What is Bang?

Funny you should ask.

Bang is a studio dedicated to the ongoing study and performance of improvisation. Through exercises and games, our classes offer you the tools you need to create dynamic scenes and characters in the moment. The school has recently  expanded into a comprehensive comedy program, offering such classes as improv, sketch comedy, stand-up, solo performance, musical improv, improv for writers, SNL audition prep, web series development, sitcom acting and writing, improv for commercial acting, screenwriting and more.

Bang’s teachers are not only experienced improv instructors, they are also professional actors, writers, and directors.

Bang was founded by husband-and-wife team Peter and Aliza Murrieta in 1995, making it one of the first of the new wave of improv schools to open in Los Angeles. Alumni of the Second City theater in Chicago, the Murrietas began teaching at Second City in the early ’90s. After moving to L.A., Peter was approached by the owner of The Improv to be the first ever improv teacher in their training program of stand-up classes. Following a stint there, Peter and Aliza expanded to teaching out of The Complex Theatre in Hollywood for several years, and by 1995 they opened bang as an improv conservatory in a loft space over a paparazzi photographer’s secret lair on La Brea and Beverly Boulevards in Hollywood. Within the first year, they decided that it was vital for their conservatory students to also learn onstage in front of a live audience. In 1996, they leased their current home from Catwoman Julie Newmar, opened the Bang performance space, and the rest is history.

Where is Bang?

Bang Comedy Theatre
457 N Fairfax
Los Angeles CA 90036

How can I contact Bang?

By phone at (323) 653-6886, or via email at info@bangstudio.com.

What kind of shows can I see at Bang?

Bang Comedy Theatre hosts all kinds of shows: improv, sketch, one person shows, open mic, spoken word and personal essays, live talk shows.

SEEING A SHOW

How do I get a ticket?

You can purchase tickets online at a discounted rate for most shows through Brown Paper Tickets on the bang website. Just click on the show you want to see and follow the instructions.
Please have your confirmation number and ID ready when arriving at bang.

Tickets can also be purchased with cash or credit card at the bang box office.

Where should I park?

Before 6 PM:

  • 1-hour metered Parking on Fairfax
  • Free street parking in the neighborhoods nearby; please read signs carefully.

After 6 PM:

  • Free parking on Fairfax
  • Free street parking in the neighborhoods nearby; please read signs carefully.
  • $6 lot off of Rosewood Avenue just east of Fairfax on weekends.

What time should I arrive for a show?

We typically begin seating 10 minutes before show time. We have a lobby, groovy music to listen to, and snacks for sale.

What ages are admitted?

All ages are admitted, but please note many of our shows contain adult language and content and may not be appropriate for young or sensitive customers.

Can I photograph / videotape / audiotape the show?

We respectfully request that no video or audio recording is permitted without explicit permission from both the theatre and performers.

Still photography is allowed without a flash. Please have respect for the performers.

Do you serve food or alcohol?

Bang Comedy Theatre offers non-alcoholic beverages, snacks and candy for $1 – $2.

PERFORMING

How do I put up my show at Bang?

All shows are booked at the discretion of our Artistic Director, Lizzie Czerner.

Give her a shout at (323) 653-6886 or lizzie@bangstudio.com

Can I rent Bang for an event or film/video shoot?

Yes, Bang Comedy Theatre can be rented for private events, classes, and film/video shoots. We have a green screen and film crew available as well! Contact Lizzie Czerner, Artistic Director at (323) 653-6886 or lizzie@bangstudio.com