Company: History

ComedySportz Los Angeles is an improvisational theatre company specializing in interactive entertainment. A production of the National Comedy Theatre, ComedySportz Los Angeles was founded in 1988 by James Thomas Bailey, Artistic Director and Producer. Our most popular show is called simply ComedySportz; since its opening at West Coast Ensemble Theatre in Hollywood, ComedySportz has played continuously to sold-out houses. It played at the Tamarind Theatre in Hollywood from 1992 until moving into our new theatre in 2002. ComedySportz is the longest running show in Los Angeles.

ComedySportz Los Angeles has entertained at hundreds of corporate, institutional and private events. They have become experts at providing custom entertainment and teambuilding workshops. 

ComedySportz 

ComedySportz, ComedySportz Los Angeles' most popular show, pits two teams of comedians against each other in friendly competition. Played just like a sport, the show is complete with referee, Astroturf, a ballpark organ and the national anthem. The audience helps pick the games, yells suggestions and ultimately decides the winners. Always bouncing from the mildly cerebral to slapstick, ComedySportz appeals to all ages. ComedySportz is performed by our Main Company, College Team and Sunday Team.

ComedySportz was originally conceived by Dick Chudnow and first performed in Milwaukee, where it continues to play today. For more historical information, visit ComedySportz Worldwide.

Other Shows

In addition to its competitive team improvisation show, ComedySportz Los Angeles produces U-sical, a full length, Broadway-style, improvised musical based on the life of audience member;  The High, an improvised teen soap, and Mix, a variety show with improvisation, sketch, comedians and music. These shows are also performed at the National Comedy Theatre. Shows that are available for corporate and private functions include all of the above plus ComedyCourt, wherein audience members are allowed to sue each other for grievances no real court would touch, and Blind Date, an improvised romantic comedy based on personal ads filled out by audience members.

During its two-decade history, ComedySportz Los Angeles produced The Impromptones, the critically acclaimed musical improv quartet. The Impromptones received standing ovations at theatres and comedy festivals across the country and overseas, appeared on many local and national TV and radio shows, created the live CD Steamy Monday and performed regularly at Cinegrill, Hollywood 's legendary cabaret, where they appeared an unprecedented 26 weeks. In 1998, ComedySportz Los Angeles also produced Ticket Takers at Universal Studios, performing improvisation and sketch comedy at CityWalk.

Educational Programs

ComedySportz LA is also proud of its educational programs, including actor training and corporate workshops. It is most proud of its high school program, The ComedySportz High School League®, where it trains comedy improv teams in 70+ schools from San Diego to Thousand Oaks. The League has been featured in numerous national publications, including Harper's, where the number of varsity letters in “comedy” provided by the League is featured each year in the Harper's Index.