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The Improv
LA Improv
Overview: I’ll start out by saying that the Improv can dent the wallet with a $20 cover charge and a two drink minimum at around $10 per drink. Alright, that being said, you never know who’ll show up at The Improv and THAT is a real delight because comedians you recognize like to pop in. The Improv is located in West Hollywood on Melrose Ave a block and a half west of the major cross street, Crescent Heights Blvd.
The Improv is undoubtedly the most popular and famous of the stand-up comedy clubs in Los Angeles. How can I make this claim? I have been near the stage when Chris Rock out of the blue and performed on stage for more than an hour. I believe he was working on a special so he needed to tune up and test his material out. I’ve also seen one of the funniest and most outrageous improvs hosted and performed by Drew Carrey and his team, including the very hilarious and talented Ryan Stiles, both of whom starred in The Drew Carey Show.
Improv in LA
Virtually every successful comedian has had his/her turn here, including Jim Carrey and Jerry Seinfeld. The Improv is the stuff of legends. Inside, you’ll enter a bar area. It’s kind of small so if you’re in a wheelchair, get in a bit earlier so you don’t have to wade through a ton of people. The stage room is in the back and has a few sections and gets filled up quickly. The back section is up a step. Both the section surrounding the stage and the back have tables where you can eat and drink. If you purchase a meal, you can work it out with your waiter about disregarding the two drink minimum.
Check out The Improv (or Groundlings) if you’re in Los Angeles only for a week. Well worth it. Even the warmup acts are pretty funny.
Location: 8162 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Site: http://www.symfonee.com/Improv/hollywood/home/index.aspx
Ph: 323-651-2583
Hours: Mon – Fri, 6:30pm doors open, Sat – Sun, 6pm doors open
Cost: $20 entrance fee, drinks around $10, food around $15
Parking: Melrose Ave at this point is not super packed so there are metered parking spots on the streets. However, if you park in the residential areas, be careful of “Permit Only” signs. But, if you have a handicap placard, you’ll be fine.
Accessibility: The Improv is wheelchair accessible but the stage room draws a huge volume of people, so the room shrinks into tight quarters. Use the restroom before the show or sit near the entrance of the stage room for easier access.
Getting There: www.metro.net, www.ladottransit.com