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Sacramento Comedy Spot
Category: Nightlife Comedy Clubs Comedy Clubs [Edit]
1050 20th StSte 130
Sacramento, CA 95811
Neighborhood: Midtown
(916) 444-3137
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street, Valet
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- No
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
54 reviews for Sacramento Comedy Spot
Review Highlights
"I've taken Improv 1, and Improv 2 twice."
(in 30 reviews)
"When the shows are good, they're fantastic."
(in 25 reviews)
"Check them out and you'll be entertained."
(in 8 reviews)
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54 reviews in English
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Review from Sean M.
Sacramento, CA
11/8/2011
YES! Finally, a comedy club without all the ridiculous trappings of comedy clubs. A comfortable environment, brilliant acts, busy calendar, awesome staff.
If you've never gone out for live comedy or if you had a bad experience watching some hack tell jokes about why he hates his wife or what it would sound like if Eddie Murphy, Ben Stein and U Thant were trapped in an elevator after over paying for two watered down drinks-have a cry, collect yourself and come by the Comedy Spot. It's a dream come true not only for comedians but for anyone who loves comedy. -
Review from Dan R.
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place turned me around on live comedy. Excellent, hilarious improv show!
Every once in a while, they bring in a "local celebrity" to interview on stage, and then base the sketches around that theme. I attended the one with the UCD brewing professor. They did an amazing job with their acts, complete with plenty of awkward silences, I haven't laughed that hard in a while. And it's cheap! Not exactly "clean" subjects all the time, but that's part of the fun. Love it. -
Review from Laurel M.
Davis, CA
1/20/2012
Lively location, wonderful pared down venue, solid improv, and lots of performances throughout the week.
You can get a drink at any one of the bars or restaurants in the neighborhood and then walk over for a delightful show with gifted performers. -
Review from John M.
Sacramento, CA
1/27/2012
The Comedy Spot is local in the best sense of the word. In the heart of midtown, Brian Crall has created a space to showcase and celebrate Sacramento's talent. Come on the weekends to see just how funny people in this town can be, or drop in during the week to take an improv class and see if you have what it takes to make it on stage.
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Review from emily v.
Sacramento, CA
11/23/2011
I was so excited to learn about Sac Comedy Spot, I adore live improv! The venue is open and simple, everyone is super friendly, and the calender is packed with a variety of shows through the week. On Saturday night you can see two shows for $12. With the bars and restaurants close by, this is the perfect addition to a date night...or check out Lady Business (every third Saturday of the month) for your girls' night out!
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Review from Michelle B.
Sacramento, CA
8/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have seen maybe two dozen shows from them. I have slowed my pace since moving out of midtown a couple of months ago, but I was back there again this past weekend for a Saturday night three show special (3 hours of comedy - $12!). So make that two dozen plus three = 27 shows I've seen.
It's cheap, good fun. It's just that simple.
Sure, there's variability in talent and quality but I that doesn't bother me any. It adds to the charm and sense of adventure. There are no guarantees in comedy, no matter the name or the cost.
Live comedy in such an intimate venue is an exciting experience in its own right. Especially exciting is the unscripted sketch comedy variety, which is quite a lot of what they do. There is electricity in the air, tension as the audience waits on bated breath to see how the comedians will develop a skit and punchline from the smallest amounts of starting material. Will they pull it off??
I'd like to sidebar here and say I have a whole lot of respect for the owner. Brian is a super funny guy in his own right (he's in a lot of the skit shows), but it takes a whole lot of something else to dedicate all your blood, sweat, tears... your soul into something you love. And he's created this funky, artsy, fresh comedy movement in lil ol midtown Sac. The Sac Comedy Spot embodies the creative spirit of the area - and not just one Saturday a month! Okay, I'm waxing poetic, but I've got to say that's pretty cool. It's worth going for that reason alone. But forget all that, just go and check out the shows! I bet you'll enjoy it! -
Review from Jenn N.
3/1/2011
I'm sure this will raise a few eyebrows but I love that I can bring my 16 year old here. You can only see so many movies or go bowling so many times. We were looking for something different and when I saw the tickets were only $8 in advance, we decided live comedy was the way to go.
We saw the Saturday evening Anti-cooperation League show and it was great. For this particular portion of the night; they invite a special guest, interview them for a few minutes and then use the information to produce a couple of improve skits.
Sure, some of the material was R-rated but my daughter goes to public high school and I'm not in denial. She was with me on a Saturday night, I knew where she was/what she was doing and we had a blast.
It's a pretty intimate setting. If you want one of the seats near the front, you would need to pay for the first couple of shows and just stay put. We were near the back but still enjoyed the show very much.
We are still quoting some of the funny things we took from the show. One of my favorite moments was when someone knocked over a couple of props backstage that made a very awkward ruckus. A minute later one of the actors burst through the door wearing everything that had been knocked over, turned around and walked right back off.
We'll be back! -
Review from Tara H.
1/30/2011 19 Check-ins Here
Hey YOU! Put down that remote, opt out of the crappy movie about "friends with benefits" and go support live, local comedy!
Last night was my second time in a week and I have officially found my new favorite fun spot. For $8, I can laugh at things like local tv personalities lives blasted on stage, monopoly characters having sex and Steven Hawkings new rap hit "I heart boobies." Yes folks, this is REAL.
Every improv team has their on and off nights, but last night they were on FIRE. Well over an hour later feeling energized and glad I skipped out on another boring movie.Listed in: Hella Nor.Cal!
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Review from Steve N.
3/23/2011
Potentially a hilarious time.
My first and only visit was a good time. Mrs N found out Donny G and his stories were going to be the inspiration for one of the improv sets. For $8 per person, it was well worth the trip from Contra Costa County. If you live closer, take a couple hours and catch a show.
It's a small setting...so that no mics were used for the performance. The team did such a good job, I thought maybe they had practiced before hand. It's fast paced and fun improv that will give you something to laugh and talk about for many minutes afterward. 3 inches and never hard - Ha! -
Review from JA B.
Citrus Heights, CA
2/1/2011
Alright, so I have two points of view for this review.
For learning: I already knew a little about improv prior to coming to SCS. However, only in short form. Long form definitely interested me, but I didn't know where to start.
The improv 1 continuous (drop-in) classes are great for meeting new people, great for remembering the basics to improv, and to just have fun or to start out.
The improv intensive classes are where it gets really challenging. Prepare to fail, fail and fail more until you get it right! Brian challenged all of us, and it really paid off. I've taken Improv 1, and Improv 2 twice. I2 introduces a lot of new ideas, so I thought I would take it again, and it was a very good choice, because some of those ideas that sort of made sense the first time, completely made sense the second time!
For shows: SCS has a huge number of great shows. Some of my favorites are Harold night, Cage match, and Anti-Cooperation League. If you haven't seen ACL, you are missing out. -
Review from Sunny L.
This review is based on Improv Night.
I expected something of a silly and at least a small good laugh but it wasn't funny enough for me to like it... Improv night is suppose to be as funny as a silly conversation with friends telling silly jokes.. this wasn't. But on the other hand, it was interesting to see people come up (or try to) with funny ideas. I think they should have your momma improv nights instead. I recommend staying away from Imrpov nights.
Pros: Cheap
Cons: Wasn't funny, i almost fell asleep.
Stars: 1.5 -
Review from Dan W.
Rancho Cordova, CA
10/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Best small comedy spot in sac. The owner Brian has a passion for comedy and it shows in his business. I have been to numerous shows, especially ACL and Drunk V High. A great location in downtown/midtown and the small atmosphere makes it perfect for getting close to the show's performers.
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Review from Aranyani A.
Sacramento, CA
9/1/2011
Go every Wednesday for improv. The laughs will spill out of you.
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Review from kyle w.
Cool, CA
4/3/2011
Well I took my wife there Saturday night. It was our first time! The main guy on stage told us after last night we would be f%*@ing fans once it was over. :) He was right. We had a blast. Everyone on stage was very very good. It was very entertaining.
The room was very quaint and very inviting. I sat down behind some 7' guy so i had to move my line of sight a few time to see the all of them on stage. We'll try for a front row next time. Everyone in was very nice and polite. Ten bucks per person is very much worth it.
We'll be back often that is for sure. -
Review from Meagan S.
Sacramento, CA
12/9/2010 1 Check-in Here
Quite possibly the best place to see some hilarious comedy in town and for three major reasons:
1.) Tickets are cheap and there is NO two-drink minimum.
2.) Perfectly located in the MARRS building. You can grab dinner and drinks before you catch a show.
3.) Amazing, new, and local talent! See improv troupes, stand comics, and themed comedy nights like Mortal Komedy (sets all about video games)!
Tired of spending a ton of dough and sitting too close to total strangers at places like the Punchline, then ahead over to the Sacramento Comedy Spot. There's no other place like it in town! -
Review from Science V.
Sacramento, CA
4/25/2011
I'll preface my review by saying I love improv comedy, and I've been to different variations of what the Comdy Spot does from other organizations like Comedy Sportz and Upright Citizen's Brigade.
I've been to the Spot at least 8 times, and while many of them have been hilarious, I'd say 3 of them have been, well, horrible. Not the train wreck, awkward horrible, but the annoying and wondering why I spent the money kind of horrible.
When the shows are good, they're fantastic. My favorites have been the Anti-Cooperation shows with special guests on Saturdays and Harold Nights on Wednesday. Cage matches on Thursdays have gone both directions, and so have the specialty Drunk v. High events, which have either been a laugh riot due to the amount of intoxication, or been so bad that the performers are being outdone by hecklers in the audience, also due to the intoxication.
I can't tell why each show soars or bombs, but I'm generally under the assumption it's the combination of the cast for the night and type of show. What would be great is a cast list, so I can weed out the comics I know aren't so good, and hit the shows that are hosted by those I like.
What the place does lack is any experience with hecklers and audience control. This is a big one, because the venue is intimate, close to a lot of bars, and tends to have an inebriated audience that can't seem to control themselves at times on the weekends.
Comedy Spot -- take a page from Louis C.K. and put hecklers in their place, or reserve the right to kick people out. I paid to see a show, and don't need to listen to the couple behind me talk over the performers about how drunk they got last night, or wait until that one guy in the crowd irrelevantly screaming "camel toe" finally thinks the rest of audience cares.
Overall: I stick to my rating of FICKLE, meaning that your experience here will greatly vary. I'm inclined to head back to the Spot a few more times before I'm decidedly a fan or a foe-fer-life. -
Review from Mimi V.
1/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went to a improv night here. The place was small. We sat in the front row, it was so close to the stage that you could put your feet up on the stage. The show was not that good. I expected it to be really funny, but it seemed like they were trying too hard. I wouldnt go to another improv night here.
Stars: 2.8 -
Review from Jim R.
Roseville, CA
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Went to see improv sketch comdey and it was more fun than I expected. Would definitely go again.
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Review from Sara F.
Albany, CA
6/24/2010
People love us on Yelp! Why, yes they do! Or, at least this Yelper does.
The Comedy Spot in Sacramento is the premier comedy spot in the area for up and coming improv actors and standup comedians. If you are funny and live in Sacramento, you have to show off your chops here!
Last time I went to the Harold Night Improv Show. The owner of the Comedy Spot studied with the Upright Citizens Brigade in Southern California and brought their unique style of improv comedy to Sacramento.
Here's the premise: you have two teams. Team A starts with an improv game. A word is offered from the audience to kick start Team A's improv game. Last time, Team A got the word "spork". Team A spends about 10 minutes riffing off of qualities that make up a spork. Those qualities are then used as "themes" for the next few improv sketches. Team B does the same thing. Both teams were full of sharp, committed, fully engaged and engaging comedic performers. It was a joy to watch.
Five bucks at the door, parking is across the street in a lot and arrive on time to get a good seat. See you at improv! -
Review from Tim M.
Sacramento, CA
7/11/2011
Great comedy, great value, talent from all levels (ranging from horrible to genuis!). Thats the allure of this place.
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Review from Rebecca B.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2011
Great venue, great location, and usually good comedy at a cheap price! I like to go on friday's when they do improv involving the audience. I went once when they did team drunk vs. team high and it really sucked. I was actually embarassed I invited so many people to it. Everyone was too impaired to actually make good jokes. But any other show I would definitely go back for! Fun way to spend your friday!
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Review from Sheryce S.
Bakersfield, CA
12/31/2010 1 Check-in Here
Good, cheap, clean fun! Well, let's scratch clean...that depends on the show or comedian you are seeing. I've seen one improv show, which was funny at times but pretty mediocre. But, I have also seen Mike E. Winfield perform there. He and those who opened for him were pretty fantastic! The venue is small, simple, and leaves you close enough to the performers to get made fun of, called out, spit on or all of the above.
This place does not have food or drinks--but they are more than accepting of you bringing your own in. You can also reserve your tickets online. Check them out and you'll be entertained! -
Review from Becca P.
Sacramento, CA
1/20/2011
I have been to the Comedy Spot a few times. Unfortunately, the shows have gotten progressively worse. The last show I went to was more unfomfortable than funny.
I don't know who is giving the place such high reviews. I'm convinced they must be performers.
This is another place in Midtown that I wish I could say was much better than it is. The location is great but the product is rather ho-hum.
My friend that went with me my last time here calls this place "The place where th -
Review from Cameron G.
Woodland, CA
3/29/2010
I just finished my last Stand up 1 class, and i have to say it was a lot of fun. i was a little worried that this wasn't a good way to start, and that i was going to be thrown in with other people that had no comedic value, but you get exactly what you put into it. if you try to do your best others around you will pick up on it and help you, there was a lot of going back and forth and helping your jokes develop. Everyone in the class came from different backgrounds, so you could identify with how different crowds would respond to your jokes.
my only complaint would be that it seemed like the class just flew by, i would have loved to do more, but they do have a second level class for stand up, and i will most likely be back for that one. -
Review from Mignon F.
Sacramento, CA
3/31/2010 10 Check-ins Here
Sac Comedy Spot has a great variety of shows Wed.-Sun. All the shows are different form anything else in Sacramento. Anti Cooperation League on Saturday nights is one of my favorite shows to see and they just added In Your Facebook on Friday nights which was hilarious! Ticket prices are very reasonable and the location is in a fun part of town.
I have taken the ongoing Improv 1 classes (on Wed. and Thurs.) in the past and those are great for people who may just curious about the classes and want to check it out. You can't go wrong when your first class is free! All the classes are inexpensive and full of lots of funny and supportive people. -
Review from Katrina B.
Sacramento, CA
4/30/2010
The first time I went to Sac Comedy Spot it was a little brutal seeing as the "comedians" weren't very funny and they were kind of awkward and there were only 7 people in the audience. I laughed more after the show when my friends and I reminisced about it.
I went last night and laughed my pants off! I had a wonderful time and most of the people were really funny. I guess it's hit or miss LOL wise. But I would take that chance because it's only $5 and you are supporting a wonderful local establishment.
I can't wait to go back and check out other comedians.
The location is fantastic and decor is really nice. They also offer improv classes which is intriguing. -
Review from Helena L.
Cobb, CA
8/17/2009
HILARIOUS!!!
Went here for the first time on Friday night for a bachelorette party that I organized and I'm so glad I chose this place! The place was packed and there was such a good vibe.
For $10 per person we saw two shows, the Anti-Cooperation League (the improv group) and Three Comedians on the Couch. It's such a great deal and everyone from the party wants to come back again.
If you're looking for something to do on a Friday night GO HERE. Money well spent! -
Review from Naida E.
5/11/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Ok so I have been to Anti-Cooperation League and found it to be price sensitive and overall enjoyable. I liked the loose atmosphere and nearby cheap eat and drinks. Recently on a trip to see Neil Hamburger I was doubly impressed by the headliner and opening acts. Hamburger was amazing and K-Strauss was hilarious. I love walking next door and getting drinks and snacks to eat before or during the show. So convenient! Also the ticket prices really speak to my budget minded conscious!
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Review from Niek S.
9/27/2010
We went here to see Brian Malow (check out his shows, he was great). I really enjoyed this place. Good atmosphere, good size (rather small) and very nice employees. We sat all the way in the back, and still had a decent view.
Excited to check out more shows here. Malow's show was 12 dollars. -
Review from Ted S.
7/30/2007
**edited Aug. 24 to add ... **
I've now been to a couple of the Friday night improv shows, as well as one of the Wednesday night improv jams, and both have been a blast.
The jams are open to anyone. For five dollars, you get to play a bunch of improv games, directed by Brian, and you sometimes get to work with members of the Gag Order cast. These sessions are 90 minutes and open to all skill levels.
If you plan to attend a Friday show, buy tickets online in advance or show up early, because the theater isn't that large and they've been known to sell out. There are three shows on Friday night; the latter of more experimental and are free to attend with your purchase of the ticket to the first show.
***
I've taken classes, and I must say that Brian (who runs the joint) is a supportive and high-energy instructor. Though I've studied improv for years, I still had a great time in his beginning class, as did the other students.
In addition to the classes and shows, he offers an improv jam session every Wednesday. For five bucks, you get to hang out and play various improv games with an instructor on hand to oversee and guide.
If there's another place to study improv in Sac, I don't know about it yet. But whatever the case, if you've played before or have just thought about it, consider contacting the Sacramento Comedy Club and enrolling in a class. -
Review from Estel G.
Clarksburg, CA
4/21/2010
I like their seating system; they let you save seats for your friends who are late which is usually me. ;) we were seated promptly and wait service took our orders right away.
Drinks came prior and right away. I see others complaining about waiters walking around...well how else are they supposed to serve everyone...DUH! It was a pretty slow night so service was faster than normal. -
Review from Whitney R.
Sacramento, CA
6/26/2010
This place is a riot! On a limited budget these days, I can easily afford a slice of pizza next door and an improv show! I love every one I have been to, and often take out of town guests there for a good laugh too!
First of all, they have hows almost every night, and a few a night to choose from. If you want to stay all night, you can for about $12, or just go for an hour. I love this flexibility!
The interaction with the audience makes it the best, except when there are only 5 people in the audience. I think its totally awkward and uncomfortable when nobody is there, but I think it's filling up more now.
Could not find the restroom or anyone to show me where to go so I went next door, no biggie though. The seats are just chairs, and the stage is nothing special. It's the talent of the folks performing that your $8 is paying for. YOU WILL LAUGH, HARD.
Also, they offer cheap classes for most ages, which is really really cool. If I had teens or pre teens, this would be a parent-child bonding opportunity I wouldnt want to pass up, and I don't act.
Parking is MidTown, so sometimes it's fine, sometimes its very bad.
5 stars because I may have peed my ants a little! -
Review from Leslie E.
Sacramento, CA
9/3/2011
I went recently on a Saturday night. The Anti Cooperation League wasn't too bad if you are a fan of poop humor and the like, but improv is hard so props for that. The seating was all lined up in rows like for a school PTA meeting, hard chairs. The Hecklers Cinema was BAD (drunk and no pre-planning of any kind) and even the guys doing it knew it but when they shifted to stand-up to try and salvage it they bombed that too.
Listed in: Comdey
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Review from Greg S.
Sacramento, CA
7/26/2007
The Comedy Spot is more fun than a kick to the man region. Rather than the predictable stand-up routines that you've become immune to, the Spot offers up improv and sketch comedy from local performers. Like the Groundlings in LA or Second City in Chicago, these actors perform completely improvised shows and/or original sketches every Friday. Most shows are even free. Besides that, there are classes during the week, improv jams on Wednesday nights, and workshops almost every month. As an frequent audience member, a sometimes performer and class taker at the Spot, it's more to me than just a comedy club, it's a comedy "club," a group of people who offer feedback, advice and comraderie. And anyone can join, or just see a show or take a class or anything they want.
This is the only place in Sacramento where this type of comedy is regularly showcased. Snacks and soft drinks only are sold on the premises so if you want an adult beverage, you've got to sneak it in, which gives the whole evening a sense of danger. Check the website, http://www.saccomedysp..., for showdates and times as they change regularly. -
Review from Jasmine W.
Sacramento, CA
1/29/2008
5 Stars for each and every time I started wheezing and gagging from uncontrollable laughter last Friday! I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first walked in because the only other time I had seem them was a couple times back in 2006 at the Capitol Garage.
100% improvement from the last time, they seemed to have a much better flow, less dead end awkward moments, and the comedians themselves have vastly improved in their comedic skills. They have a new venue on Broadway which is the new up and coming J St. of Land Park area. Although hard to fine at night and in the rain, they had a big sign in the window and tons of people flowing in and out of it. I was surprised at the large number of people that arrived, in all shapes, colors, sizes, and age. Almost every seat was filled. They also service refreshments and popcorn for cheap!
They have really polished having an organized flow of the entire show and I was happy to see familiar faces from previous years. There are always the unforgettable moments during a show that are ingrained in your mind forever. Last time, it was Betsey's old lady walker character and this time, I'd have to say the dolphin rape scene had to be one of the best scene stealers. 2nd runner up was probably the second group that went on with the Gary Busey and Nick Nolte paddles and tattoos. Freakin AWESOME!
The up and comings were great too, i love Larry! He needs to be on Leno because he looks, talks, and acts exactly like Jay's fabulous correspondent, "Ross the gay intern"...fabulocity to the max! I highly recommend attending their Friday night shows and you are guaranteed a hot date and a good laugh. Definitly better than some of the cracked out dildos you might randomly catch at Laughs Unlimited or some other typical comedy show. The entire cast seems like this great big cohesive family that you want to reproduce to create a future of light-hearted funny people--which we all know we need in life. They are very nice and inviting--for now...we'll see what happens if they happen to hit it big one day..... -
Review from Micaela S.
Stockton, CA
8/4/2008
I actually found this place thanks to Yelp. I was looking for something fun to do on a Friday night in Sac and decided to give this place a shot. After finding where it was and parking fairly close, my friend and I walked in, not really sure what to expect. It's a small place, but I think it really adds to the atmosphere. It creates this relaxed environment where you feel free to laugh, and laugh you will! I've gone every Friday for the past 5 weeks all the way up from Stockton. And with gas being what it is, I think that says a lot of the quality of the shows you will see there.
The first show is the main group and they are all on top of their game and always have new material. I've never felt as if I'm seeing a similar show in all the weeks I've gone. The first show has great energy and uses an audience members purse/wallet/keys in order to get a section of scenes going. It's long form improv and it works well here. Theres then 1-2 other shows following which change weekly. A fave of mine is the 'Win, Booze, or Draw'. I've seen improv shows in the past that would have sections that were awkward, fell flat or just not funny. They have a great rhythm and even if a joke doesn't go over great, they've got another one right after so you never feel as if the show is lacking in momentum.
They also have a great cast which rotates so often that I've never gotten the same exact group more than once. Everyone is hilarious and have different styles so it definitely creates the feeling of a different show each time. I'm so glad I found this place because it's been great to check out every week. If I lived closer I definitely would be taking classes. The owner is great at what he does and I suggest if you're interested in taking classes go! If not, come see a show, you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Ian M.
Sacramento, CA
4/13/2010
This is a great place to get one's creative juices flowing. Ever watch comedy on TV and think to yourself, "I want to do that?" Here's your chance. There are classes on all things comedy: improv, sketch, standup. The teachers are very knowledgable and supportive. Check out the website for details...
But hey, if you're not that into performing, the Friday and Saturday night shows are just good inexpensive entertainment: Great date place.
Check it out! It sure beats a lame and predicable night at the bars. -
Review from Ali L.
Washington, DC
1/16/2009
Wow, I really don't know what to say about this place. I really cannot believe there was a line outside the door of people waiting to get in, surely at some point word must have gotten out that they just are NOT funny.
Their setups didn't entirely make sense, a lot of the jokes kept building to nothing and were painful to watch - the whole thing just seemed so unnatural for the people on the stage.
Add to that there were moments that were really cringe worthy I.E.:
1. "Oh, Rancho Cordova, don't they call that Rancho Cambodia?" followed by a sketch where the all white comedy troupe in a room full of 95% white people made comments like "I didn't know your people could put cables together, you know we are in Rancho Cordova" and "oops, I was gonna make a racial epithet about you but we are in Rancho Cordova" there was also a sketch where the girl on stage said "lets give the Pandas to the Islamics [as a punishment to the pandas]" then the other guy on stage in a fake chinese accent says "noooo, isramics no rike pandas they kirr them"
Maybe I am extra sensitive because I am what is now suddenly dubbed "an Islamic" and because I studied racial representation and the impact of the media in society in my undergrad but all of that seemed REALLY uncool and I was shocked that people laughed at it.
They had a bit where they take a person in the audience's bag or wallet and then basically just blurt out the contents. Sometimes there were some witty comments to go along with them but for the most part they were "she has airborne in her purse" uhhhh...good for her? In fact, the people whose belongings were being rummaged were often times more entertaining than the people on stage.
The first show had some funny moments but the second show made up of students at the Comedy Spot was downright painful and unfunny.
The good points:
A. It was $10
B. When one of the comedians spilled my Pepsi he offered me $1 to replace it but of course I didn't take it. I just appreciated the gesture
C. The guy at the concession stand had a MacBook
D. The concession stand was cheap and had Pepsi and 7UP
The popcorn was too buttery and cold.
Also, the parking really is not as convenient as they tell you on the phone because there are lots of residential areas, 20 minute zones, parking for businesses only, and other questionable spots and believe me this place is NOT worth risking towing or a citation.
If it was $5 I might be inclined to give it an extra star but honestly, take your $10 and go to the Tower Theatre instead. -
Review from Jenny W.
1/15/2010
One of the hidden gems in Sacramento. This is a small hole in the wall with very limited seating but lots of laughs.
I usually try to arrive early so we can get good seats and buy some popcorn. It's great because they have all kinds of seasonings to go with it, from cayenne pepper to strawberry kool-aid. It's fun to mix and match and create your own popcorn!
On most nights, you pay once and can stay for two shows. A lot of it is improv, like Who's Line Is It Anyway? I went on one night when they were just "trying" things out, like dancing on mousetraps, and testing to see how the audience would respond (the mousetrap thing was painful to watch but still, it was all in good fun). The people are are great and even though the cast is always changing, I always have a great time!
Please give this place a try! Check their website for show schedules, you won't regret it! -
Review from K. D. H.
Sacramento, CA
2/7/2009
Between the All-Sketch Festival and the classes and Friday night shows at this place, Sacramento has developed a really great home-grown comedy scene.
We had a fantastic time at the show we went to--and I'm a tough customer when it comes to comedy. The performers were high-energy, clever, and worked well together. It's improv, folks, not scripted stand-up or sketch, so of course some bits work better than others--that is part of the experience. There was far more talent on display here than you usually get for $10. Plus there's just something kinda hot about improv (I can't be the only one who thinks so...right?).
Regarding the "cringeworthy" moments--I wasn't at the show the other review mentioned, so I can't speak to it specifically, much improv (if not all comedy) uses shorthand cultural references to quickly give context to the action on stage. At the show I attended, performers used German accents, English accents, and French accents in a few places, and made humorous/mocking reference to aspects of European, Canadian and US culture. That was okay with me--these references clearly weren't meant offensively, and they helped to orient the audience to what was going on. I might have felt differently if I thought what I saw was racist or perpetuated dangerous/hurtful stereotypes. Cultural sensitivity is something all performers, including those at the Comedy Spot, should carefully consider--but I didn't see insensitivity on display when I attended.
I hope folks continue to support local talent and venues like the Comedy Spot--they are a boon for our community.
