Los Angeles' famed institution The Groundlings Theatre & School is reopening the legendary stage on Melrose Avenue to audiences starting July 23, 2021 with a series of improv shows, "Groundlings Lights Up," the return of "Black Version" on July 31 and "Groundlings Bar Fight: Round Two" in August, a popular show that premiered pre-COVID featuring a collection of sketch and improvisations. The shows return Groundlings Main Company members to the stage as well as kicks off programing that will include special guest appearances from Groundlings alumni and friends of the theatre. Additional shows and schedules will be announced shortly. Tickets for "Groundlings Lights Up," "Black Version" and "Groundlings Bar Fight: Round Two" will be available for purchase beginning June 23 on www.Groundlings.com.
Known for training some of the leading comedy talent in Hollywood, The Groundlings School also announced a lineup of in-person adult classes will begin on August 2 with open enrollment beginning July 5.
"We are so excited to reopen our theatre and school. We want to thank everyone for all the support with our virtual performances and classes over the past few months and cannot wait to see everyone's smile and laugh in person. It is true that laughter is the best medicine, and perhaps a really good vaccine, and we look forward to laughing with you in a post-pandemic world!" said Managing Director Carrie LaFerle Gergely.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Groundlings Theatre & School shifted their in-person shows and classes to the virtual stage offering shows, insightful webinars, and panels with special guests including Allison Janney, Ben Falcone, Melissa McCarthy, Octavia Spencer, Randall Park and many others. While the online format opened up a lot of interesting opportunities for the organization and will be used in the future, the organization intends to reinvigorate their focus on live, in-person events.
"We learned a lot over the past 16 months, and in many ways, the pivot to recreating our training and shows online opened up new avenues of creativity and expression," added LaFerle Gergely. "It also brought in students and an audience from around the country, not just our zip code, which we hope to build on as we reimagine our program. But nothing replaces the thrill of live theatre, or working shoulder to shoulder with teachers and students, so we are extremely grateful for this return."
For information on these events and to purchase tickets, visit www.groundlings.com.
