Due to the recent introduction of desks to workplaces and the invention of shower stools, thinking on one's feet has become almost as rare a practice as running on one's brain. Today's Groupon revitalizes the comedic potential of quick bipedal thinking: for $8, you get a ticket to any show by The Groundlings (up to an $18 value) at the Melrose Avenue theater. The shows are subject to availability; this Groupon includes the service fee.

The Groundlings was founded in 1972, and in the nearly 40 years since, the improvisational comedy troupe has supplied audiences with laughs and the comedy world with some of its most beloved stars, including Will Ferrell, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Kristen Wiig, and Jimmy Fallon. Each improvised show is entirely different, with the actors making up the material on the spot for a performance that's never been seen before and will never be seen again, like Bigfoot rodeo-riding Halley's Comet. The Groundlings troupe practices both long-form improv plays and shorter styles. Among the current shows is the long-running "Cookin' with Gas", in which a surprise guest joins the onstage onslaught of humor—past guests have included John Ritter, Quentin Tarantino, Sinbad, and Mike Myers. "The Completely Different Late Show" brings late-night laughs with its ever-changing cast and format, allowing vampire audience members to enjoy chuckles and chortles before the light of day dissolves their funnybones.

Paul Reubens's iconic character Pee-wee Herman was created on The Groundlings’ stage, as was Julia Sweeney's androgynous Saturday Night Live character Pat. See tomorrow's potential comedy stars before the California ban on laughter goes into effect with your ticket to The Groundlings.

All customers must be at least 16 years of age to attend (those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). Customers must call the box office at least 24 hours in advance to make a reservation.

Reviews

Yelpers and Citysearchers give The Groundlings an average rating of 4.5 stars:

• The Groundlings was my first foray into the comedy club scene, but I don't think anyone else could top it. It was genuinely funny, very real and the cast was stellar. – bugmenot21856, Citysearch
• …so consistently good… – BrianLansing, Citysearch