18 Mar NYC Comedy Clubs That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
Are you tired of going to crowded NYC dance clubs with your friends? NYC has the world’s best comedy clubs where you can hangout with friends, enjoy a few drinks, and have a good laugh.
NYC Comedy Clubs — Small or Large Venue?
When selecting a venue from a list of NYC comedy clubs, you can choose from 2 basic performance settings. The smaller, boutique clubs tend to offer a personal, intimate experience where the show is the focus and headliner shows are rare. Small comedy clubs tend to offer showcase shows for up and coming comedians. Many small comedy clubs have some degree of new talent nights, giving the audience an opportunity to see a comedian before they are famous!
The comedy mega-clubs are just the opposite of the small comedy club. These venues offer cocktails in a lobby bar, dinner in a dining room, and post-show cocktails in the lounge. These venues will typically have headliner shows with A list celebrities. These large comedy clubs are the place to go to see renowned comedians.
Looking for something in between small and mega comedy club? In NYC you will be able to find several comedy venues that lie somewhere in between a small comedy club and a mega-club. These venues will offer a mix of showcase and headliner shows. Check their schedule to find out what type of comedy show they will offer on any particular night.
What Does Headline or Showcase Format Mean?
NYC comedy clubs offer 2 different types of shows. Comedy shows will be either a headline format or a showcase format.
A “headline” comedy format typically features an opening act known as a host or master of ceremonies (MC), who usually warms up the crowd and introduces the other performers. This is followed by one or two “middle” or “featured” acts, who perform 15- to 20-minute sets, followed by a headliner who performs for a longer period of time.
The “showcase” format consists of several comedy acts who perform for roughly equal lengths of time, typical in smaller clubs or at large events where the billing of several names allows for a larger venue than the individual comedians could draw on their own. A showcase format may still feature an MC.
NYC Comedy Clubs That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud
Here is a list of NYC comedy clubs for a light-hearted and fun night on the town.
Broadway Comedy Club
Formerly known as the Improv, the Broadway Comedy Club in New York City is located in the heart of Times Square. This club features 3 comedy showrooms and a cafe bar.
Carolines On Broadway
The club is a New York institution and was one of the cornerstones in the revitalization of the vibrant and bustling Times Square district. The 300-seat comedy theatre and supper lounge headlines many well-known comedians.
Comedy Cellar
The Comedy Cellar is a casual Greenwich Village comedy club, where many top New York comedians perform. The club is small and seating is limited but offers a full food and bar menu from the upstairs cafe, Olive Tree. Groups larger than 8 are not allowed. Comedy Cellar was founded in 1982 by then stand-up comedian, and current television writer/producer Bill Grundfest. The Comedy Cellar uses a showcase format, as opposed to a headline format like most clubs. A show will consist of between five and seven comics performing sets of roughly 20 minutes each.
Comic Strip Live
The Comic Strip Live is the oldest stand-up comedy showcase club in New York City and the world. Primarily a showcase club, the Comic Strip encourages performers to consistently write, perform and perfect new material. Once a year, the club holds an “Audition Lottery”, where aspiring newcomers line up to be given a date to try out their routine on “Audition Night”.
Dangerfield’s
Dangerfield’s is a comedy club located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York City, United States, and named after comedian Rodney Dangerfield. The club was founded by Rodney Dangerfield and long-time friend, Anthony Bevacqua, who still runs and operates the club today. Only headliners perform, with no amateur or open mic nights.
Gotham Comedy Club
The interior showroom walls of the Gotham Comedy Club are painted in a warm red tone while the hallway walls are the signature Gotham Yellow. Patrons feel as though they have been carried back in time as they enter the club, reminiscent as it is of the golden era of live theater entertainment. Gotham Comedy Club seats 300 and has a downstairs lounge for pre- and post- show cocktails. Open 7 nights a week, Gotham Comedy Club hosts a variety of theme shows.
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