Opened:
1963 (New York)
Location(s):
- Tempe, Arizona
- Brea, California
- Hollywood, California
- Irvine, California
- Ontario, California
- San Jose, California
- Temecula, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Washington, DC
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Palm Beach, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Chicago, Illinois
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Lake Tahoe, Nevada
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- New York, New York
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Addison, Texas
- Houston, Texas
Overview:
The Improv is one of the only "chain" comedy clubs, with locations across the U.S. To this day, it draws some of the most popular comedians working while still remaining a viable showcase spot for up-and-coming comics. The mixture of established talent with new faces is a major reason for the chain's longevity and success.
History:
The first Improv comedy club opened in New York City in 1963 by owner and operator Budd Friedman. He wanted a place to showcase new comics to audiences, agents and members of the entertainment industry. The success of that first club led to the opening of a second Improv shortly thereafter -- this time in Hollywood, California.
Expansion:
During the stand-up boom of the 1980s, Friedman decided to franchise the Improv and new clubs opened in 12 cities across the U.S. The club even went global during that time, with an Improv opening in London, England. The A&E cable network also began to broadcast An Evening at the Improv, a weekly stand-up show recorded at the Hollywood club and hosted by Friedman himself.
Additional Facts:
- When the Improv in Irvine, California, opened in 1987, the headlining comic on opening night was Jerry Seinfeld.
- David Spade got his start at the Improv in Tempe, Arizona.
- Several comedians, including Pablo Francisco and Bobby Collins, have recorded albums at the Improv club in Brea, California.
