What The Groundlings does

The Groundlings is a Los Angeles-based improvisation and sketch comedy theatre and school, founded by Gary Austin in 1974 and operated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit (The Groundlings, Inc., EIN 23-7381137). It operates two adjacent facilities on Melrose Avenue: a 99-seat main theatre at 7307 Melrose Avenue used for live performances, and a 5,000 square foot school facility at 7280 Melrose Avenue used for classes and student showcases. The organization runs a continuous live performance calendar of 60+ shows per month (Wednesday through Sunday), with anchored long-running shows including Cookin' with GAS (the longest-running improv show in LA, since 1992), The Crazy Uncle Joe Show (since 2001), and The Completely Different Late Show.

The Groundlings School delivers a tiered improv and sketch comedy curriculum — Intro Track ($55–$365), Core Track (audition-based, $580 Basic + Intermediate), and Lab Track ($600 Improv Lab, $850 Writing Lab, $475 Performance Lab) — taught by 50+ teachers trained in the Groundlings methodology and producing approximately 8,000 students annually. The Sunday Company (15–16 members) and the capped Main Company (~40 members) form a structured talent pipeline into professional comedy careers; the organization cites 19+ SNL alumni and alumni including Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Lisa Kudrow, and Melissa McCarthy.

Revenue is generated across four primary streams: (1) live performance ticket sales ($5–$30 per ticket depending on show and advance vs. day-of pricing); (2) school tuition across multiple class tiers; (3) corporate training and private corporate events via the "Groundlings At Work" division (workshops starting at $2,400 for up to 16 participants, with named clients including Google, Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, Netflix, 20th Century Fox, McKinsey, and Coca-Cola); and (4) annual memberships ($250/year, 12 tickets plus perks). Secondary streams include gift certificates, merchandise (via Threadless), video-on-demand (Groundlings On Demand via Vimeo), the podcast network (Breaking Ground, Multiple Talking Women), and YouTube content (Groundlings Originals). Strategic partnerships with SNL (SNL Scholarship), NBC Talent Infusion Programs, and Nickelodeon anchor a diversity and talent-development flywheel; the organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Nicholas Antonian (CBIZ).

Name

The Groundlings

Legal name

The Groundlings, Inc.

Website

https://groundlings.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Groundlings is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) improvisation and sketch comedy theatre and school, founded in 1974, that runs 60+ live shows per month, trains 8,000+ students annually through a tiered curriculum, and serves corporate clients via workshops and private events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Comedy Theatre and Improv Training

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (611610), Fine Arts Schools (61161)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts (Acting, Improv, Theater) (EDAAAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts Camps (Theater, Musical Theater, Dance) (EDAMALAI), Workshops, Webinars & Live Masterclasses (MPACALAD)

Keywords

• Improv comedy training
• Sketch comedy theatre
• Live comedy performances
• Corporate improv workshops
• Comedy education school

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Live Performance Tickets: Revenue from ticket sales for main stage shows, improv performances, and special events at The Groundlings Theatre. Shows include The Completely Different Late Show, Cookin' with GAS, The Crazy Uncle Joe Show, and The Sunday Company Show.
2. The Groundlings School Tuition: Tuition revenue from structured improv and sketch writing classes ranging from introductory workshops to advanced lab programs. Classes are offered in-person and online with tiered pricing based on track and level.
3. Corporate Training: Customized corporate training workshops for team building, leadership development, creativity, presentation skills, and conflict management. Pricing starts at $2,400 for 3-hour workshops for up to 16 participants.
4. Corporate Events: Private improvised performances for corporate clients, either at the Groundlings Theatre or at client locations. Provides entertainment for company events, retreats, and celebrations.
5. Memberships: Annual memberships ($250) offering 12 tickets to shows, priority seating, merchandise, event invitations, and discounts at surrounding businesses.
6. Gift Certificates: Electronic gift certificates sold in any amount, redeemable for classes and show tickets.
7. Alumni Careers and Royalties: While not explicitly stated, the organization benefits from alumni careers in entertainment, creating indirect revenue through industry prominence and ongoing industry connections.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Groundlings operates a Los Angeles comedy theatre and training school. It produces live improv and sketch comedy shows performed by a capped 40-member Main Company and a 15–16-member Sunday Company at its 99-seat Melrose Avenue theatre. Through The Groundlings School, it sells structured improv and sketch comedy classes (Intro, Core, and Lab tracks, plus teen and writing classes) delivered in-person and online. Under Groundlings At Work, it delivers customized corporate training (team building, leadership, creativity, presentation, conflict management) and private corporate comedy events.

Product overview

The Groundlings is an L.A. improvisation and sketch comedy theatre and school offering a comprehensive portfolio of live performance products and educational services. The core product consists of Main Company sketch and improv shows performed at their Melrose Avenue theatre, including The Completely Different Late Show, Cookin' with GAS (the longest-running improv show in LA), The Crazy Uncle Joe Show (long-form), The Sunday Company Show, Groundlings Lights Up, and The Trash Show. Supporting entertainment products include Groundlings On Demand (VOD streaming), the Groundlings Podcast Network, Groundlings Originals (short films), memberships, gift certificates, and merchandise. The Groundlings School provides structured improv and sketch comedy education through multiple tracks: Intro Track (no experience required), Core Track (audition-based), Lab Track (advanced in-person), Sketch Writing classes, and Teen classes. Corporate services include customized training workshops (Team Building, Leadership, Creativity, Presentation, Conflict Management) starting at $2400 and private corporate comedy events. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1974, with a Main Company capped at 40 members and a Sunday Company as the top-level student performers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Groundlings Main Stage Shows The flagship 80-minute sketch comedy shows performed by the Groundlings Main Company on weekends at the 99-seat Melrose Avenue theatre, featuring fast-paced improvisation and character-driven sketches. Tickets range roughly $20–$30 per show depending on title and day.
• Groundlings Lights Up A short-form improv show performed by the Groundlings Main Company featuring new hit improv content on the legendary Melrose Avenue stage, with tickets at $30 per seat.
• The Crazy Uncle Joe Show A long-form improv show in which players weave stories together using audience suggestions, traveling through time with different characters across 40-minute segments; tickets are $22 advance / $25 day of show.
• Cookin' with GAS The longest-running short-form improv show in Los Angeles, featuring Groundlings, alumni, and Sunday Company members with weekly special guests, based entirely on audience suggestions; tickets $26 advance / $29 day of show.
• The Completely Different Late Show A late-night sketch and improv show performed by the Main Company, featuring brand new content that grows more outrageous as midnight approaches; tickets $20 for the Friday and Saturday 9:30pm show.
• The Sunday Company Show A weekly new sketch comedy show written and performed by Sunday Company members who have completed the Core Track and Lab Track training; tickets $22 advance / $27 day of show.
• The Trash Show An adult-only late-night show featuring the most offensive and taboo sketches and characters, unsuitable for other show formats; tickets $50 general admission / $25 students.
• Groundlings At Work — Corporate Training Customized 3-hour improv workshops for corporate teams covering Team Building, Leadership, Creativity & Innovation, Presentation & Public Speaking, and Conflict Management, starting at $2,400 for up to 16 participants, delivered on-site or at the Groundlings School.
• Groundlings At Work — Corporate Events Private improvised comedy performances for corporate groups, customizable with company-specific material, available at the theatre or on-site at client venues; recommended group sizes 65–350 guests.
• Groundlings School — Intro Track Classes Intro-level improv classes open to anyone with no experience required, including Improv for Beginners (one session at $55) and Improv Workshop A (6 sessions at $365, with a $30 repeater discount).
• Groundlings School — Core Track Classes Audition-required improv track including Basic (12 sessions at $580) and Intermediate levels, forming the heart of The Groundlings School program.
• Groundlings School — Lab Track Classes Advanced in-person training including Improv Lab (11 sessions plus a show performance at $600), Writing Lab ($850 plus a show), Performance Lab ($475 plus a staged performance and recording), and Performance WOW ($275 for 4 sessions plus performance).
• Sketch Writing Classes Online sketch writing workshops including Sketch Writing Workshop A (online 6-session course) and Sketch for Beginners, with no prerequisites required.
• Groundlings Teen Classes Improv classes designed for teens in two age groups (10–13 and 14–18), including Teen Drop-In, Teen Camp, and Teen Pro workshops, focused on confidence, public speaking, and creative expression.
• Annual Groundlings Membership Annual membership at $250/year offering 12 tickets to shows, priority seating, Groundlings merchandise (t-shirt or tote bag), invites to special events, 10% off surrounding businesses, and waiver of day-of-show fees.
• Gift Certificates Electronic gift certificates sold in any amount, redeemable for classes and show tickets, delivered via email.
• Groundlings Podcast Network Podcast network featuring the Breaking Ground podcast with alumni interviews, writing partnerships, anniversary panels, and the Multiple Talking Women podcast, distributed via podcast platforms and the Groundlings YouTube channel.
• Groundlings On Demand (Vimeo VOD) Video-on-demand streaming service offering recorded performances from the Groundlings theatre, accessible globally through Vimeo.
• Groundlings Merchandise Groundlings-branded merchandise sold through the Threadless online storefront.
• Student Performance Nights Monthly student showcases on the Gary Austin Stage, open to students who have passed Intermediate level, emceed by Groundlings teachers; tickets $15 general admission / $10 for Groundlings students.
• Groundlings Originals A digital content series of short films of sketches created on The Groundlings stage, distributed on YouTube via @TheGroundlingsTheatre.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 8000 students trained annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NickelodeoncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Nickelodeon has partnered with The Groundlings for over 10 years, sponsoring the teen portion of the Diversity Festival and improv training for teens invited to perform. The partnership supports young talent development and diversity initiatives in comedy.
• Saturday Night LivecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015SNL has partnered with The Groundlings to create the 'SNL Scholarship,' providing significant steps toward progressive recruitment of diverse applicants to both organizations. The partnership connects two of the most prominent comedy institutions in the industry.
• NBCUniversalminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2015NBCUniversal has sponsored The Groundlings Diversity Festivals, an annual event celebrating and growing the diversity of the Groundlings community. Part of NBC's Talent Infusion Programs (NBC TIPS).
• NBC Talent Infusion Programs (NBC TIPS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015NBC TIPS is NBC's long-standing diversity and inclusion initiative for onscreen and behind-the-scenes talent. The partnership includes the annual Diversity Festival at The Groundlings School.
• GoogleminorOthersGoogle has utilized The Groundlings corporate training services for team building and communication workshops.
• Walt Disney CompanyminorOthersWalt Disney Company has hired The Groundlings for corporate entertainment at company events and retreats.
• 20th Century FoxminorOthers20th Century Fox utilized The Groundlings for corporate training and team building.
• NetflixminorOthersNetflix has engaged The Groundlings for corporate training services.
• McKinsey & CompanyminorOthersMcKinsey & Company utilized The Groundlings for corporate training workshops.
• Coca-ColaminorOthersCoca-Cola has engaged The Groundlings for corporate team building training.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Magnet Theater: NYC-based improv theater and training school offering multi-level improv courses (Sketch, Musical Improv, Character) with regular live shows. Similar business model combining structured improv instruction with ongoing live performance programming.
• iO Theater (Improv Olympic): Chicago-based improv training institution with an LA outpost (iO West), offering classes, long-form improv shows, and corporate training. Directly competes for aspiring comedy students and live performance audiences in the same LA market.
• The Annoyance Theatre: Chicago-based alt-comedy theater and training center producing original sketch and improv shows with attached comedy school. Comparable in combining long-running improv/sketch productions with structured classes and edgy adult-oriented content like The Trash Show.
• Improv Asylum: Boston-based improv comedy theater and training institution offering classes, live shows, and corporate events. Similar three-pillar model (school, theatre, corporate) with Boston presence comparable to The Groundlings' LA flagship.
• ComedySportz: Long-running improvisational comedy match-format organization operating in multiple U.S. cities. Offers training programs, live competitive improv shows, and corporate entertainment — comparable theatre + school + corporate events structure.
• Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB): NYC-founded improv and sketch comedy theatre and training center offering similar multi-level curriculum and the Harold form of long-form improv. Direct competitor for comedy training and live performance, with comparable alumni-to-Hollywood pipeline (Amy Poehler, Matt Besser, etc.).
• Boom Chicago: Amsterdam-based American-style improv and sketch comedy theater and school offering classes, corporate entertainment, and touring casts to the international comedy festival circuit. Geographic alternative that demonstrates the portability of the improv theatre + school + corporate events model.
• Brave New Workshop: Minneapolis-based satire and improv comedy theater and training institution founded in 1958. Offers classes, live shows, and corporate outreach — long-established comparable combining live theatre, structured improv curriculum, and corporate entertainment.
• Second City: Chicago-based improv comedy theatre and training institution offering classes, live shows, and a corporate training division (Second City Works). Most direct comparable peer — same improv theatre + school + corporate training business model — with multi-city footprint (Chicago, Toronto, LA).

Emerging players

• MasterClass: Online education platform offering prerecorded courses from celebrity instructors in creative disciplines including comedy writing and performance (e.g., Steve Martin, Judd Apatow). Represents the digital-native learning model that could partially substitute for in-person improv training at scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheGroundlingsTheatre
• Instagraminstagram.com/groundlingssundayco
• Xx.com/groundlings
• Facebookfacebook.com/groundlings
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-groundlings

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Groundlings