Sunday, September 9, 2012

An Evening Of Non-Stop Laughter In Comedy Clubs Los Angeles

By Kerri Turner


If you want to be entertained to an evening listening to jokes, then you need to go to the comedy clubs Los Angeles. Unlike theater productions which are long and have a story line, these clubs showcase comedians who rattle off jokes and funny stories. These are monologues which are about half an hour in duration.

The barrooms are laid out with tables facing a small stage. Patrons are served with food and drinks. A comedian will come on-stage and entertain the crowd to a non-stop series of short jokes and stories. Props are not usually used but occasionally a ventriloquist dummy may be seen and musical instruments.

The comedy clubs Los Angeles are unofficially classified in three categories. The 'A' rooms are those which feature comics who are already well known and famous and who may be appearing on TV shows as well. At the other end of the spectrum are the 'C' rooms which are cheaper and feature unknown and aspiring comics. The clientele are mainly composed of walk-ins rather than regulars.

The 'B' rooms are midway between the two . The entertainers have proved themselves and the crowd is quite discriminating. Serious comedians try hard to get to perform here so that they are accepted. Different varieties of humor can be seen. These range from political satire to racist material.

One of the styles of joking is to bounce off the audience. In this scenario the entertainer engages in conversation with the people generally seated close to the stage. Sometimes the jokes are pleasant and the target can enjoy the humor even if he or she is the butt of it. But many times the comedian makes crude and hurtful remarks which are not pleasant at all. These front rows are premium and cost more than regular prices.

These comedy barrooms usually serve food and liquor. The food is not a high priority but is usually tolerable. Most of the clubs have a two drink minimum requirement. Some of the cheaper ones pester the patrons to order more and more liquor and this can be a pain.

Such places of entertainment serve a useful purpose by unearthing talent. Would-be comedians first try their acts in these bars. This can be the toughest test as the audience gives instant feedback by cheering or jeering. Comedians learn from these experiences and become better or decide to give up. Many famous comedians like Bob Hope, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams and others started their careers in these stand-up bars.

In the past many of the comedy clubs did not pay the performers presuming that they have given the artists the opportunity to showcase their talent. Unfortunately many of the performers had no other source of income and faced tremendous hardships. This led to a famous strike at the Comedy Center which culminated in a public suicide of one of the striking artists. Although the club did not agree to pay the performers there was a gradual change and now all performers get paid for their work.

An evening at one of the comedy clubs Los Angeles is a great treat for anyone. A pleasant environment, good food and drink and a discriminating audience combine with the side-splitting antics of the comedians to give a fantastic experience. They would not be surprised to discover that they the unknown artist in front of them has become a famous and popular comic in subsequent years.




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