Laughing can be considered a way to lower anxiety and stress, to get in a pleasurable abdominal workout, and to guarantee a good and memorable night out. If you need a little laughter, you can find it right here in the Twin Cities at these spots.
You may remember the improvisational comedy showed that aired on ABC (and is now back on the CW), Whose Line Is It Anyway?. The shows at ComedySportz are similar in style: audience members shout out suggestions for the comedians to perform and every scene and line is made up on the spot. Content is lighthearted and family-friendly, so dirty suggestions result in the referee calling “brown bag foul,” and you’ll end up wearing a paper bag over your head.
Attack of the Best of the Brave New Workshop;
photo by Dani Werner
Founded in 1958 by Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey circus aerialist Dudley Riggs, the Brave New Workshop is the longest running satirical sketch comedy and improvisational theater in the U.S. Since its founding, the workshop has put on more than 250 original productions and exposed more than 3 million people to the theater’s comedy. Now Playing: Attack of the Best of the Brave New Workshop. Celebrating 55 years, this best-of revue compiles fans favorite sketches from the 1970s to 2013 into one monstrous night of comedy.
To see nationally known comics who have appeared on the likes of Leno, Letterman, Kimmel, Conan, The Daily Show, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, HBO and more, check out these spots:
- Rick Bronson’s House of Comedy: featuring Felicia Michaels (Aug. 21-25) and Mark Poolos (Aug. 28-Sept. 1).
- Acme Comedy Company: open mic nights every Monday. Featuring Tim Slagle (Aug. 20-24) and Emily Galati (Aug. 27-31).
- Joke Joint Comedy Club: open mic nights every Wednesday. Featuring Joe Klocek (Aug. 22-24) and Tommy Ryman (Aug. 29-31).
Located in the basement of the Corner Bar, the Comedy Corner Underground is a not-for-profit comedy club that works toward building the local comedy scene. It’s a tiny room that only seats up to 75 people, but while you’re supporting Minneapolis comedians you also get an intimate comedy experience. Considered the best open mic night in town, every Friday night you can see new and seasoned comedians perform. Other featured shows are held Thursday through Saturday.
