Nearly back to our founding in 1963, the Improv has been the standard-bearer for comedy in the United States. When Budd Friedman opened The Improvisation, an intimate club in Hell’s Kitchen, he uncovered the iconic brick wall that would become our signature and would be adopted by comedy venues across the country for decades. And when he expanded to Hollywood in 1975, the club featured the black & white checkered floor that would be seen on “An Evening at the Improv” in same Melrose Ave. location that remains our flagship today. Over six decades, The Improv has grown from a single New York venue to a legendary entertainment brand with 25 venues across the country and a name synonymous with standup comedy excellence.