Los Angeles Theater & Comedy

Los Angeles theater and comedy will take you from laughing to crying to laughing…all in about five minutes. Here’s the low down on theater and comedy shows in Los Angeles, California.

Hollywood Theaters

If you’re staying in northern Los Angeles, odds are that you’ll attend a show in Hollywood. Theaters in Hollywood include the grand Hollywood Pantages Theater, The Fonda Theater, The Dolby Theater and Ricardo Montalban Theater.

These iconic venues lined the streets of downtown Hollywood and offer some of the most famous names in show business. Don't forget to find your favorite star's name on Hollywood Blvd before heading to the theater. 

UCB 

UCB, also known as the Upright Citizens Brigade, opened in New York in 1996. Its main purpose was to stage improvised comedy shows using the teachings and methods of Chicago-style improv. In 2005, the venture moved west and opened up two locations in Hollywood proper.

UCB has a full comedy schedule every night and low-price tickets can be purchased online. Be sure to get there early as seats are first-come first-serve!

Pro –tip: Both UCB locations offer valet parking for $5.

The Largo

This joint is a local favorite and an often-skipped stop on the grand comedy tour of LA. If you’re really looking to escape the touristy-feel of Los Angeles, this is your “local flavor” spot.

As soon as you walk into Largo, you’ll feel transported back in time. It feels like an old speakeasy. It’s an open-air complex with a bar in one room and a theater in another. The courtyard serves as an area for hob-knobbing and joke-telling between shows.

Notable comedians feel at-home here and respect the space. There are no photos or cell phones allowed and the venue encourages you to be in-the-moment and present. Stars like Sarah Silverman and Pete Holmes have monthly shows at The Largo and can often be found at the bar after the show if you’re looking for a quick chat.

The best hidden gem at The Largo is a show called “Improvised Shakespeare.” The small cast, clad Shakespearean-era garb, take a suggestion from the audience. They then build an entirely improvised show around themes, language, and tropes inspired by the bard himself.  You don’t need to be a Shakespeare-buff to appreciate this show and you’ll leave Largo having laughed harder and felt smarter than you have in a long time.

Pro-tip: You will need to purchase Largo tickets online beforehand. However, go to the theater immediately when the doors open (usually an hour before show time). Seat assignments start when the doors open and you’ll get a better seat if you’re early. In the free-time, grab a drink at the bar or walk the streets of the historic area.