
  If you’ve got performers or guests arriving from out-of-state, they can easily get to and from your improv space thanks to the city's well-connected international airport.
  
  
• Phenomenal weather
  With plenty of sunny and warm days throughout the year, Los Angeles is an ideal destination to host an improv event, either indoors or outdoors.

Disadvantages

• High costs of venues and services
  Los Angeles’s property prices are soaring, and vendors are in high demand, so you may pay more to host an event here than in other parts of Southern California.

• High costs of living
  Not only is Los Angeles a pricey place for a party, but the city’s costs of living are also high and should be taken into account if you’re planning on holding an event here.

• Traffic
  Before booking your improv space, consider how easy it will be to get to in light of the city’s notorious traffic. It’s particularly bad in the early morning and late evening during the daily rush hours.

• Parking
  Los Angeles parking spots are hard to find and this applies to the Downtown area and beyond. Expect to pay for parking and be prepared for a wait in some areas.

• Crime
  Some L.A. neighborhoods have high crime rates and are best avoided.

Famous Comedy Locations in Los Angeles

• Hollywood Improv
  First opened in 1974, this famous comedy club is part of The Improv chain originally founded in the New York City neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen. It hosts an exciting calendar of standup shows throughout the year, accompanied by an enticing menu of American favorites and specialty cocktails.

• The Comedy Store
  With names such as Dave Chappelle, Andy Kaufman, and Chris Rock having graced its stage, The Comedy Store is a standup staple on Sunset Boulevard. You can catch nationally-recognized names in the Original Room or see up-and-coming talents in the Belly and Main rooms.

• The Comedy Union
  The Comedy Union is the first African-American-owned and operated comedy club in Los Angeles and showcases both new and veteran comedians. It has a laid-back atmosphere and stands directly opposite Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, a legendary soul food restaurant chain founded by Herb Hudson.