From Mid City Inn’s side of Los Angeles, The Groundlings offers an evening of live sketch comedy and improvisation on Melrose Avenue. Founded by Gary Austin in 1974, the theatre also runs a school; plan around a scheduled performance and arrive early, since late seating is not allowed once a show begins.
- Location: 7307 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90046.
- Show pattern: performances run on different nights of the week.
- Tickets: available online, by phone or in person, subject to availability.
What to expect at a Groundlings show
The Groundlings presents sketch comedy and improvisation, with different formats and performers across its show schedule. The theatre was founded by Gary Austin in 1974 and also operates a school.
Audience members must be at least 16 years old. Performances may include adult language, sexual innuendo and mature themes, so keep that audience guidance in mind when choosing a show.
Current shows and ticket details
The Groundlings' show schedule includes regular performances on several nights, though listings can change; check the official site before you go.
Cirque-Du-Groundlings is a Main Company sketch-and-improvisation show on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm. The Completely Different Late Show follows on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:30pm; it is an 80-minute Main Company sketch-and-improvisation performance.
The Crazy Uncle Joe Show is a long-form improv show with special guests on Wednesdays at 8pm, while Cookin’ with GAS is a short-form improv show on Thursdays at 8pm. The Sunday Who Shagged Me is a weekly sketch show by Groundlings School performers on Sundays at 7:30pm.
You can buy tickets online, by phone or in person, subject to availability. Sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges. For a sold-out show, free standby admission may be available if seats are open or unclaimed at showtime; the line starts 30 minutes beforehand, and admission is not guaranteed.
How should you plan your arrival?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to allow time before the performance. The lobby opens 30 minutes before the show, and theatre doors open 15 minutes before.
Be at the theatre with your tickets no later than showtime: seats may be given to the standby line if ticket holders have not arrived. Once a performance starts, late seating is not permitted. If you leave during the show, you may have to wait until an appropriate break or intermission to return.
Street parking is available in neighborhoods on and around Poinsettia Place; read posted parking signs carefully. CurbStand valet is at 7315 Melrose Avenue for roughly $10 cash and is closed Monday.
National Parking valet is at 7275 Melrose Avenue for roughly $10 cash, behind Summer Buffalo on Poinsettia. Melrose Avenue meters normally operate until 8pm and are normally free after 8pm.
Alcohol is prohibited unless otherwise stated for a special event, and the facility is smoke-free, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vaping. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the theatres, except water; soft drinks and snacks are offered in the lobby.
How do you get to The Groundlings?
The theatre and Main Stage are at 7307 Melrose Avenue, while the school and Gary Austin Theatre are at 7280 Melrose Avenue. Check the specific show listing for its venue so you arrive at the right address.
From Mid City Inn, Expo/La Brea station is about 23 minutes on foot or 4 minutes by car; the Los Angeles Metro stations and routes can help you plan transit around your visit. You could also pair a show with a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
FAQs
How early should you arrive?
The theatre advises arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime. Its lobby opens 30 minutes before the show, and doors open 15 minutes before.
Can you get into a sold-out show?
Free standby admission may be offered if open or unclaimed seats are available at showtime. The line begins 30 minutes before the performance, but admission is not guaranteed.
Are tickets refundable or exchangeable?
No. The theatre says ticket sales are final and does not offer refunds or exchanges.
Is The Groundlings suitable for children?
Audience members must be 16 or older, and performances may include adult language, sexual innuendo and mature themes.