A Guide to Baltimore’s Comedy Scene

Baltimore has a long and storied history of comedy, dating back to the days of vaudeville. In recent years, the city’s comedy scene has experienced a resurgence, with new clubs opening up and local comedians gaining national recognition.

Venues

Baltimore has various comedy venues, from large theaters to intimate clubs. Some of the most popular venues include:

• The Comedy Factory: The Comedy Factory is a large comedy club that hosts a variety of national and international touring comedians.
• The Ottobar: The Ottobar is a famous club that hosts a variety of local and regional comedians, DJs, and electronic music artists.
• The Sidebar: The Sidebar is a small club that hosts a variety of local and regional comedians and experimental and avant-garde comedy artists.
• The Black Cat: The Black Cat is a popular concert venue that also hosts a variety of comedy shows, including stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy.
• The Baltimore Improv: The Baltimore Improv is a comedy club specializing in improv comedy shows.

Genres

Baltimore’s comedy scene is diverse, with comedians performing everything from stand-up to improv to sketch comedy. Some of the most popular genres in Baltimore include:

• Stand-up: Baltimore has a solid stand-up comedy scene, with various talented comedians performing at venues throughout the city. Some of the most notable Baltimore stand-up comedians include Roy Wood Jr., Jermaine Fowler, and Jessica Kirson.
• Improv: Baltimore also has a thriving improv comedy scene, with several different improv troupes performing at venues throughout the city. Some famous Baltimore improv troupes include The Second City Baltimore, Charm City Comedy, and The Baltimore Improv Players.
• Sketch comedy: Baltimore also has a growing sketch comedy scene, with several different sketch comedy troupes performing at venues throughout the city. Some famous Baltimore sketch comedy troupes include Charm City, The Baltimore Improv Players, and The Baltimore Comedy Collective.

Festivals

Baltimore also hosts some comedy festivals throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include:

• Baltimore Comedy Festival: The Baltimore Comedy Festival is a three-day festival in September every year. The festival features a variety of national and international touring comedians, as well as local and regional comedians.
• ImprovFest Baltimore: ImprovFest Baltimore is a three-day festival in October every year. The festival features a variety of improv comedy shows, including long form improv, short form improv, and musical improv.
• Sketchfest Baltimore: Sketchfest Baltimore is a two-day festival in November every year. The festival features a variety of sketch comedy shows, including sketch revues, sketch marathons, and sketch workshops.

Tips for Attending Comedy Shows in Baltimore

Here are a few tips for attending comedy shows in Baltimore:

• Purchase your tickets in advance: This is especially important for popular shows and festivals.
• Dress comfortably: You don’t need to dress up to go to a comedy show, but you should dress comfortably.
• Arrive early: This will give you time to find your seat and settle before the show starts.
• Be respectful of the performers and other audience members: Avoid talking or making noise during the show.
• Be bold and laugh: Comedy is subjective, so there’s no right or wrong answer to whether or not something is funny. If you find something funny, laugh!

Conclusion

Baltimore has a vibrant and diverse comedy scene with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a stand-up, improv, or sketch comedy fan, you’re sure to find something you like in Baltimore.

In addition to the venues and festivals listed above, there are several other ways to get involved in Baltimore’s comedy scene. For example, many of the city’s comedy clubs offer classes and workshops on stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy. Several open mic nights and jam sessions are also held at venues throughout the city.

If you’re a comedy fan or just looking for a good time, be sure to check out Baltimore’s comedy scene. You won’t be disappointed.