Where can I advertise an improv comedy show?

July 6, 2008 9:16 AM

My improv troupe is looking for ways to publicize our shows, beyond the word-of-mouth and email lists we've been working with so far. As part of this effort, I'm looking for websites with listings and schedules for comedy shows--particularly improv comedy--in the Los Angeles area. Specifically, of course, I'm looking for sites that allow you to post your own listing, or submit it for posting. Any suggestions?
posted by fermion to media & arts (7 comments total)

Upcoming fits your criteria.
posted by Gucky at 9:29 AM on July 6

One I frequent: Dead Frog

I was going to suggest Blow Up The Moon, but their forums seem to have fallen into spam disrepair.
posted by sharkfu at 9:32 AM on July 6 [1 favorite]

Aspecialthing.com (temporarily down at the moment, should be back up soon)

YesAnd.com

ImprovResourceCenter.com

The Coming

Plus the usual calendars (the weeklies, Metromix, etc). That should pretty much do it.
posted by YoungAmerican at 9:59 AM on July 6 [1 favorite]

Kind of an off-topic suggestion, but have you considered taping a show and posting it to YouTube and/or making a podcast?

If you were to do that, you could have a URL on each clip that would point to a site with your schedule. It would be a good way to promote your shows in an arena that wasn't specific to your "industry."
posted by vertigo25 at 10:26 AM on July 6

Piling on vertigo25's suggestion: I've been surprised at the number of comedians I respect who take their MySpace/Facebook presence pretty seriously. It must work for them, or they wouldn't be doing it.

They key with a MySpace strategy is much like that of a blog: you have to plug away and keep it updated, even when no one seems to be visiting. It will eventually tip in your favor.
posted by Fuzzy Skinner at 4:56 PM on July 6

I keep the aforementioned Dead-Frog and concur with all the suggestions above - not just my site. All are good places to talk and promote comedy. I'm working on a project that hopefully help local comics more, but sadly, not complete yet.

I would suggest getting involved seriously with each of those communities - getting active in discussion boards and commenting beyond promoting your shows. It's just good ettiquette and it'll make friends with a lot of like minded fans and - potentially - performers - who might guest on your show and then promote it at their events (or have you guest at their show - thus promote your event).

Cronyism. Make it your friend.
posted by deadfrog at 5:15 PM on July 6

Sometimes my husband and I will check out YouTube before we go see shows, to see if we like the style or not. Generic, I know, but a potentially wide audience.

Do you have your own website where you could post video links?
posted by GardenGal at 9:50 PM on July 6