The Comic Strip Live is the oldest stand-up comedy showcase club in

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, located at 1568 Second Avenue (between 81st and 82nd Streets).

History

The Comic Strip was opened in 1976. Richard Tienken and Robert Wachs were two of the club's founders.Neil Genzlinger
"Richie Tienken, Whose Comedy Club Propelled Careers, Dies at 75,"
''The New York Times'', March 6, 2021. Before emerging as a venue spotlighting only stand up comedians, the club originally featured singers, magicians, and novelty acts.

Chris Rock Christopher Julius Rock (born February 7, 1965) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and filmmaker. Known for his work in comic film, television and stage, he has received multiple accolades, including three Grammy Awards for best come ...

used to stack chairs to get stage time and

Colin Quinn Colin Edward Quinn (born June 6, 1959) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. Quinn first gained widespread attention for his work as a cast member and writer for the NBC sketch comedy series '' Saturday Night Live'' from 1995 to 2 ...

was a bartender at the club. In 2017 Jerry Seinfeld returned to the club to shoot his

Netflix Netflix, Inc. is an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service and production company based in Los Gatos, California. Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California, it offers a ...

special, “Jerry Before Seinfeld"; he had first performed at the club in 1976. Adam Sandler also shot part of his 2018 special “100% Fresh” at the club.

Present

Primarily a showcase club, the Comic Strip encourages performers to consistently write, perform and perfect new material. Once a year, the club holds an "Audition Lottery", where aspiring newcomers line up to be given a date to try out their routine on "Audition Night". If they do well, the club's talent booker passes them. "Passing" means getting a chance to work late night, where they perfect their acts. This occurs weeknights after the regular show has ended.

Guinness World Record

From June 3, 2008 through June 5 the Comic Strip Live broke the

Guinness World Record ''Guinness World Records'', known from its inception in 1955 until 1999 as ''The Guinness Book of Records'' and in previous United States editions as ''The Guinness Book of World Records'', is a reference book published annually, listing world ...

for the Longest Continuous Stand Up Comedy Show, finishing at slightly beyond the 50-hour mark. The entire event was hosted by William Stephenson and included performances by

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Tony Rock Anthony Rock (born June 30, 1974) is an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is the younger brother of comedian Chris Rock. He is best known for playing Uncle Ryan on ''Everybody Hates Chris'' (2008–2009), and television producer Dirk Black ...

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, Rich Vos, and

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Notable alumni

* Dan Allen *

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* Greer Barnes * Charlie Barnett * D. C. Benny *

* Scott Blakeman *

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* Kevin Brennan *

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* Louis C.K. *

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Dane Cook Dane Jeffrey Cook (born March 18, 1972) is an American stand-up comedian and film actor. He has released six comedy albums: '' Harmful If Swallowed''; ''Retaliation''; ''Vicious Circle''; '' Rough Around the Edges: Live from Madison Square Garde ...

* Tom Cotter * Sunda Croonquist *

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* Ray Ellin *

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Christian Finnegan Fletcher Christian Finnegan (born April 1, 1973), better known as Christian Finnegan, is an American stand-up comedian, writer and actor based in New York City. Early life Finnegan was born in Albany, New York. He grew up in Acton, Massachusett ...

Jim Gaffigan James Christopher Gaffigan (born July 7, 1966) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer. His material often addresses fatherhood, laziness, food, religion, and general observations. He is regarded as a "clean" comic, using l ...

* Elon Gold *

* Bobcat Goldthwait *

Gilbert Gottfried Gilbert Jeremy Gottfried (February 28, 1955 – April 12, 2022) was an American stand-up comedian and actor, known for his exaggerated shrill voice, strong New York accent, and his edgy, often controversial, sense of humor. His numerous r ...

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* J. R. Havlan * John Henson *

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* Cory Kahaney *

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* Kerri Louise *

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* Larry Miller *

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Big Jay Oakerson Jason Michael "Big Jay" Oakerson (born December 7, 1977) is an American stand-up comedian, radio show host, podcaster and actor.Leijn, Erik (July 21, 2011)Big and tall tales: There’s nothing small about Big Jay Oakerson and his big wild stori ...

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* Angel Salazar *

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* Steven Scott *

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* Spanky *

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* Jeff Stilson *

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Notes

Fox Broadcasting Company The Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly known simply as Fox and stylized in all caps as FOX, is an American commercial broadcast television network owned by Fox Corporation and headquartered in New York City, with master control operations ...

had an unrelated late-night stand-up comedy showcase, '' Comic Strip Live'', which aired in the late 1980s and into the early 1990s. The club changed its name from "The Comic Strip" to "Comic Strip Live" in an apparent attempt to capitalize on this.

References

External links

* * {{IMDb title, 0096562 Comedy clubs in Manhattan Upper East Side