The Groundlings

The Groundlings is an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe based in Los Angeles, founded in 1974 by Gary Austin. The group is known for its unique blend of improvisational theatre and sketch comedy, and has been a launching pad for the careers of many famous comedians, including Jim Carrey, Dana Carvey, and Lisa Kudrow. The Groundlings has been associated with Saturday Night Live (SNL), with many of its alumni going on to work as cast members or writers on the show, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Bill Hader. The troupe has also been influenced by the work of Viola Spolin and Keith Johnstone, pioneers in the field of improvisational theatre.

● History

The Groundlings was founded in 1974 by Gary Austin, who had previously worked with The Committee, an improvisational theatre group based in San Francisco. The troupe's early years were marked by performances at various venues in Los Angeles, including the Olympic Auditorium and the Roxy Theatre. In the 1980s, The Groundlings began to gain popularity, with performances featuring comedians such as Pepe Serna, Laraine Newman, and Michael McKean. The troupe's success was also influenced by its association with The Second City, a renowned improvisational theatre group based in Chicago. The Groundlings has also been compared to other notable comedy troupes, including The Upright Citizens Brigade and The Kids in the Hall.

● Notable Alumni

The Groundlings has a long list of notable alumni, including Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Paul Reubens, and Phil Hartman. Many of these comedians have gone on to successful careers in film and television, with credits including Bridesmaids, Saturday Night Live, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and Pee-wee's Playhouse. Other notable alumni include Maya Rudolph, Chris Parnell, and Cheri Oteri, who have all worked on Saturday Night Live. The Groundlings has also been a launching pad for the careers of comedians such as Jen Kirkman, Brian Posehn, and Maria Bamford, who have all gone on to successful careers in stand-up comedy and television.

● Improvisational Style

The Groundlings is known for its unique improvisational style, which combines elements of improvisational theatre and sketch comedy. The troupe's performances typically feature a mix of short-form and long-form improvisation, with a focus on character-driven comedy and physical humor. The Groundlings' style has been influenced by the work of Viola Spolin and Keith Johnstone, who developed the concept of improvisational theatre in the 1960s. The troupe's improvisational style has also been compared to that of The Second City and The Upright Citizens Brigade. The Groundlings has also been influenced by the work of comedians such as John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray, who were all part of the original cast of Saturday Night Live.

● The Groundlings Theatre

The Groundlings Theatre is a venue located in Los Angeles, which serves as the home base for The Groundlings troupe. The theatre hosts a variety of performances, including improvisational shows, sketch comedy revues, and solo performances. The Groundlings Theatre has also been used as a venue for other comedy troupes and performers, including The Upright Citizens Brigade and Maria Bamford. The theatre is located in the Melrose Avenue district of Los Angeles, which is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The Groundlings Theatre has been compared to other notable comedy venues, including The Comedy Store and The Laugh Factory.

● Training Program

The Groundlings offers a training program for aspiring comedians and improvisers, which provides instruction in improvisational theatre and sketch comedy. The program is taught by experienced instructors, including Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig, who are both alumni of The Groundlings. The training program has been attended by many notable comedians, including Will Ferrell, Paul Reubens, and Phil Hartman. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in improvisational theatre and sketch comedy, and has been compared to other notable comedy training programs, including those offered by The Second City and The Upright Citizens Brigade. The Groundlings' training program has also been influenced by the work of Viola Spolin and Keith Johnstone, who developed the concept of improvisational theatre in the 1960s.

Category:Comedy troupes