First time going to a sketch comedy show. My girlfriend wanted something to do and it was cheap. That being said we are in our early 20s and we were the youngest people there. Everyone else was a milenial, 35+. Some of the bits were funny and you definitely get what you pay for. I went to the restroom in between sketches, and when I was coming back the host was grilling one of the guys. He said he went 35 mins over and spilt milk all over the stage. He then asked him if he even read the email. After the 11 PM show, most of the audience had left, I assume many of them were friends or family of the actors. Then it was mainly actors from previous showings in the crowd and my girlfriend and I. Overall a pretty weird experience. We shared a few laughs though, and I did find it inspiring that all these people were chasing after their dreams. What they do seems hard, and I respect that. Mixed bag, probably will not be going back here ever again. Side note: Their website is out of date, and borderline false advertising. All the photos on there are from their old venue and it was much nicer. Their new venue on Vermont Ave is pretty run down and not as comfortable seats and a rinky dink new venue all around. read more

Saw a play here a couple of weekends ago and it was advertised under another name from the venue I bought the tickets from. This appears to be a common theme out here in LA so I am assuming it's kinda like a "pop up" name depending upon the producers/production company. In any case, I feel like I had been here before (under a different name, or perhaps in the same area) but I do not recall the entrance being so heightened on a platform with chunky steps and also a handicap bridge (which was difficult to enter and exit on). Once inside, the theater was fine (but old) and seating was not comfortable (I sat on a folding chair). Stage was easy to see from any seat in the house. Unfortunately, the production was rather grim so we left during intermission. Not sure if I'd come to another production here; I guess it all depends on what it is. read more

Great sketch and improv venue. Intimate theater with friendly and enthusiastic staff. We really enjoyed "Vogue" and "Ciao," two of the house sketch teams. Vogue did lots of cutting edge and imaginative off the wall comedy and HILARIOUS videos. Both teams slayed. We will be back! read more

If you want to laugh, then this is the place for you. They have improv, stand-up, clowning, etc. Street parking only. read more

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Came on a Sunday night to watch TPT Sketch night, I wasn't expecting much from this indie comedy club on Santa Monica. Having been to the nearby Complex, I was expecting a small, intimate theatre, and it was perfect for the sketch comedy show. The theatre was quickly packed, but luckily street parking is conveniently available nearby. Two sketch comedy team presented their series of hilarious sketches, interspersed with hilarious transition videos. Although the show I watched was the last night for the team Patsy, they were thinking outside the box with their jokes and ridiculous and kept the audience laughing throughout. The Moonshot team surprisingly shipped in their own small set production and hilarious props, and delivered hits after hits in such organized and synchronized manner. I highly recommend coming out on a random night to check out a show here. The unpretentious quality here is fresh and hilarious. Affordable at "pay what you can", how can you say no to supporting them with at least the price of what you would pay at UCB or Groundlings? read more

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The worst comedy theatre in LA. For all the people who are too bad for the actually good comedy theatres but still think they can make it for some reason. The theatre itself is run by comedy failures who do not even care about the theatre itself. They're just trying to make money off people who recently moved to LA with with a dream the Pack Theater will turn into a nightmare. Maybe if they took something seriously for once (like their business) the theatre wouldn't look and feel like the inside of a dumpster. The show I watched there was not funny, but people still laughed because they are paying for classes and donated a dollar for the cheapest worst beer. Have some class Pack Theater. Aim higher. You have to compete with Mr. Beast and you're losing to that monster. Anyway I just wanted to say that. Theres a reason iO West, Second City Hollywood, and the original UCB closed. They sucked and the Pack Theater is the last remaining terrible comedy theater. None of these places had a nurturing environment, they just wanted to make money off you until you gave up and moved back to Idaho or wherever. If you really want to be funny, find some friends and invest yourself in their lives. You will find your comedy career grow and grow. You'll end up on something better than Murderville Mason Brooks Yelp Elite read more

I've always heard that Los Angeles is an amazing town for comedy and upcoming talent, and when my wife and I found this place, we were not disappointed. We went on one of the house team sketch comedy nights (Sunday) and were blown away by how funny both teams were. I'm a bit of a geek, so I stuck around to tell the performers how much I enjoyed the show. They couldn't have been nicer! I've been to lots of improv and sketch shows and can tell you that this isn't always the case. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for an affordable date night, or if you've got a bunch of buddies in town and you're looking to impress them with your underground comedy knowledge. The Pack is really the LA comedy scene's best kept secret. read more

Came for a late show in this tiny theater and the staff was nice. All of them were masked. They check vax records though that was not mentioned in the description of the show. read more

I've taken multiple classes at The Pack Theater, starting at their original location at the Complex and have now been to their newest location on Lilian way multiple times. Their original location at the complex was fine, but it was quite an old building (with lots of history!) and it was falling apart. It housed multiple smaller theaters but I believe it is being knocked down in the near future. I'm happy that they moved to the Lilian Way location. This area also houses multiple tiny theaters, and it's really nice inside! I also appreciate that they have nice, clean bathrooms. The spot also has a bar on the corner which is great for meeting up with friends before or after a show. Parking can be a little challenging, not crazy challenging, you just need to get there early and find street parking. I completely disagree with the notion that it's the worst comedy theater in LA (UPDATE: this was in reference to a one star review that I see was recently deleted...). In fact, I find it to be a nourishing place where very experienced performers/comedians within the industry aren't gatekeeping and actually provide you with helpful information and opportunities to further your professional creative careers. If they were just trying to take my money, they'd make these classes A LOT more expensive, like other places in LA! I've taken the Sketch I class on Zoom with Eric Moneypenny & multiple character workshop electives with John Milhiser as well as Carl Foreman Jr. Starting with sketch, I will add I've taken a lot of sketch comedy classes throughout LA over the years. For me, the teachers that have made the biggest impact in my life & work were those that were passionate about what they were teaching. Eric Moneypenny is absolutely this. He is not simply there for a paycheck, he is there to provide all the knowledge he's gained up until this point. He teaches real life lessons of what he's experienced working in comedy and he gives a lot of detail to help you make the best work you can. During the first week he also gives a comprehensive packet to help with learning sketch, you can tell he put a lot of love into the packet, he breaks it down into categories and explains each topic every class. Sometimes class goes over-time, but trust me, it's worth it! The Character Workshops are critical. Not only if you're working in sketch comedy, but also for solo character performances, like the ones you'd do for JFL auditions, CBS Showcase or SNL. First of all, John Milhiser. He's another performer that's incredibly passionate about the work he does. And he's been on SNL, the fact that we're able to learn from somebody who's had most people in comedy's dream job is insane. He's so funny, gives great pitches, is incredibly supportive and generous with his knowledge. Carl Foreman Jr, has a different style of teaching, but is another force. Incredibly talented, funny, great pitches, and has done CBS Diversity Showcase AND JFL New Faces Characters. I'd recommend taking classes with both teachers. I feel like they elevated my character writing tenfold. When I was starting my comedy journey almost 10 years ago, The Pack Theater was known to me for experimental comedy. And although that might still be true at some shows, I think it's also a great place where you can be yourself and take big swings. So many people want to play small with their comedy, but there's not much reward there. Who wants to watch a performer play small? As I've gotten more involved here, I can see they genuinely want the theater to flourish and its performers. They give you the tools to do your best, and really strive to help the next wave of comedy performers. I think a good thing to watch is their sketch comedy, they have multiple house teams, which all have different styles. As of right now the house teams are in their third shows of the season, and they have the residency for a year. My goal is to check them all out, to see which match my sense of humor. These shows tend to sell out, so I recommend getting them a few days in advanced. And when it's packed it can get a little hot in there, so I recommend bringing layers you can take off. When I go to sketch shows I literally wear shorts, short sleeves and just bring a jacket. I'm the most comfortable in that. Anyway, I just wanted to say that because I saw the review from 12/2022 and found it to be wildly off-base. If you're curious about this theater I recommend giving them a shot! Nina Also a Yelp Elite read more

A fun, inclusive comedy theater! Great for an affordable night out or comedy classes. Nice people running the place and funny people on stage. read more

First place you should go for comedy writing, sketch, improv, voice acting, and more!!!! Formerly known as The Miles Stroth Workshop, The Pack Theater offers programs led by industry professionals who combine lesson plans from mainstream comedy schools with their industry experience to accentuate the curriculum at The Pack Theater bringing you the freshest and most affordable classes!! No spending $500+ on a 101 class!! GET YOUR HEAD START HERE AND BE LIGHTYEARS AHEAD OF THE REST!!! They focus on getting you work and representation fast!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! read more

The Pack Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This location/business needs a better social media response presence, a point of contact/phone or e-mail. Better information about WHERE classes are being held, better people who work at the desk, and just a fucking staff. read more

I took a level 1 class with BOC and was blown away by how much improv technique we were able to learn and execute on in such a short amount of time. We also got this robust email with all the basic forms there is to know. I kept those emails and have read them again long after class was over. I feel like I have the secret manual to good improv. My other friends are raving about a teacher named Neil Dande. He's another one I'm going to have to take a class with when I'm back in classes. I've done IO, Groundlings and Second City. They were all very good! Of the 3 schools, I believe The Pack has the most affordable offerings, but they're all so good! Try them all! read more

This is probably the best Steakhouse in the entire city! Shows 7 nights a week where you can see sketch, improv, stand-up and characters . PAY WHAT YOU CAN! Did I say steakhouse? Because I meant STEAKHOUSE! read more

The Pack Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Amazing theater with amazing teachers and fantastic performers. Nothing like the Pack theater. Cheapest comedy classes in Los Angeles and anyone can audition for their house teams. Best sketch and improv classes on planet earth and it's cheaper than everyone else! read more

Pay-what-you-can! I really really try to donate often, because it's clear the performers and people who run it work very hard. Shows every night of the week, I don't know how they do it. I was there like 3 nights a week last week. Seriously I'd put the Improv and Sketch here up against Second City or UCB any night of the week. And I feel the performers are more diverse here? Maybe? #RepresentationMatters read more

Took Eric Moneypenny's Level 1 sketch class and was blown away. Dude teaches you not just how to write, but how to BE, funny. Lots of great advice about the comedy business from a real working professional. Then I took Emily Candini's Level 1 improv class, which totally kicked my ass in the best way. Emily truly cares about people and will make you feel special. She creates a safe space that lets you perform at your creative best. Definitely recommend all their classes for newcomers and veterans alike. Best value out there for comedy classes, and even if you have trouble paying, they will work with you. They value the work more than the money, which makes them truly unique. I hope this theater continues and expands and takes over the entire comedy world! read more

The Pack Theater - Heather & Miles improv comedy show - Performing Arts Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Original sketch, improv, and more 7 nights a week. It's one of the most passionate groups of talented comedy people I've ever come across. It's also where a lot of people who write & perform for huge comedy brands will spend their free time, writing and performing more. Parking's easy to find on Cole or down on Willoughby most nights. Cactus Taqueria's nearby for food, Three Clubs nearby for drinks and also food (they have a taco truck!). My favorite stuff is the sketch teams Wednesdays and Sundays. Also they do "The Set List" there, which is improvised stand-up. Also also, it's pay what you can and it's in the middle of Hollywood and why are you not already there seeing a show? read more

I come to The Pack to watch Dark Matters. As someone who's been performing (and religiously watching) live comedy for the past 16 years, this show completely blows me away every time. It's the kind of show that will make you laugh, make you think, and make you work harder at your own craft so that one day you can maaaaaybe be half as cool as Michael and Franky. Or at least, that's what it does for me. I love that The Pack offers unique experiences like this show, so take my five stars! Take them! read more

Top place to see Improv, sketch , stand up, and original comedy shows in Los Angeles. The pay what you can is a great price and you can stay and watch all the shows on the line up. Each show is easily worth $10. Always have guest stars who pop in and perform. People who you love from SNL, sitcoms, late night talk shows. The best part is you can learn all of this. One of the best improv, sketch, writing and digital programs. They teach skills and forms that no other theater teaches, great for advance players as well as beginners. This is a complete improv program on their own and a great compliment if you trained at other theaters. Don't miss out on this knowledge. You'll be a better player. Take all in one place. This theater is a supportive inclusive community with tons of opportunities for their students to perform. They will only get bigger and better so take classes now. Or just come for laughs, sit back and enjoy. read more

I've been at the Pack Theater (formerly the Miles Stroth Workshop) for almost 6 years now, and it is without question and without a close second place, the best place to train and perform comedy in LA. I've studied sketch with writers and performers from SNL, The Eric Andre Show, The Whitest Kids U'Know, and Whose Line is it Anyway; my improv teachers have been performing almost daily for at the least 15 years. Miles Stroth, the head of the theater, has been performing improv basically since it began in Chicago. What makes classes at the Pack better than anywhere else (besides their instructors) is their size; you don't get as much stage time in a 16-person UCB class as you will in improv classes at the Pack, which cap at 12. There are raucous, joyful shows 7 nights a week, and I'm happy to have been a part of them for the last 4 years. I'm especially proud of DARK Matters, the monthly podcast and show I co-host with one of my best friends (whom I met through improv at the Pack), which consistently fills the theater with weird, fascinating stuff and huge laughs. Go download my podcast. That's what this yelp review is really about. I need attention. Other shows I love at the Pack include: Late Nightmare with Emily Candini; Zumpf, a 2-man team of Miles Stroth and Dan Bakkedahl of Veep + The Daily Show; Go Sketch Yourself, a sketch and character open mic; and Rude Mondays improv. Sign up for classes to get a feel for the place, and, for the love of God, go download my podcast. http://www.darkmattersshow.com read more

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Amazing comedy venue. Every night of the week has interesting and good shows featuring top comedy people from about town. I especially love their Sunday night lineups and any of their late night shows where they show movies. You can bring snacks! And I really love snacks. I've also been taking classes here and can say with great certainty that they have some of the very best instructors in sketch and improv anywhere in the WORLD. But seriously though, the instructors are amazing and care about teaching. They want you to be your best, and they know how to help get you there. read more

Miles, Brian and Emily are the Deathly Hallows of improv. That's all I need to say but it's still not enough. I've studied at other schools but never got the amount personal attention and love I've received at the Pack Theater. They are providing the highest quality education money can buy. They have each helped my improv in ways I needed but didn't expect. On top of the classes, they have an amazing selection of shows. From sketch to improv there's something for everyone. For improv check out the Deconstruction on Tuesday nights. This is a form created by Miles Stroth himself. For sketch, you'd be foolish not to stop in on a Saturday Page One is playing. Show runners Sarah Bellardini and Brian Musil have hit the ball out of the park with this show. All the performers get the first page of a script and then finish it on their own. It's always a laugh out loud time There is no theater I'd rather be a part of. read more

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I've performed on and seen countless shows here. Easily my favorite place for both. read more

There are comedy theaters around town that are no doubt fabulous and well established in their business models. Annnnnnnd then... you have the theaters like the Pack that are pushing boundaries and trying new things and risking and developing and making people laugh as each day passes. It's bohemia and it's fucking awesome. Pack is going for it and is giving comedians a place to develop with stage time for those who want to do the work. Classes are affordable. If you're here and you are thinking about it...don't wait too long. The time to be a part of this community is now. read more

Came here on the night of Dr.Who Live!/Drunkards & Dragons improv. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. It's a very small venue and it's pay what you can motto! They even offer you a free water bottle (you'll need this from laughing all night). I had a great and memorable time here. All were very funny and even the crowd had such great energy. Everyone was laughing and having a great time. I enjoyed the Drunkards & Dragons improv the most. They allowed the audience to roll the giant dice. Heh I was laughing all night that my mouth hurt from smiling too much. :) They even had a surprise giveaway for tickets to comic con LA after their last performance. Of course the dice determined the winner ;) haha! I can't wait to come back! Parking: street parking only. It was hard to find parking so I suggest to come at least 10-15 mins before the show starts. read more

Something special is happening at this place. The people, vibe, and the momentum is exciting to be around. I first found this place on Yelp under the Miles Stroth Workshop (you can find more reviews there), but it has morphed into The Pack Theater and it's something I'm proud to be a part of. I never did improv prior to this but I always wanted to and was eager to find the right place to take improv classes. After researching every class option through Yelp, something just clicked for me about the Pack. What stood out were the great reviews people had for Emily Candini regarding how open and supportive she is. I finally got the courage to sign up one night while being significantly intoxicated ;) When I woke up in the morning I was actually very excited to have finally taken the leap. Emily teaches the intro class currently and wow what a great class it is. She is very supportive and truly wants you to be the best you can be. On top of that she is an amazing improviser herself. She knows all the traps you can fall into and steers you away from those areas. I then took Brian James O'Connell and was equally impressed. Both of them are great teachers with different styles and will provide you tools and many Aha moments. There are also elective classes that are offered which are extremely good as well. I have never heard a single complaint about any class here and I know others taking sketch / digital / improv. The curriculum allows the teachers to express their talents and explore new ways to teach, yet it is structured at the same time. I am currently taking the character class by Jeff Sloniker and have had some big insights not only into creating characters but also about myself. The talented teachers this place attracts is something to take notice of. I'm moving on to level 4 now and feel like I need to have improv / theater in my life. So in summary, get drunk tonight, and sign up. You won't regret it in the morning. read more

Heather and Miles, last Sunday of the month. The best and usually sickest improv you'll see all month. Sat night shows are always solid. Highly recommend improv and sketch classes if that's your jam. Classes are slightly cheaper than the competing theaters and you'll get tons more personalized attention. Miles Stroth is the godfather of improv in LA. Community is great and there are lots of opportunities to get on stage! read more

Amazing shows severn nights a week and the model is pay what you can! They also teach classes with world class instructors. They have world class performers and you can feel the passion of the community. read more

One of the best comedy hot spots in town! I've performed here in a few shows, and love the community. But even as an audience member I'm always pleased with the cool vibe, affordable "pay what you can" prices, and HILARIOUS original comedy you can't get anywhere else. A ton of great shows to check out, like Sketch Night, Speedface, Setflix, and more. I took a bunch of classes here too and loved them. The teachers are really talented, actually working professionals who give practical advice you can use in your workflow. They make you feel welcome and offer plenty of stage opportunity. read more

This is by far my favorite comedy theater in Los Angeles. It's pay what you can, which is nice if funds are low, and lets me feel extra generous when I'm freshly paid. I never miss their Wednesday night sketch shows, and try to hit as many of their weekend shows that I can. Their Monday night improv line up is usually great too! I've also recently started taking classes there and can't recommend them enough. The Finding Characters class, Improv Level 1, and Sketch Level 1 are fantastic, and I'm sure the upper level classes are too, just haven't gotten to take them yet! read more

Unique, exciting comedy theater with amazing unconventional shows and a pay what you can system.

My favorite place to watch and perform comedy! Haymaker and Scumbag Shakespeare are always a treat!

The Pack is a five star comedy theater and it hasn't even realized it's full potential yet. People come here because they genuinely love comedy and want to connect to others through comedy. This theater RESPECTS all its performers and audience members. The full suite of improv, sketch, and comedy elective classes are taught by legends with the closest lineage to Del Close you'll find and the classes are all over a hundred dollars LESS than any competing comedy school of a similar caliber. Even if you've mastered the UCB or iO or Second City voice, you will learn and grow and find new parts of yourself here. Parking is way easy because not enough people realize how mind blowing this place is yet. read more

I love this place more than I love most places. Consistently amazing shows that run the gamut from straightforward to completely insane. So many strong, unique voices coming out of here that it hurts my little brain. And a student recently called me "jovial," so that's nice. Go see a show. There's improv and sketch and standup and variety and even a Sunday brunch show. Miles Stroth does stuff there (Zumpf, Heather & Miles, The Six Pack). He's funnier than most people. Sketch nights (Wednesday and Sunday) throw some of the craziest shows you're likely to see in town. Go take a class. I went through the sketch program and loved every dumb second of it. Eric Moneypenny, Sam Brown, and Mike Upchurch are all great and each brings something unique to the table for their class. Jeff Sloniker's Character class is super fun and really valuable to anyone trying to broaden their horizons as a performer. It took me way out of my comfort zone. And their improv program is run by three of the strongest improvisers in the history of improv (Miles Stroth, Emily Candini, Brian O'Connell) so just go take a class already read more

Nice comedy mic, get there earlier than the comedy bureau says though, the page was nearly full when I got there. Bathrooms there I thought would be a nightmare but were spiffy. Donation based too, so kick down some coin. read more

Great little theater! Def go check it out for some free/cheap entertainment from wonderful performers!

This is the theater to be at, the best comedy is coming from The Pack. The shows are seven nights a week and it's guaranteed to be a stellar show no matter what night you drop in. read more

I couldn't stop laughing! It's pay what you can, so throw some dollars in the jar and have the most fun. This is home to some of the best sketch and improv teams in LA. read more

The Pack Theater is the best improv/sketch theater in Los Angeles. Coincidentally, it's also the best improv/sketch comedy school in Los Angeles. No where else will you find a community so dedicated to elevating and pushing improv and sketch to its their respective zeniths. Amazing shows seven nights that are pay-what-you-can! It's next level, groundbreaking comedy with a punk rock heart and it never disappoints. If becoming an improv or sketch comedian is what you're looking for, the Pack Theater school cannot be beat. All of the teachers offer years of experience from both the Chicago and LA comedy communities, but the thing that really makes this school next level is that the focus is on giving you what you need to be the funniest you can be. While other schools enforce a set of guidelines that students must uniformly conform to in order to advance; the teachers at the Pack are only concerned with arming you with tested knowledge and refined performance tools, as well as a space to test and refine your skills to turn you into a strong, confident comedian. read more