Looking to tickle your funny bone this summer? Take a moment to step outside of the every-day existential dread, and lay into the loving lap of laughter. From Shoreline to Seekonk, RI is jam-packed with the wicked funny talent that can take you out of the serious and into the silly. Whether you’re looking for stand-up or improv, the Ocean State delivers more comedy than you can shake a clam at. Check out out the comedy gold mines:
Comedy Connection, East Providence
This comedic powerhouse operates as a key stomping ground for industry-heavy hitters, and newcomers alike. Originally a bank, this recently renovated comedy club does not keep its laughter in the vault. The club offers the perfect intimate space to join your date or your friends for a night of laughter and drinks. The club features some of today’s best comedians; you never know who will pop in for a guest appearance. Join the club to watch your favorite big-time comedians, or even try the stage out yourself by signing up for the class taught by Brian Beaudoin. The Comedy Connection is the premiere comedy club in RI.
Hyde Comedy at the George, PVD
Hyde Comedy stirs up laughter in the heart of Providence. Walking down into the underground speakeasy, the low ceilings and swanky atmosphere are sure to impress. Running Friday and Saturday nights, the show features national and local headliners with rotating showcases, so you’ll always have something new to see. The food fills you, the drinks relax you, and the laughter keeps you coming back for more with host Jeremy Pearson.
Comedy Factory
John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory is a rip-roaring assembly line of classic comedy. Their shows feature many of the veteran comedians that have graced the Rhode Island Comedy Hall of Fame, as well as new fresh faces coming to the scene. If you’re looking for dinner and a show, look no further. The Comedy Factory also hosts multiple nights of comedy open mics, supporting young comedians in honing their craft, as well as offering their esteemed comedy class. John Perrotta’s Comedy Factory is sure to keep rolling out new laughs.
Funny for Funds
This charitable comedic organization puts the “fun” in fundraising. It’s a brilliant blend of chuckles for a cause. At Funny for Funds, every laugh helps out your friends and the community. Founded by Mike Murray, the organization is now run by the hilarious Bill Simas, whose undying passion for comedy can only be matched by his servitude to the community. With almost 12 million dollars raised to date, you can bet that the laughs come with love.
A D*mn Fine Cup of Comedy, Warren
In the heart of Warren lies the cosmic craze of the Galactic Theatre, owned by lead singer of Sasquatch and the Sickabilies, Dave Podsnap. The bar hosts a monthly comedy showcase, hosted by comedian Kirsten Logan (me!), which matches the bar’s eclectic style, and twin peaks-esque atmosphere. Local headliners and comedians from all over New England take the stage the first Friday of every month, saluting satire on this showcase, to serve up a very D*mn Fine Cup of Comedy.
Kismet Improv, Pawtucket
Kismet Improv brings the spontaneous charm of improv to Pawtucket. At Kismet, laughter comes first. The group works to create a warm, welcoming space where people can sit back, relax, and have fun. To them, there’s no greater joy as improv performers than drawing in a room full of people and making them laugh, and they put their hearts into making sure every audience member feels at home. Feel like trying it yourself? They offer classes! Being spontaneous is one of the first steps to being great at comedy! Kismet means fate, and your comedic destiny awaits here.
Providence Improv Guild, Providence
This non-profit organization, in the heart of the city, is not only hilarious, but wholly welcoming. PIG provides improv and comedy theatre education that is affordable and accessible to individuals, community groups, schools, and other organizations. Not only are they wicked funny and an asset to their community, they’re cheap! With tickets as low as $10, you can’t afford not to see this hilarious, big-hearted troupe.
Bring Your Own Improv, Warwick
Voted best comedy show in RI, Bring Your Own Improv presents two engaging improv comedy shows. The Family Friendly Show invites all ages to join in the laughter, while the Caffeinated Insomniacs Show offers fast-paced, interactive comedy that’s perfect for teens and adults looking to stay energized late into the night. Not only that, but the company encourages learning opportunities with teen workshops and group games. A great family fun time for all.
The Bit Players, Newport
Located in Newport’s heart, The Bit Players are a fastpaced and energized group of improvisation masterminds. Their high-energy live shows are modeled after the hit TV show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Full of hysterical characters, hilarious games, and sidesplitting musical numbers, these shows will leave you wanting more every time. No two shows are ever the same. Everything is made up on the spot from your suggestions, so don’t miss a single laugh Friday and Saturday nights!
Improv Jones, Bristol
Improv Jones & Friends is New England’s longestrunning improv act. Making their home at the Borealis Coffee Company in beautiful Bristol, this troupe snatched the award of “Best Improv Comedy” at the 2024 Motif Spoken Awards! Improv Jones works hard to bring the finest performers in the area together for a consistently high-quality improv show, and has had some members move on to great success in New York, Chicago, and LA. Their show often features local comedians and focuses on long-form, storytelling improv, so the fun never stops! Join Jones for a night of jollies or join them and learn how to do it yourself.
With so many opportunities to watch comedy, or become involved, you never have to leave levity out of your life. It’s the one time where if you sign up for a class, and someone laughs at you, that’s actually a good thing. Though if you want to keep it purely a spectator sport, make sure you don’t sit in the front row. Whether you like your comedy innocent or indecent, RI has it all. •