Compiled and updated by B.L. Rice
The following list of comedy clubs also includes cabaret spaces that feature comedy. Note performance nights and/or special events. Certain spaces have open mic nights; others only book professional, self-contained acts. For those wishing to perform, check with that particular venue's booking manager. Performers should go and look at the club's shows to see what acts are featured (traditional stand-up, alternative, sketch, improv, etc.) rather than mailing at random. Ask the host of a show how to be booked. Many of the shows may be only renting the space, so the booking person may be at a different telephone number. If anyone wishes to be added to this list, write to B.L. Rice, Listings Editor, Back Stage, 770 Broadway, 6th fl., NYC 10003; or fax (646) 654-5742.
Listings marked with an asterisk (*) were correct as of May 2001.
NEW YORK CITY
Ars Nova Theatre
511 W. 54 St.
New York, NY 10019
(212) 977-1700
Tues. – Automatic Vaudeville
Booker: John Steingart
Also, first Mon. of each month,
Broadway Spotlight Series
Booker: Gordon Greenberg
B3 Lounge
33 Avenue B
New York, NY 10009
(212) 614-9755
Tues. open mic from 9pm-2am;
and Sat., 6-10pm.
Tues. booker: Henry
Wed. evening performances.
Wed. booker: Becky
Bank Street Theatre
155 Bank St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 633-6533
Available for comedy acts, sketch, improv, stand-up, and variety.
No open mic nights.
Booker: Dan Wackerman
Bar None
98 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 977-9755
Tues. – "Big Fun"
New talent and established performers.
New acts should speak to contact person, first.
Contact Thurs.-Sat. after 8pm: Chris
Boston Comedy Club
82 W. 3 St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 477-1000
Performances all wk.
Booker: Gina Savage
For new talent, call (212) 769-7926.
Carolines Comedy Club
1626 Broadway (between 49-50 sts.)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 757-4100
Performances all wk.
Booker: Louis Faranda
For new talent night, send tapes c/o "New Talent Night."
Call above tel. number for information for other events.
Collective Unconscious
145 Ludlow St.
New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-5277
Wed. night "Anti-Slam" with Reverend Jen.
$3.00 fee to perform; sign-up begins at 7:45pm.
Call above tel. number for information for other events.
Comedy Cellar
117 MacDougal St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 254-3480
Performances all wk.
Booker: Estee Adoram
Comic Strip Live
1568 Second Ave.
New York, NY 10028
(212) 861-9386
Performances all wk.
Mon. - amateur night; featured performers rest of wk.
Booker: Lucien Hold
The Cubbyhole
281 W. 12 St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 243-9041
Sun. - open mic, also first Tues. & Wed. of every month.
Booker: Kate McCabe
Dangerfield's
1118 First Ave.
New York, NY 10021
(212) 593-1650
Performances all wk. year-round.
Established performers only.
Booker: Linda Rohe
The Den at Two Boots
44 Avenue A
New York, NY 10009
No open mic.
Thurs. – "Happy Hour"
Established performers.
For inquiries, contact: Tim Halpern (212) 677-6770
Don't Tell Mama
343 W. 46 St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 757-0788
Self-contained acts only.
No open mic for comedians.
Presents acts booked by independent producers who have evenings of stand-up comedy, comedy shows, and 60-minute acts only. Don't Tell Mama itself does not book acts or individual spots. To be considered for a comedy showcase, submit videos to Ron Poole, c/o "Don't Tell Mama."
The Duplex
61 Christopher St.
New York, NY 10014
Books one-hr.-long sets and group acts.
Call Poppi Kramer for "Suddenly Comic"
event on Wed., downstairs.
No open mic.
Booker: Phil Bond
(212) 989-3015 (10am-5pm; cabaret bookings only)
Booker: Poppi Kramer (Wed. event)
(212) 714-4756
East End Ensemble
273 Smith St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 624-8878
Website: www.eastendensemble.com
Thurs. – open mic
Sat. – "Brooklyn Brew Ha Ha"
Booker: Kathleen Delaney
Fez Under Time Café
380 Lafayette St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 533-7000
Sun. & Wed. eves.
No open mic.
Established performers only.
Booker: Brian Winters
Gershwin Hotel
7 E. 27 St.
New York, NY 10016
(212) 545-8000
Website: www.gershwinhotel.com
Wed. Night Comedy Night All-Stars
Wed. booker: Jimmy Sailla
Thurs. - weekly comedy show
Thurs. booker: Patrick Borelli
Fri. - "Portable Comedy"
Booker & performer: Julias Sharpes
Sat. - 10:17 Comedy Night
Sat. bookers: Bricken & Michael
Gladys' Comedy Room
145 W. 45 St.
(inside Hamburger Harry's)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 832-1762
Performance all week.
Wed. - open mic.
Once a month, new talent.
Booker: Gladys
Sun.-Tues. & Thurs. booker: Adam Hunter
Gotham Comedy Club
34 W. 22 St.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 367-9000
Performances all wk.
Fri. & Sat. - pre-shows. at 6:30pm
Booking: Jessica, (212) 946-5288
Send tapes to Attn: Booking Dept.
Wed. (once a month) – "Girls, Girls, Girls"
Booker: Jodi Wasserman, (212) 501-6016
For new talent shows, taping night, and other,
call Ellen Lloyd, (212) 219-8525.
Gramercy Comedy Club
35 E. 21 St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 254-5709
Performances Wed.-Sat.
Booker: Mark, (212) 972-0170
Indigo
487 Amsterdam Ave.
New York, NY 10024
(212) 362-0373
Mon. - comedy night.
Mon. booker: Chris Deluca
Joe's Pub
Joseph Papp Public Theater
425 Lafayette St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 539-8770 (gen. info.)
Performances all week.
Established performers only. No open mic.
Contact: Bill Bragin, (212) 539-8500
Kenny's Castaways
157 Bleecker St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 979-9762 (Call Mon. around 8:30-9pm)
Mon. – Zingers Show
Bookers: Dan and Travis
Lattes & Laughs at
Cosi Coffee & Bar
2160 Broadway
New York, NY 10024
(212) 595-5616
Mon. - comedy night from 8:30-10pm.
Bookers: Miriam Albert & Denise Bongiovanni
(Mon. night best time to contact bookers in person)
Luna Lounge
171 Ludlow St.
New York, NY 10002
Mon. – "Eating It" comedy night at 8pm.
(212) 260-2323
For booking information, visit website www.eatingit.net.
New York Comedy Club
241 E. 24 St.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 696-LAFF
Performances all wk.
Sat. - new talent Sat. at 6:30pm.
Mon. - open mic 5-8pm.
Ask for schedule
Booker: Al Martin
The Original Improv
Organizing new location soon.
For further information, call: (212) 475-6147
Contact: Silver Saundors Friedmann
Parkside Lounge
317 E. Houston (corner of Attorney)
New York, NY 10002
(212) 673-6270
Tues. - open mic at 8pm.
$5.00 sign-in fee which includes one drink.
Bookers: Joey Gay and Damien Sammarco
*Pips Comedy Club
2005 Emmons Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
(718) 646-9433
Wed. - new talent & open mic at 9pm.
Fri. & Sat. - performances.
Booker: Ray Garbey
P.S. NBC at HERE
145 Ave. of the Americas
New York, NY 10013
(212) 647-0202 ext. 301
No open mic.
Lou Viola, prod'r and booker
The Red Room Theatre
85 E. 4 St.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-6088
Books sketch comedy & improv.
Also is a rental space.
Bookers: Erez Ziv and Kimo DeSean
Space run by the Horse Trade Management.
Rose's Turn
55 Grove St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 366-9658
Performances all wk.
Downstairs has open mic.
Booker: Collette Black
Sam's Dreamstreet Cabaret
263 W. 45 St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 719-5416
No open mic.
Performance held once a month on Thurs.
Established performers.
Contact: Ken Lundie
Siberia
356 W. 40 St.
New York, NY 10018
(212) 252-2090
Tues. – The Shecky Eichman Show
Booker (except for Tues. show): Kieran (212) 333-4141
Sidewalk
94 Avenue A
New York, NY 10009
(212) 473-7373
Performances all week.
Sun. - performances at 10pm.
Mon. - open stage; sign-up at 7:30pm; show at 8pm.
Mon. booker: Lach
St. Marks Theatre
94 St. Marks Pl.
New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-6088
Books sketch comedy & improv.
Also is a rental space.
Bookers: Erez Ziv and Kimo DeSean
Space run by the Horse Trade Management.
Stand-Up NY
236 W. 78 St.
New York, NY 10024
(212) 595-0850
Performances all wk.
Sun.-Thurs. - new talent show at 6:30pm.
Booker: Richard Brooks
Stingy Lulu's
129 St. Marks Pl.
New York, NY 10009
Performances all week.
Open mic.
Surf Reality
172 Allen St., 2nd fl.
New York, NY 10002
(212) 673-4182
Website: www.surfreality.org
Performances all wk.
Ask about monthly events.
Sun. - open mic at 8pm.
Booker: Rob Prichard
Sweet Carolines
369 W. 46 St.
New York, NY 10036
(212) 977-3884
Mon. – Comedy Group
Tues.-Fri. – performances
Booker: Exiene
The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
161 W. 22 St. (btwn. Sixth-Seventh aves.)
New York, NY 10011
(212) 366-9176
Sketch comedy and improv.
Features the Upright Citizens Brigade.
Books outside performers (this is also a rental space).
For more info., call above telephone number.
The Village Lantern
167 Bleecker St.
New York, NY 10012
Thurs. – "The Industry Room Show"
(This is a company of performers.)
Ye Olde Tripple Inn
263 W. 54 St.
New York, NY 10019
(212) 245-9849
Sat. - performances at 10:30pm.
Attn: Susie Felber/Felber's Frolics.
NEW JERSEY
Bananas Comedy Club
Holiday Inn
283 Rte. 17 South
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604
(201) 727-1090
Fri. & Sat. performances.
No open mic.
Established performers.
Booker: Roger Paul
(212) 262-0008 (Paul's direct line)
Calaloo Cafe
190 South St.
Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 993-1100
Fri. & Sat. performances.
No open mic.
Booker: Gary Grant Talent Assocs., Inc.
(516) 944-7547
Casba Comedy Club
Atlantic & Spicer aves.
Wildwood, NJ 08260
(609) 522-8444
Season runs Memorial Day weekend
through mid-Oct.
First show is dinner show.
Performances weekends June and Sept.-Oct.
Performances all wk -July-Aug.
Booker: Mark Vito
*Catch a Rising Star at Princeton
Hyatt Regency
102 Carnegie Center
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 987-1234
Booker: Kevin Kearny
(702) 891-5553
*Comedy Cabaret
Holiday Inn at Runnymede
109 E. 9th Ave.
Runnymede, NJ 08078
(856) 312-1113
Website: www.comedycabaret.com
Thurs., Fri., and Sat. performances.
Booker: Carol Connelly
(215) 322-6642
Comedy Stop @ Tropicana Casino and Resort
PO Box 519
Longport, NJ 08403
Booker: Bob Kephart
(609) 822-7353 (booking)/ fax (609) 822-8010
Hathaway's Comedy Room
36 Broad St.
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
(973) 927-1574
Email: mickeywho@email.com
Monthly event comedy showcase and open mic night ,featuring numerous stand-up comedians.
First Sat. of every month.
Sign up at 11pm or call ahead at (973) 927-1574.
Booker and MC: Mickey Loesch
Laughs on Us
Covello's
1538 Route 23N
Butler, NJ 07405
(973) 838-2900
Thurs. - open mic.
Sat. – performances.
Booking: Tony Covello
Pietro's Sports & Comedy Café
105 Midland Ave.
Wallington, NJ 07057
(973) 778-1133
Wed. - After Work Comedy Hour
Every other Sat. - variety show with open mic
Other Sat. - headliners
Also features numerous stand-up comedians at least twice a month.
Porky's Comedy Club
239 Route 206
Cranberry Lake
Byram, NJ 07821
(973) 347-0200
Sat. - performances.
No open mic.
Booker: Daniel C. Abrahamsen-DCA Productions
(212) 245-2063
Rascal's Comedy Club
1500 Highway 35
Ocean Township, NJ 07712
(732) 517-0002
Tues.-Sun. performances (no open mic).
Booker: Top Draw Entertainment
(718) 896-4001
Rascal's Comedy Club
425 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
(973) 736-2726
Performances Mon.-Sun.
Mon. - open mic.
Tues. - regular performances.
Wed.-Sun. - regular performances.
Booker: Top Draw Entertainment, Tony Kamacho
(718) 896-4001
Stress Factory
90 Church St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 545-4242
Performances Wed.-Sun.
Wed. - open mic.
Booker: Vinnie Brand
LONG ISLAND AND WESTCHESTER, NY
*Bananas Comedy Club at Elmsford
Ramada Inn
540 Saw Mill River Rd.
Elmsford, NY 10523
(914) 592-0700
Performances Sat. only (no open mic).
Booker: Roger Paul
(212) 262-0008
Bananas Comedy Club at Poughkeepsie
Best Western Hotel
Route 9
Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
(845) 462-3333
Performances Fri. & Sat. (no open mic).
Booker: Roger Paul
(212) 262-0008
Brokerage
2797 Merrick Road
Bellmore, NY 11710
(516) 785-8655
Performances Thurs.-Sun.
Mid-month of Wed. – acoustic guitar
First Thurs. of each month - open mic.
Booker: Linda Rohe
Governor's Comedy Cabaret
and Restaurant
90 Division Ave.
Levittown, NY 11756
(516) 731-3358
Performances Thurs.-Sun.
Open mic once a month.
Booker: James Finn
Governor's Comedy Shop
and Restaurant
2320 Rte. 112
Medford, NY 11763
(631) 207-9212
Performances Fri. and Sat.
No open mic.
Booker: James Finn
McGuire's Comedy Club
1627 Smithtown Ave.
Bohemia, NY 11716
(631) 467-5413
Thurs. - open mic. and improv night.
Fri., Sat., and Sun. - featured performers.
Booker: John R. Ryerson
CONNECTICUT
City Steam Comedy Club
942 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 525-1600
Performances Fri. and Sat.
Booker: John Schuler
(203) 366-0867
CHICAGO AREA
Comedy Comedy
Wyndham Hotel
3000 Warrenville Rd.
Lisle, IL 60532
Mailing address:
PO Box 3226
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 226-9700
Email: bert@comedycomedy.com
Website: www.comedycomedy.com
Performances Fri. & Sat.
Featured performers.
Booker: Bert Borth
Zanies at Chicago
1548 N. Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 337-4027
Performances Tues.-Sun.; featured performers.
Holds auditions by appointment.
No open mic.
Booker: Bert Haas
Zanies at Pheasant Run
Pheasant Run Resort
4051 E. Main St.
St. Charles, IL 60174
(630) 513-1761
Performances Thurs.-Sat.; featured performers.
Booker: Bert Haas
Zanies at Vernon Hills
230 Hawthorn Village Commons
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
(847) 549-6030
Performances Wed.-Sat.; featured performers.
Booker: Brian Dorfman
LOS ANGELES AREA
Comedy & Magic Club
1018 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 372-1193
No open mic.
Featured performers.
Performances Tue.-Sun.
Booker: Mike Lacey (send VHS tape)
The Comedy Store
8433 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 656-6225
Performances all week.
Featured performers.
Sun.-Mon. – "potluck" (open mic)
Check for schedule.
For booking, contact talent office.
Ice House
24 N. Mentor Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 577-1894
Performances Tues.-Sun.; featured performers.
Call to audition for Sun. All-Star Variety Night (auditions 2nd & 4th Sat.)
Booker: Elaine Tallas-Cardone
The Improv
8162 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 651-2583
Performances all wk.; featured performers.
Booker: Erin Von Schonfeldt
Improvisation at Irvine
71 Fortune, Ste. 841
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 854-5455
Performances all week.
Closed Mon.
Featured performers.
Tues. – open mic
Bookers: Erin Von Schonfeldt & Matt
L.A. Connection Comedy Theater
13442 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 784-1868
Website: www.laconnectioncomedy.com
Performances Thurs.-Sun.
Also stand-up rep group on Thurs.
Call for auditions.
Covers many areas-improv, sketch, etc.
Comedy improv for kids on Sun.
Associated with Dick Clark Productions to develop shows.
Also do dramatic improv & dub funny soundtracks.
Booker: Kent Skov