For years, experiencing live comedy in San Antonio meant trekking downtown to the tourist-saturated Rivercenter Comedy Club. The comedy scene spawned a more accessible nucleus when Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club opened its doors in the fall of 2009, providing a homebase for professional and aspiring Saytown comics. As the concept of a local comedy movement took root in 2010, existing shows have been rejuvenated and an increasing amount of local showcases have blossomed in 2011. These shows are primarily organized by local comics and are indicative of the enterprising nature of the city’s growing comedy culture.
Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
Often boasting capacity audiences and upwards of 40 comedians a night, this standard open mic is ground zero for the comedy scene in San Antonio. 8pm Tuesdays, Park North Plaza, 618 NW Loop 410, Ste. 312, (210) 541-8805, lolsanantonio.com
Rivercenter Comedy Club
The Midnight Madness show features established local comedians showcasing their material to the touristy crowd that populates this downtown staple. Midnight Saturdays, 849 E Commerce, (210) 229-1420, rivercentercomedyclub.com
Nightrocker Live!
Stand Up and Rock! is a weekly no-cover showcase combining a local music act with established San Antonio comedians. 10pm Thursdays, 605 San Pedro, (210) 265-3573, nightrockerlive.net
Tryst & Studio 13
FunnyMan Comedy Works and host Josh Jay puts on a standard open mic alternating Sundays between bars. 9pm Sundays; Tryst, 11881 Bandera (Helotes), (210) 372-0063; Studio 13, 7218 Blanco
The Rose Theatre
The Oxymorons and their rotating cast have been performing improv comedy for years around San Antonio and hold their weekly showcase at this Northside playhouse. 10:15pm Fridays, 11838 Wurzbach, (210) 360-0004, therosetheatreco.com
The Overtime Theater
A showcase of improv comedy group The Denials held weekly at this theater located within the Blue Star Arts Complex. 10pm Saturdays, 1414 S Alamo, Ste 103, (210) 557-7562, theovertimetheater.net
