If you've been to Best Comedy Club Near Me Theater, you've probably noticed one thing immediately after walking in: it's refreshingly cool. Some call it "the icebox," others bring sweaters in July, but there's method to our madness. Here's why we keep our theater at a crisp 70°F year-round.
Fun fact: We mention our A/C in literally every article we write. It's not an obsession, it's a feature!
The Science of Cool Comedy
Ever notice how you get drowsy in a warm room? There's actual neuroscience behind this. When temperatures rise above 72°F, your body naturally wants to slow down and conserve energy. Your heart rate decreases, blood flow to the brain reduces slightly, and you become less alert. Not exactly ideal conditions for processing rapid-fire punchlines.
Studies from environmental psychology show that cognitive performance peaks between 68-72°F. At 70°F, your brain is firing on all cylinders – you're alert, focused, and ready to catch every callback, every subtle facial expression, and every perfectly-timed pause. Comedy is all about timing, and your ability to process timing is temperature-dependent.
Why Comics Perform Better in the Cold
We surveyed dozens of comedians who've performed at BCCNMT, and here's what they told us:
- "I don't sweat through my shirt!" – Stage lights are hot. Add nerves and physical comedy, and performers can quickly overheat. Our cool temperature counteracts this perfectly.
- "The audience is more responsive" – Alert audiences laugh more, react faster, and give better energy back to performers.
- "I can wear my favorite jacket on stage" – Fashion choices expand when you're not worried about pit stains.
- "My energy stays consistent throughout my set" – No mid-performance energy crashes from overheating.
"I've performed in 100-degree warehouses and 60-degree theaters. 70°F is the Goldilocks zone – not too hot, not too cold, just right for comedy." – Anonymous touring comedian
The LA Heat Factor
Los Angeles can hit 95°F+ for months at a time. When you've been baking in your car, searching for parking, and walking blocks to the venue, that blast of cool air when you enter BCCNMT isn't just refreshing – it's restorative. It signals to your body: "Okay, we can relax now. Time to enjoy the show."
Plus, nothing ruins comedy faster than a room full of people fanning themselves with programs, shifting uncomfortably in their seats, or worse – leaving early because they're overheating. We've all been to that comedy show in a poorly ventilated bar where the comic is competing with the sound of a struggling window unit A/C. Not here.
The Comfort Paradox
Here's something interesting: while 70°F might feel cool initially, especially coming in from the LA heat, audiences report being more comfortable overall during our 90-minute shows than at warmer venues. Why? Because it's easier to warm up (throw on a layer) than cool down (there's only so much you can take off in public).
This is why we always recommend bringing layers. Your body temperature naturally fluctuates during a comedy show – you warm up when you're laughing hard, cool down during setup. Having that cardigan or light jacket lets you self-regulate perfectly.
The Technical Benefits
Beyond human comfort, keeping the theater cool has technical advantages:
- Equipment longevity: Our sound and lighting equipment lasts longer and performs better in cooler temperatures
- Better air quality: Our HVAC system constantly circulates fresh air, reducing stuffiness and odors
- Reduced bacteria and virus transmission: Cooler, drier air reduces the spread of airborne illnesses
- Consistent conditions: Comics can perform the same material night after night without weather variables
What Comics Really Think
We keep a comment book backstage, and the temperature comes up... a lot:
"Finally, a venue that understands thermodynamics!" – Sarah M.
"I didn't have to change shirts after my set. Revolutionary." – Mike T.
"The audience was awake for my 10:30 PM slot. Miracle." – Jessica L.
"Brought a date here. She borrowed my jacket. I looked like a gentleman. Thanks, cold room!" – Anonymous
"I can actually wear my leather jacket on stage without dying." – Danny R.
The Ultimate Pro Tips for Staying Comfortable
After running our theater for years, here's our temperature survival guide:
- The Goldilocks Seat: If you run cold, seats toward the back are slightly warmer (heat rises, cold air sinks)
- The Date Night Hack: Bringing a jacket for your date is classic smooth move material
- The LA Uniform: Tank top/t-shirt for outside, flannel or cardigan for inside – works year-round
- The Coffee Strategy: We sell hot coffee and tea. Warm hands = warm heart = warm everything
- The Pro Move: Bring a pashmina or travel blanket. Compact, stylish, and incredibly effective
But Seriously, Why 70°F Exactly?
We actually tested different temperatures over our first year. Here's what we found:
- 75°F+: Audiences got sleepy during longer sets, especially after 9 PM
- 72-74°F: Comfortable but comics complained about sweating under lights
- 70-71°F: The sweet spot – audiences alert, comics comfortable, everyone happy
- 68-69°F: Complaints about being too cold increased significantly
- Below 68°F: People started leaving to get jackets from cars
Our HVAC system is so precisely calibrated, we can maintain 70°F ±1 degree even when we're at full capacity on a 100°F day. It's not cheap, but it's worth every penny.
The Environmental Question
Yes, we know running A/C in LA isn't the most environmental choice. That's why we've invested in:
- Energy-efficient HVAC systems with smart thermostats
- Excellent insulation to maintain temperature without constant cooling
- Solar panels on our roof (coming 2025!)
- Programmable zones so we're only cooling occupied spaces
We're committed to being the coolest comedy club in LA – literally and figuratively – while minimizing our environmental impact.
The Bottom Line
Our 70°F policy isn't about being extra or showing off our industrial HVAC system (though it is pretty impressive). It's about creating the optimal environment for comedy. When you're comfortable, alert, and not distracted by temperature, you can fully immerse yourself in the performance.
So yes, bring that cardigan Pop Pop gave you. Wear layers. Embrace the chill. Because once the show starts and you're laughing so hard you're crying, you'll be grateful for that perfect 70°F keeping you cool, calm, and ready for the next punchline.
See you at the show – we'll keep it cool for you!