Somewhere between watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix and staying out until 3am on Frenchmen Street lives the desire to entertain yourself by going to see some live entertainment. If you’re in the mood to get out and explore New Orleans with something new, why not check out some of these live comedy venues around the city. Whether it’s sketch, improv or stand-up, seeing live comedy will definitely be a unique experience. You can either laugh because it’s good or laugh because it wasn’t but either way, you should laugh because 1) it makes the performers feel good and 2) you will feel good. Laughing is good for you! Right after eating po boys and drinking daquiris at the Fly. If you’re feeling inspired, check out some open mics around the city to test out some of your own material!
La Nuit Comedy Theater aka Nola Comedy Theater (5039 Freret St) is located right across the street from Dat Dog and next door to the quirky joint, The Other Bar. Not only is this place walking distance from campus but is is nestled in the heart of the Freret St. action. They offer ComedySportz improv shows at 8pm on Friday nights for $10. You can make the family friendly show a little more exciting by purchasing drinks at The Other Bar and bringing them into the theater. La Nuit even has a $10 for $20 yelp deal going on right now. In addition to offering ComedySportz improv and comedy classes, La Nuit has a free open mic at 11pm on Friday nights.
The New Movement Theater (2706 St. Claude Ave) is located in the Marigny and offers comedy shows and classes. Founders Chris Trew and Tami Nelson met in New Orleans and then started the original The New Movememt in Austin, TX after moving there post-Katrina. Their dreams of opening a comedy theater and school were realized in Austin and then realized again in New Orleans once they opened their theater here. The duo offers a free BYOB long-form improv show on Wednesday nights at 9:30pm. TNM also offers free improv classes, a series of sketch writing classes and a variety of sketch and improv shows. Check out their calendar here.
The Howlin’ Wolf (907 St. Peters Street) offers good music, drinks, and comedy in The Den! On Tuesday and Thursday nights. Check out Comedy Gumbeaux, an open mic that mixes some of New Orleans and the nation’s best comedians with those that are just getting started. This 8:30pm show will be sure to surprise you, and it’s free! If you’re looking for guaranteed greatness, check out the Tuesday night Comedy Beast standup show that offers the best of the best. Comedy beast is Tuesdays at 8:30pm and also free of charge! You’ll never know who’s performing but it will be worth it. Louis CK was recently a surprise guest at that show!