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Laugh till you drop at a comedy shop.
 You’ll find plenty of comedy clubs to choose from, but the funniest
improv in town, we’re told, is at The Groundlings Theater, on Melrose
Avenue in Los Angeles. The Groundlings is a hip spot where budding
comedic actors are born, according to Sarah Wheeler ’05, director of the
five-college improvisational comedy troupe known as Without a Box.
“It’s one of the top three improv/comedy theatres in the country, boasting
such alumni as Phil Hartman, Maya Rudolph, Lisa Kudrow and many, many
more,’’ says Wheeler. “They’re constantly having old performers come
back, many of whom are famous. I’ve seen a lot of ‘Mad TV’ cast members
perform there, and the lady who played Frau Farbissina (Mindy Sterling)
in Austin Powers. They do improv and sketch comedy in a character
driven, edgy style.’’
Several Without a Box members have taken classes at The Groundlings,
including former director Mac Barnett ’04. “It isn’t exactly a clubby
club, so don’t go expecting overpriced drinks and food,’’ says Barnett.
“It’s one of two top-quality improvisational outfits in the country, the
other being Second City in Chicago. Plus it’s on Melrose, so afterwards
you can wander along looking for overpriced drinks and food.’’
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