1323-A 3rd Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310-451-0850
Website: www.WestsideComedy.com
Email: chris@westsidecomedy.com
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M.I.’s Westside Comedy Theater is a Santa Monica staple tucked into the alley behind the Third Street Promenade. The 90-seat black-box club opened on April 1, 2009, after members of Mission IMPROVable purchased and reworked the former Westside Eclectic space.
Mission IMPROVable dates back to 1998, when the group formed at UMass Amherst before eventually relocating to Los Angeles in 2005. One of the troupe’s founders, Lloyd Ahlquist, served as the theater’s first artistic director and helped shape its early identity. Speaking last year to Voyage LA, Ahlquist said the experience has been meaningful in part because he has continued “to work with my friends” while helping create spaces where “diverse communities of great people can be creative together.” The venue has since become one of the Westside’s most recognizable small comedy rooms.
Who performs there
The theater has hosted an impressive mix of established names and rising talent. Past performers have included Howie Mandel, Dana Carvey, Tig Notaro, Aziz Ansari, and many others. It remains closely tied to Mission IMPROVable, which continues to perform there and helped build the club’s reputation from the start.
The theater is also connected to Epic Rap Battles of History, the YouTube series co-created by Ahlquist. The project was born on the Westside Comedy stage and went on to become a global hit. That gives the venue a rare distinction: it helped launch something that grew from a local live show into a worldwide digital phenomenon. Ahlquist said he has always preferred building with people he trusts, adding, “I’d rather help the people I live and work with all rise together than claw my way to the top alone.”
What to expect
M.I.’s Westside Comedy Theater offers improv, sketch comedy, stand-up, and a steady schedule of live shows throughout the month. The club typically presents more than 50 shows each month and also offers six levels of improv and stand-up classes for aspiring performers.
The atmosphere is intimate and low-key, which fits its hidden location behind the Promenade. The room is small, the seating is close, and the vibe feels more like a comedy hangout than a big-ticket venue. Most shows are 21 and over as the club serves beer and wince along with other snacks.
How to get there
M.I.’s Westside Comedy Theater is located in the alley behind the Third Street Promenade.
From the 10 Freeway: Exit at Fourth Street or Cloverfield Boulevard and head west into downtown Santa Monica. From there, follow signs for the Third Street Promenade or Santa Monica Place.
From Malibu & North: Take PCH up the California Avenue Incline. Follow California Avenue straight to 4th Street. Turn right and take 4th Street south two blocks to city parking structure.
If you’re using a rideshare, it’s usually easiest to set your destination to the Third Street Promenade or Santa Monica Place and then walk the last block or so. The alleyway location can be easy to miss the first time, so it helps to arrive a few minutes early.
Where to park
Because the theater sits behind the Third Street Promenade, parking can sometimes be confusing. Visitors can use nearby Promenade parking structures or other downtown Santa Monica garages, then walk a short distance to the venue.
Note: The theater used to sit directly next to city Parking Structure #3, but that has been torn down. It is best to park in large structures between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd. Or Arizona Ave. and Wilshire Blvd.
The theater’s alleyway location adds to its charm, but it also means first-time visitors should give themselves a little extra time to find it. Once you know where it is, though, it feels like one of those local spots you’re glad you discovered.
Hours of Operation:
*Subject to change. Always call ahead.
| MONDAY | 4:00 PM – CLOSE |
| TUESDAY | 4:00 PM – CLOSE |
| WEDNESDAY | 4:00 PM – CLOSE |
| THURSDAY | 4:00 PM – CLOSE |
| FRIDAY | 4:00 PM – CLOSE |
| SATURDAY | 4:00 PM – CLOSE |
| SUNDAY | 1:30 PM – CLOSE |
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This page is maintained by the Santa Monica Sun Editorial Desk. Last updated: June 26, 2026. Have an update, correction or missing information to add? Contact us at corrections@santamonicasun.com
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