You know what to wear to a comedy show (we literally have an article about it), but do you know how to BE at a comedy show? Los Angeles has its own unique comedy culture, and whether you're a tourist or a local, understanding the unwritten rules will make your experience – and everyone else's – infinitely better.
Remember: Good audience etiquette isn't about being stuffy or formal. It's about creating an environment where comedy can thrive.
The Phone Situation
Let's address the elephant in the room – or rather, the glowing rectangle in your pocket. LA comedy clubs have varying phone policies, but here's the universal truth: your phone should be invisible during the show.
- Silent means SILENT: Not vibrate. Vibrate on a wooden table sounds like a chainsaw to everyone around you.
- No photos or videos: Unless explicitly allowed. Many comics are working out material for specials, and unauthorized recordings can literally cost them money.
- The Yondr pouch clubs: Some LA venues lock phones in pouches. Don't try to hack them. Yes, we see you.
- Emergency exception: If you're on-call for work or have a babysitter, sit near an exit and step out if needed.
At BCCNMT, we trust you to manage your own phone. But if we see that screen light up during a set, both the comic and the entire audience will notice. Don't be that person who gets roasted for texting during a punchline.
The Art of Arriving (Hint: On Time)
This isn't a movie theater where you miss previews. Comedy shows are live performances with energy that builds from the opener onward. Here's how LA does arrivals:
- Doors vs. Showtime: If doors are at 7:30 and show is at 8:00, aim for 7:45. This gives you time to get drinks and settle in.
- The Late Arrival Walk of Shame: If you're late, wait for applause to enter. Duck low, move fast, apologize with your body language.
- The LA Factor: Yes, traffic is real. Plan for it. "But the 405..." is not a valid excuse anymore. We all know about the 405.
- Seating: Once you sit, commit to that spot. Musical chairs during a set is incredibly distracting.
To Heckle or Not to Heckle (Spoiler: NOT)
Look, we get it. You're funny. Your friends think you're hilarious. You've got the perfect comeback. But here's the thing: heckling is never, ever welcome unless the comic specifically asks for audience participation.
"But what if—" No.
"But I'm helping—" You're not.
"But they made eye contact—" Still no.
"The difference between a heckler and a participant? One was invited to speak." – Every Comic Ever
When Comics DO Want Interaction
Sometimes comics will engage with the audience. This is called "crowd work," and there's an art to being a good participant:
- Answer honestly but briefly: "What do you do?" "I'm a teacher." Perfect. Not: "Well, it's complicated, I started in marketing but..."
- Don't try to be funnier than the comic: They have the mic for a reason.
- Go with it: If you become part of a bit, play along. You're now part of the show!
- Front row = fair game: In LA, sitting in the front row is consent to potentially be part of the show.
The LA-Specific Quirks
Los Angeles comedy culture has some unique elements you won't find in NYC, Chicago, or other comedy hubs:
- Industry presence: That person next to you might be a Netflix exec. Don't pitch your screenplay during the show.
- Celebrity drop-ins: Big names sometimes do surprise sets. No, you cannot Instagram Live this. See: phone rules.
- The "LA moment": When a comic references something hyperlocal (like the Erewhon smoothie prices), we all laugh knowingly. It's our thing.
- Parking complaints: Acceptable before and after the show. Not during.
- The wellness factor: Your emotional support water bottle is fine. Your emotional support conversation with your friend is not.
Drinking Etiquette
Most LA comedy clubs have a bar, and drinking is part of the experience. But there's a right way to do it:
- The Two-Drink Minimum: Some clubs have it, some don't. It can include non-alcoholic beverages. Don't argue about it.
- Order before the show starts: Or during breaks between comics. Not mid-joke.
- Quiet drinks only: That means no clinking ice, no slurping, no cocktail shaker impressions.
- Know your limits: Drunk heckling is even worse than sober heckling.
- Tip your servers: They're navigating a dark room to bring you drinks. They deserve hazard pay.
Laughing: You're Doing It Wrong (Maybe)
Believe it or not, there's etiquette around laughing too:
- Genuine only: Comics can tell fake laughter. It's insulting.
- Volume control: Your laugh shouldn't overshadow the next joke.
- The delayed laugh: If you get the joke late, a quiet chuckle is fine. A sudden explosive laugh 10 seconds later is jarring.
- Different strokes: Not every joke will land for you. That's okay. Silence is better than fake enthusiasm.
- The groaner: Groaning at puns or dad jokes? That's actually encouraged. Comics love it.
Bathroom Strategy
It's a 90-minute show. You had that large coffee. We understand. Here's how to handle it:
- Go before the show: Revolutionary concept, we know.
- Wait for transitions: Between comics is ideal.
- The emergency exit: If you must go mid-set, move quickly and quietly. Bent at the waist. We call it the "comedy crouch."
- Return timing: Wait for applause to re-enter.
- Aisle seats: If you have a small bladder, book an aisle seat. Your row will thank you.
The Social Media Rules
We live in LA. We get it. If it's not on Instagram, did it even happen? Here's how to share responsibly:
- Before/after photos only: Get your selfies in the lobby or after the show.
- Tag responsibly: Tag the venue and comics AFTER the show.
- No spoilers: Don't post punchlines. Comics spent years crafting those jokes.
- Reviews welcome: Positive Yelp/Google reviews help clubs and comics. But wait until the next day when you're sober.
Special Situations
Bachelorette parties: Welcome! But the show isn't about you. Matching shirts are fun. Demanding shoutouts is not.
First dates: Comedy shows are great dates! But no PDA during sets. Save it for the cocktail bar after.
Birthday celebrations: Tell the club in advance. Some comics love working birthdays into their set. Surprise birthday interruptions? Not so much.
Corporate events: Your boss is watching. That's all we'll say about that.
The Unforgivable Sins
Some things will get you escorted out or banned. Don't test us:
- Recording without permission
- Aggressive heckling or personal attacks on comics
- Throwing things (yes, this happens)
- Fighting with other audience members
- Repeatedly talking during sets after being warned
- Trying to go on stage uninvited
How to Be a Comedy Hero
Want to be the audience member comics love? Here's how:
- Sit close if the room is empty: Comics feed off energy. Don't make them perform to the back wall.
- React naturally: Your genuine surprise, shock, or delight gives comics instant feedback.
- Support openers: They're often newer comics. Your engagement helps them grow.
- Buy merch: If you loved a comic's set, buying their t-shirt or album directly supports them.
- Spread the word: Tell friends about great shows. Word-of-mouth is everything in comedy.
The BCCNMT Promise
At Best Comedy Club Near Me Theater, we've created an environment where these rules feel natural, not restrictive. Our layout minimizes disruptions, our staff handles issues discretely, and our comics know they're performing for an audience that gets it.
We want you to have an amazing time. Laugh until your face hurts. Make memories. Just remember: comedy is a collaboration between performer and audience. When everyone follows these unwritten rules, magic happens.
The golden rule of comedy clubs: Be the audience member you'd want if you were on stage. It's that simple.
Quick Reference Guide
DO:
- ✓ Arrive on time
- ✓ Silence your phone completely
- ✓ Laugh genuinely
- ✓ Order drinks before/between sets
- ✓ Tip your server
- ✓ Support all comics, including openers
- ✓ Share your experience online (after the show)
DON'T:
- ✗ Heckle or shout out
- ✗ Record or photograph during the show
- ✗ Talk during sets
- ✗ Move seats mid-performance
- ✗ Get too drunk
- ✗ Try to be funnier than the comic
- ✗ Use your phone as a flashlight
Follow these guidelines, and you'll not only have a great time – you'll help create the perfect environment for comedy to flourish. See you at the show! (On time, phone off, ready to laugh.)