Best Open Mic Comedy Shows In New York City
New York City is filled with comedy clubs and improv theaters. Several of these venues play host to open mic nights, allowing a variety of comedians to take the stage with their routines. Whether featuring seasoned comedians or aspiring newbies to the comedy scene, these open mic comedy shows help comedians with planning their performances and bettering their material. Here's a list of five venues that regularly host open mic nights in New York City.
Peoples Improv Theater
123 E. 24th St.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 563-7488
www.thepit-nyc.com
At 11 p.m. on Mondays, the Peoples Improv Theater hosts its open mic standup comedy show. As participants in the $3 open mic, new stand-up comedians have the opportunity to test out jokes for a five minute set. "The Power Exchange" at Peoples Improv Theater is limited to 15 spots per night, but the event is intended to help comedians feel the power of being on stage.
153 E. 3rd St.
New York, NY 10009
(212) 366-9231
www.ucbtheatre.com
On the first and second Thursday of the given month, UCB East hosts its Thursday night open mic. UCB East encourages stand-ups from all over New York City to tell their latest jokes. In order to take part in the open mic night, participants put their names into a bucket, and then fourteen names are randomly drawn. Once selected, the fourteen participants have about four minutes to perform a set.
Stand Up NY
236 W. 78th St.
New York, NY 10024
(212) 595-0850
www.standupny.com
Stand Up NY, a venue known for giving a platform for rising comedians, hosts an open mic Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 pm. The venue's open mic show is one of several programs offered by the comedy club to help starting comedians. For $5 on open mic nights, beginner comedians earn five minutes of performance time. All spots are on a first come, first serve basis
The Creek And The Cave
10-93 Jackson Ave.
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 706-8783
www.creeklic.com
The Creek and The Cave is bringing you a brand new open mic night, "Mic and Cheese." The open mic, which is hosted by Seena Jon, is held at the Long Island city venue every Friday. Instead of having advance signups via phone or email, "Mic and Cheese" offers spots on the lineup on a first come, first serve basis. Signups for the night start at 7:30 pm, and comics get five minutes to perform on stage.
241 E. 24th St.
New York, NY 10010
(212) 696-5233
www.newyorkcomedyclub.com
For comics looking to test out their material, The New York Comedy Club hosts an open mic several nights a week. The comedy club holds an open mic every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 5 pm. The signups for the open mic nights begin at 4 pm, and the cost of performing is $3. Aspiring comedians can sign-up by either emailing info@newyorkcomedyclub.com, calling the venue at (212) 696-5233 or filling out the comedy club's contact form for more details.