Comedians of L.A.! Don’t sleep on this month’s offerings. Get out and perform, take in, or audition.
PERFORMANCES
Inclusive, feminist theater school The Ruby L.A. will play home to a stand-up show at 10 p.m. on May 5. Hosted by “Gaysian Queen of Comedy” Varut Chee, the show will feature Bendan Scannell (“Heathers”), Aidan Park (“Tosh.0”), Riley Silverman (“Not Safe With Nikki Glaser”), and more. (Tickets: $5)
Brett Gelman, an actor and comedian who has been in numerous TV shows and movies, is hosting a night of comedy at the Dynasty Typewriter at the Haysworth Theater on May 6. (Tickets: $10)
Comedian and writer James Veitch has performed at three Ted Talk events, one of which became the most viewed video of all time on their YouTube channel, and has sold out shows in Europe and Australia. He’ll be performing stand-up at the Hollywood Improv on May 10, so better grab tickets now. (Tickets: $15)
Check out this weekly stand-up showcase and cookout at Cafecito Organico Roasting Company on May 13. Recent surprise guests include Jermaine Fowler and Maria Bamford. Everyone in attendance will also receive free beer, hot dogs, and snacks. (Free)
Looking to check out something a little different? UCB co-founder Matt Besser is hosting a comedy sing-a-long and improv show on May 25 at UCB Sunset’s Inner Sanctum at 8 p.m. (Free)
A Comedy Store tradition, Pot Luck Pop Ins with 40 Comics begins with an open mic followed by developing comedians and employees honing their craft. As the night goes on, paid regulars are joined by celebrity pop-ins and unexpected surprises. The next show is on May 28. (Free)
EVENTS
The annual Los Angeles Comedy Fest will call Hollywood’s Let Theater home this year from May 17–20. This fest will premiere feature and short films as well as sets by up-and-coming comedians. (Tickets: $10 per event)
AUDITIONS + CASTING CALLS
“Good Neighbor,” a half-hour comedy pilot in the vein of “High Maintenance” and “You’re the Worst” is casting three leads (two females and one male). Auditions will be held by appointment in Santa Barbara on May 11 and 12. Check out the casting notice for more details.
“First Dates,” a new comedy about three couples who go on first dates at the same restaurant while one waiter witnesses it all unfold into chaos, will premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival. The show is currently casting all roles and rehearsals will begin in May.
“Shootin’ The Sh*t,” a comedic series about an out-of-market production studio, will be holding auditions for a variety of roles on May 5, 6, and 12 in Anaheim. Auditions are by appointment only, so check out the casting notice for details on how to sign up.
A parody of characters from the comic strip “Peanuts” is currently casting all roles. A small stipend is available and the show will run at The Sherry Theater in June.
An entertainment news parody show on YouTube is looking for its female anchor. The show shoots once per week in Studio City and pays $50/hour.
CLASSES
Looking to start learning improv? Check out this one-day workshop with actor Ben Weber on May 6 at the Electric Lodge. You’ll learn the art of improv, including how to listen, work together as a team, and tell a great story. This is a great class for beginners looking to get their feet wet in the improv world. The class is three hours and costs $59.
If you’re ready to get on the stage soon, check out this two-person show workshop at the Pack Theater taught by Miles Stroth, who did the first two-person longform in Chicago in 1998. You can either join with a partner or get paired up the first day of class. The class runs for eight weeks and is $310.
L.A. casting director Josh Einsohn is holding a three-week intensive ($165) beginning May 19 at Ace Studios in Burbank. Actors will be assigned paired scenes in the first class and will be doing mock auditions by week three.
Check out Backstage’s comedy audition listings!