The Groundlings

The Groundlings. The Groundlings is an American improvisational theatre and sketch comedy troupe and school based in Los Angeles, founded in 1974 by director Gary Austin. It has become a renowned incubator for comedic talent, with a rigorous training program that has launched the careers of numerous performers and writers for television and film. The company's name is derived from the "groundlings," the lower-class audience members who stood in the pit of Elizabethan theaters like the Globe Theatre.

History

The troupe was formed in 1974 when Gary Austin, a veteran of The Committee, consolidated several existing Los Angeles workshops into a single company. Initially performing at the Oxford Playhouse in Hollywood, they established their permanent home on Melrose Avenue in 1975. The early years saw the development of their signature style, blending long-form improvisation with character-driven sketch comedy, influenced by predecessors like The Second City and The Committee. Key figures in its formative development included Phyllis Katz, Tom Maxwell, and Cheryl Carter, who helped shape the institution's pedagogical approach. The company weathered the shifting comedy landscape of the 1980s and 1990s, solidifying its reputation as a vital pipeline to the entertainment industry, particularly for shows like Saturday Night Live and Mad TV.

Notable alumni

A vast number of prominent comedians and actors have emerged from its training programs and main company. Early notable alumni include Laraine Newman, a founding cast member of Saturday Night Live, and Jon Lovitz. The 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of performers such as Kathy Griffin, Phil Hartman, Julia Sweeney, and Mike Myers, who honed iconic characters like Wayne and Austin Powers there. More recent alumni who have achieved significant success in film and television include Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and Lisa Kudrow. Writers and producers like Conan O'Brien (a former writer for The Simpsons and host of Late Night with Conan O'Brien) and Mindy Kaling (creator of The Mindy Project) also trained with the troupe.

Training and programs

The institution operates a highly structured school with a progressive curriculum focused on improvisation, sketch writing, and character development. The core program consists of several levels, beginning with Basic Improv and advancing through Intermediate Improv, Writing Lab, and the intensive Sunday Company workshop. Admission into the prestigious Main Company is by invitation only, following successful completion of lower tiers and auditions. The pedagogical philosophy emphasizes creating original, flawed characters, a technique famously utilized by alumni like Phil Hartman and Kristen Wiig. Many students concurrently study at other notable institutions like the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre or iO Theater, though its program is distinguished by its strong focus on character-driven performance for the camera.

Influence and legacy

Its primary legacy is as a dominant force in shaping American comedy over the last five decades, directly influencing the casts and writing staffs of major programs like Saturday Night Live, Mad TV, and 30 Rock. The "Groundlings style" of character-based comedy has permeated film franchises such as Bridesmaids and Anchorman. It is often cited alongside The Second City and Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre as one of the most influential breeding grounds for comedic talent in the United States. Its alumni network forms a powerful bloc within the Hollywood industry, frequently collaborating on projects across television, film, and streaming media platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

Theater and productions

The company performs regularly in its 99-seat theater on Melrose Avenue, with shows typically comprising a mix of scripted sketch revues and improvised sets. Signature long-running shows have included "The Crazy Uncle Joe Show" and various themed "Cooke" performances. The most famous production is arguably "The Groundlings Sunday Show," which often features Main Company members and serves as a showcase for new material. Many sketches developed on its stage have been adapted for Saturday Night Live, such as The Californians and Target Lady. The theater itself is a noted venue in the Los Angeles comedy scene, attracting scouts from major networks and studios.