Frequently Asked Questions
GeneralCan we take pictures or film?You are not allowed to film or take pictures of the performers or performances. What is your refund policy?All sales are final for tickets. There are absolutely no refunds or exchanges. Do you have classes? **We do have a training center where you can take improv, sketch and stand up classes. Check HERE for more details. When are your open mics?Every Tuesday at 10PM. Click HERE for more details. Are you available for private events?Yes we are. We can set up a comedy show for your event, or rent you the space. We have improv, stand up and sketch and we have other corporate entertainment options as well. Call us at (310) 451-0850 with any questions or e-mail to chris@westsidecomedy.com. What is seating like?We have cabaret style seating, so small tables with chairs around them. Our tables sit two. All of our seating is done first come first serve, from the front to the back of the room. We can accommodate large groups to sit together. Please contact us if you’re a large party. What payment methods do you accept?Visa, Mastercard, Cash. Should we make reservations?This is not required, but highly recommended. You can buy tickets on our website or give us a call at (310) 451-0850. If you buy online, you do not have to call. Online is the best way to purchase. Is there a drink minimum?NO DRINK MINIMUM. But we do have a great wine and beer bar that you won’t be able to resist. We also sell sodas, non-alcoholic beer and other non-alcoholic beverages. I want to do Stand Up there. How do I get onstage?The best way to get a gig at the theater is to take classes here, attend our open mics, or come see the shows at the theater and meet the producers. Most of our shows are produced by outside Producers. You can send us tape and we can forward it on to the Producers, but the best way is the above mentioned. I want to do a show there. How do I do it?Please fill out this FORM to pitch us an idea. No guarantees, but a great pitch goes a long way. Are you handicap accessible?Yes. For both audience and performers. What does Special Event mean?If you see a show that says “Special Event” it means discounts and promotions are not accepted and there may be restrictions on purchases. If a show is sold out how does your waitlist work?Our waitlist is first come first serve. You will line up outside the theater in our designated waitlist line. If someone doesn’t show up to claim their ticket it will be released 15 minutes into the show and you will be able to purchase a ticket. When should I arrive?We recommend you arrive 15 minutes before a show. Where should I park?The easiest place to park is in Parking Garage #1 (Structure 1, whose entrance is on 4th Street just between Wilshire Blvd and Arizona Ave. It’s free for the first 90 minutes and only $2 for the first half hour after that. That means 2 hours for $2 any time you park! It’s a $1.50 every half hour after that. Cheap and easy parking FTW! Click HERE for most up to date rates & address There is also some surrounding street parking that is free after 6PM on 5th street and east. Do you offer Gift Certificates?Yes we do – Click HERE to order one online! Where are you located?1323 – A Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 You can find us in the alley way between 4th st. and the 3rd st. promenade. We are the only awesome theater in the alley that has painted brick, and laughter being heard.
Is there an age limit?Yes, most shows are 21 and over. Check the website for more details. Do you have food and beverages?Yes, we have a beer and wine bar, including 30 different beers available in the bottle or on tap. We also have non-alcoholic beverages like soda, water and tea available. We do not sell food. | Training CenterWhat is your policy on refunds?We do NOT offer refunds for purchased classes (unless the class is cancelled by the theater). Where can I get a sample of your style of comedy?Feel free to check out some shows at our theater. We recommend our Improv Resident Team shows on Monday nights starting at 7 PM. Every three months there will be a new batch of Resident Teams, so catch them while you can! If you’re interested in stand up, check out the Neal Brennan & Friends show every Tuesday at 8 PM. If you want to try getting up on stage, we offer an open mic, on Tuesday nights at 10pm.
What is your philosophy of improv?We believe that at its core, good improvisation is a series of choices and discoveries made by an ensemble of committed, emotional players all supporting one another. We seek to create great improv by realizing the potential of the group. Can I just pay for the first meeting of class and see if I like it?No. Our classes are six-eight weeks long and are packaged as a unit. We do not sell individual class sessions. Can I audit a class?Sorry, we don’t allow outside visitors in class. Class is a space for people to push their boundaries, experiment, and sometimes fail. Having outside observers in class works against the safe creative atmosphere that we have worked hard to cultivate. Why should I take classes at your theater?• Quality: Our theater is steeped in the traditions of Chicago, the mecca for longform improvisation. The instructors we work with have been performing and teaching for many years, and are committed to creating a home for individuals and ensembles to flourish. Why should I study improvisational or stand up comedy?• To improve your confidence with public speaking Where are your classes held?Because we are a working comedy theater with shows every night, most of our classes are not held on our stage. We use a handful of nearby rental spaces, all of which are just a short walk away. Class shows usually take place at our theater. When do your classes meet?The vast majority of our classes are held on weeknights, beginning at 7 PM. Select classes are also available on weekends. |
