The Gift of Gab: Andy Peters

This month's Super Serious Show at Smashbox Studios features the return of one our favorite performers, comedian Andy Peters. September 15th, check-out one of the best off-the-cuff comedians working today. Peters' performances feature an impressive combination of jovial and doubting comedy. All brought to you with a reckless abandon.

The Michigan native kick-started his comedy career in Seattle and now resides in Los Angeles. He's a veteran of numerous comedy festivals nationwide. Peters is also responsible for one of the more memorable Super Serious moments. We still just refer to it as the "cookie incident." Let's just say an audience member's cookie may or may not have been misappropriated by a certain stand-up during his performance and this may or may not have kick started a unforgettable back-and-forth between the cookie victim and her perpetrator. Check-out his Super Serious page for more Andy Peters goodness.

Grab tickets to the show for your chance to catch Peters in person.

Comedy Cool From Margaret Cho

Comedy veteran and two-time Grammy nominee, Margaret Cho will be taking the stage at this month’s Super Serious Show!

For over two decades, Cho has built a name for herself as a highly respected stand-up comedian and actress. Her stand-up mixes what she refers to as “high brow and low brow things.” While Cho is unafraid to express her opinions on race, politics and gay marriage, she seems just as comfortable being hilariously filthy. Her bold and fearless attitude has made Cho one of the biggest names in comedy.

In 2010, Cho took the plunge into the realm of music and self released Cho Dependent, her first music album, featuring collaborations with Tegan and Sara, Tommy Chong, Ben Lee, Brendon Benson, Fiona Apple and Andrew Bird. Besides receiving a Grammy nod for Comedy Album of the Year, the collection of music exhibits her talent as not only a comic but as a vocalist, songwriter and musician.

On top of all this, Cho has a starring role on Lifetime’s comedy/drama series, Drop Dead Diva. The show is currently airing its third season. While Cho is not working on this television series, she can be seen headlining sold-out shows nationally and abroad.

Although we wrote this brief introduction, now that we think about it, this grand master of comedy really didn't need one. We seriously can’t wait to have Margaret Cho on our show. Get super excited but be cool about it.

Click here for tickets for the September 15th show at Smashbox Studios.

The Super Serious Show with Paul F. Tompkins

The amazing Paul F. Tompkins is headlining The Super Serious Show in September, which means it’s going to be a fun and classy show. Tompkins comes to Smashbox Studios September 15th to lead the charge on a stellar night of comedy. Tompkins is one the best comedians working today, quickly becoming a diehard comedy fan favorite. Tompkins is a stand-up unlike any other, always full of charm and confidence and a master of off-the-cuff comedy. Skilled master of both silly and smart.

Tompkins tours nationally as a stand-up and usually hosts a monthly variety show at the Largo Theatre in West Hollywood. Dapper Paul F. Tompkins was the host of VH1's Best Week Ever for several years and has numerous Television credits, highlighted by stints on Mr. Show with Bob and David, Tenacious D, Late Night with Conan O’Brien and The Late Show with David Letterman.

Tompkins recently penned a stand-out collection of pop culture satire with his weekly recaps of the last season of American Idol for New York Magazine's online arm, Vulture. Tompkins also produces his own monthly podcast, The Pod F. Tompkast – one of the best ongoing offerings of digital comedy. Tompkins has also written for Real Time with Bill Maher, Mr. Show and Best Week Ever. His feature film roles include Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Tenacious D In The Pick of Destiny, There Will Be Blood and The Informant!.

Grab tickets now for to see Paul F. Tompkins bring his grand comedy to The Super Serious Show, September 15th!

The amazing Paul F. Tompkins is headlining The Super Serious Show in September, which means it’s going to be a fun and classy show. Tompkins comes to Smashbox Studios September 15^th to lead the charge on a stellar night of comedy. Tompkins is one the best comedians working today, quickly becoming a diehard comedy fan favorite. Tompkins is a stand-up unlike any other, always full of charm and confidence and a master of off-the-cuff comedy.

Tompkins tours nationally as a stand-up and usually hosts a monthly show at the Largo Theatre in West Hollywood. Dapper Paul F. Tompkins was the host of VH1's Best Week Ever for several years and has numerous Television credits, highlighted by stints on Mr. Show with Bob and David, Tenacious D, Late Night with Conan O’Brien

Tompkins recently penned a stand-out collection of pop culture satire with his weekly recaps of the last season of American Idol.  Tompkins also produces his own monthly podcast, The Pod F. Tompkast – one of the best ongoing offerings of digital comedy. Tompkins has also written for Real Time with Bill Maher, Mr. Show and Best Week Ever. His feature film roles include Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Tenacious D In The Pick of Destiny, There Will Be Blood and The Informant!.

Grab tickets now for your chance to see Tompkins bring his grand comedy to The Super Serious Show. September 15^th!

Super Serious August Photos

Jonah Ray and the gang really made the August show one of the most jam packed yet.  Great performances by Ray and Matt Braunger, Michael Palascak, The Walsh Brothers and Jerrod Carmichael. Sweet videos from Jake Szymanski to cap it all off. The super talented Heather Landis, photographer and all-around artist, stepped in and took some great photos capturing the fun night. Check them out below.

Check out our photos from Heather Landis and more at our Flickr Page!

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Video Mandess From Jake Szymanski

This Thursday at Super Serious, we're excited to screen some crazy fun short films from awesome writer/director Jake Szmanski. It's long overdue sharing some sweet videos from one of our favorite Funny or Die friends. He's a character in real life and his films are always some of the crazier fun ones you'll come across. Some more info on Jake:

Jake Szymanski, as a child, went around mixing up various liquids with sticks and dirt in Ziplock bags to create "potions". This habit was put to an end when his father caught him trying to add his own pee to dirty bag in the middle of the kitchen. Since then he has felt very lucky to work and create at UCBLA, Saturday Night Live, and FunnyOrDie.com.

Grab your tickets now for the show Thursday, August 18th show at Smashbox Studios.

Death Defying Comedy From The Walsh Brothers

Photo by Robyn Von SwankOkay, so maybe they won't be risking outright death, but The Walsh Brothers are always down to push the boundaries of decency and fun. The Boston duo are returning to The Super Serious Show this month, and we couldn't be more excited for the return of the Walsh awesomeness.

Chris and David Walsh continue to perform nationwide and in the Los Angeles area, including a successful stint hosting a monthly crazed-out comedy show at the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre. Their shows are full of playful antics and surprises galore.

Check-out the Walsh Brothers' Super Serious page from their last visit for more info and photo fun.

Grab tickets now for the August 18th Smashbox Studios show.

Comedy Goodness: Michael Palascak

Comedian Michael Palascak is in the lineup for the August 18th Super Serious Show! Please applaud and then sit back down. Thank you. Palascak is one of the funniest young performers working today.

Palascak’s childish and playful tales of living with his parents and working a shitty job is what makes this gentleman funny and relatable to any audience. It’s hard not to love him. Just his gawky stage presence and innocent speaking voice alone will have you giggling. He is like a little big kid turned comedian.

Palascak has made television appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman, Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham. Additionally, he performed at the Just For Laugh festival in Chicago, Ceasar’s Palace for the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and was named the winner of HBO’s Lucky 21 Stand-up competition. He can also be seen performing at clubs and colleges all over the country…so don’t you worry. We, personally, can’t wait to ask him if he is still living with his parents.

Grab your tickets early to save some cash - Thursday, August 18th at Smashbox Studios!

Returning Champ: Matt Braunger

Matt Braunger, one of our favorite comedy people is returning to Super Serious this month - August 18th at Smashbox Studios. Braunger continues to be one of the funniest comedians working today. He still tours nationally and has appeared on Chelsea Lately and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson this past year. We're pumped to have him back at the show. A Braunger performance is our comedy guarantee for you.

Click here for tickets.

Check-out Braunger's Super Serious photos and bio.

Jerrod Carmichael: Comedy & Charm Coming Your Way

The very funny and talented Jerrod Carmichael will be performing at the August Super Serious Show! This year Carmichael Variety recognized as one of the 10 Comics to Watch, and we couldn’t agree more with his inclusion on the list. Despite being a young comic, only 24-years-old, Carmichael has the calm and ease of a comedy veteran when he's on stage. Carmichael is known for always keeping his material fresh and fearlessly delivering jokes on the fly. He is the type of performer with enough charisma to get away with saying just about anything. You are always on board with Carmichael, whether you feel comfortable or not.

Carmichael can be seen performing at Los Angeles venues such as The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and The Improv. He was also a “new face” at Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival this year.
We can only expect greater and bigger things for this funny, funny man.

Grab tickets for the show - Thursday, August 18th at Smashbox Studios.

Super Serious July Photos

Our 1-year anniversary show was packed to the walls with a great audience and stellar performances. You can check-out the photos from the show on Flickr or below in the handy-dandy slide show. Thanks again to Greg Proops, The Sklar Brothers, Johnny Pemberton, Melissa Villasenor, Kirk Zipfel and Josh Fadem. We also saw some great short frilms from Royal Mutt. A truly great way to celebrate a year of comedy and randomness at Smashbox Studios.

Check out our photos from Rebecca Rotenberg and more at our Flickr Page!

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The Super Serious Show with Jonah Ray

Photo by Robyn Von Swank - www.vonswank.comThe passionate, funny and wily Jonah Ray is headlining and hosting the August Super Serious Show. The show is Thursday, August 18^th, at Smashbox Studios. Ray is prolific comedian these days, working on numerous projects - always bringing a super smart and brilliant off-the-cuff sensibilities to his live performances and various projects.

Originally from Hawaii, Ray moved to Los Angeles to kick-start his entertainment path. Ray is a co-host of the free flowing and wildly popular Nerdist podcast (co-hosted by Chris Hardwick and Matt Mira, as well). Ray has both writing and performing credits for numerous shows including Human Giant, SuperNews!, Attack of The Show, Live At Gotham and Web Soup. Ray is also a leading performer in Los Angeles, helping co-host and run the insanely cool weekly gathering at Metldown Comics, aptly named The Meltdown Show (featured on Last Call with Carson Daly).

We’re pumped to get a little slice of cool when Jonah Ray comes to lead the way at the August Super Serious Show. Grab your tickets for the August 18^th show.

Poster It Up With Dave Kloc's Super Serious Artwork

We've got another round of sweet show posters available tonight coutesy of Los Angeles comedy's favorite artist, Dave Kloc. As usual, we'll have a small batch of signed and numbered hand screenprinted posters available at the show for a donation.  This is our 2nd edition of our Summer Series design.

Kloc continues to celebrate the local comedy scene through his great illustrations and self-made screen printed posters commemorating the great comedic talent living and working in our not-always fair city.

Check-out more of Dave Kloc's work here.

Comedy & Apologies From Royal Mutt

*Click on Image for Larger ViewWe're screening some very important and serious short films from the Royal Mutt media collective at tomorrow night's show. Eric Nigg (Super Serious alum), Matthew Olson and Mitch Hansen form this filmed sketch comedy collective. On top of being valueable members of society for over seven years, the group gained acclaim through film festival screenings, including the Festival de Cannes. They'v also participated in the comedy economy by developing content for Panasonic, Fuse TV, a Superbowl commercial for Career Builder.com and a half hour pilot script for the FX network. Learn more about their work at RoyalMutt.com.

Also, the group submitted the attached letter in connection to their role in tomorrow night's show.

Pimping the Shrimp

We are excited to have the amazing Shrimp Pimp at The Super Serious Show tomorrow night.

Using the freshest and highest grade sustainable shrimp, seafood and sashimi-grade tuna the Shrimp Pimp severs some of the best street food to be found in Los Angeles. The menu includes fresh Sashimi Tuna Tacos, Shrimp & Chips, Po Boys, Drunken Shrimp Tacos, Greek Shrimp Sandwiches and the amazing Frylander.

The pimp, Neil Macleod, is a former New York City restaurateur who learned the seafood trade inside and out while working at the premier New York City seafood purveyor, Wild Edibles. Macleod’s wife Chandra, is also a seafood trade veteran, procuring and marketing seafood worldwide for the past 20 years.

With Neil’s restaurant experience, Chandra’s seafood experience and their undying passion for cooking, Shrimp Pimp is a perfect fit all the way around.

Make sure to show up early at Smashbox Studios to get some amazing eats to go with your Ginger Saison beer from Eagle Rock Brewery.

Leaving A Good Impression: Melissa Villasenor

Melissa Villasenor, a supremely talented, young and upcoming comedian and impressionist, will be on this week’s Super Serious Show and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Villesnor started performing stand-up at the age 15 and has since made a name for herself as a specialist of celebrity impressions. Villesenor’s charming personality helps make her frighteningly good impressions never seem mean, but silly and light-hearted.

Recently, Villasenor performed on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, where she wowed the judges and audience with her spot-on impressions of Barbara Walters, Natalie Portman, Miley Cyrus, Kathie Griffin and Christina Aguilera. Villasenor’s impression of Aguilera belting out a tune also exemplified her talent as both a comedian and a vocalist. She definitely has some pipes. Additionally, Villasenor can be seen on NuvoTV’s original comedy series, Latino 101. She can be seen performing at venues in Los Angeles such as the Comedy Store and the Hollywood Improv. One thing is certain, expect big things for this young super star.

Click here for tickets to see Melissa & the rest of The Super Serious Show at Smashbox Studios - Thursday, July 21st.

Something Funny About Josh Fadem

Josh Fadem, a young master of physical comedy, will be performing at our 1-year anniversary Super Serious Show this week. Get really, really excited! Okay, now you can rest from the excitement but not for too long.

Fadem is a ball of comedic energy on stage, with his performance colored by his unique style of stand-up comedy and improv. Fadem is often literally tripping on stage and getting battered by the stage equipment. In addition to his physical comedy, Fadem is known for his celebrity impressions and his hilarious delivery of conventional punchline-y jokes.

Over the past few years, Fadem has made his way into film and television. His television appearances include 30 Rock, Eagleheart, The Tonight Show, Reno 911, The Whitest Kids U’ Know and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Fadem had roles in the films, Calvin Marshall and Miss March.

Fadem is a regular performer at the Upright Citizens Birgade Theatre. He hosted and performed at the popular weekly live stand-up show, Comedy Bang! Bang! Fadem can also be seen performing his screwball brand of stand-up comedy at other popular shows at UCB as well as at a range of venues in Los Angeles.

Grab some tickets and get your Fadem on this Thursday at Super Serious Show this week.

Johnny Pemberton: Not Kidding Around

This Thursday at Smashbox Studios, comedian Johnny Pemberton, will be performing at the show! Pemberton is a comedian, writer and actor based in Los Angeles. As a performer and actor, Pemberton plays off his boyish features, while sharing his amusing observations, sometimes his hatred, of various people and things. Always fun and usually a little obnoxious. You may recognize Pemberton as the host of the MTV series MegaDrive, which has him operating and conquering some seriously large and powerful vehicles. While MegaDrive feels a lot like MTV’s Jackass, Pemberton’s amusing and endearing awkwardness gives this show its own unique personality. In addition to this hosting job, Pemberton has also made appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Lopez Tonight, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and AdultSwim.

You can expect to see Pemberton in the upcoming feature-film, 21 Jump Street, based on the 80's cop show starring Johnny Depp. Although Pemberton is now jumping into the realm of film and television, he comes from a stand-up and sketch comedy background, and continues to perform in Los Angeles as well as at venues across the country.

Grab tickets for the July 21st show here.

Wham-Bam Comedy From The Sklar Brothers

Back for more, The Sklar Brothers return to Super Serious for another round of awesome comedy and fun. They kicked off 2011 by headlining our our January show. Many hearts and minds were won. Randy and Jason Sklar have been busy building a giant podcast following thanks to their sweet weekly Sklarbro Country brought to you by the Earwolf comedy podcast network . The duo have brought their high-energy and super smart and silly comedy to audiences nationwide. Bringing their one-of-a-kind stand-up to the streets...or at least comedy clubs located near those streets. The Sklars are two of the best guys working in comedy today. We're excited o have them back at Super Serious.

You never know, this month's Super Serious Show at Smashbox Studios might feature one or two "Henderson!" shouts, too. Thursday, July 21st...find out.

Grab your tickets here.

The Super Serious Show with Greg Proops

Prepare to let loose and let the fun wash over at The Super Serious Show this month. The off-the-cuff master comedian Greg Proops is headlining and hosting the 1-year anniversary Super Serious Show. Thursday, July 21st at Smashbox Studios, Proops will be bringing his playfully obscure and engaging comedy to the Culver City masses…or mini-masses. Proops’ comedy dances between topics and styles, always bringing a healthy dose of wit and charm to the proceedings.

Proops hails from San Francisco and now resides in Hollywood. Proops made a mark as an improv comedy all-star, as a cast member of Whose Line Is It Anyway? Hosted by Drew Carey. Proops is also a regular on the popular British version of the show. Proops’s numerous television appearances also include The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Chelsea Lately and Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Proops also appeared on Flight of The Conchords.

Proops is a frequent live performer, hosting shows nationwide, performing stand-up and participating in improv shows. Proops’s two stand-out stand-up albums are Elsewhere and Proops Digs In!

Proops also currently hosts a semi-regular one-man runaway train comedy podcast, The Smartest Man In The World.

Grab tickets for July’s Super Serious Show and your chance to catch the Proops comedy storm.

Super Serious June Photos

Summer started off with a bang at our June show. A ton of fun performances from Natasha Leggero, Greg Fitzsimmons, Rob Delaney, Paul Scheer, Andrew Donnelly and Keilly & Roeters. Plus, we caught three funny videos from up-and-coming director, Eric Appel. It was a blast thanks to our kick-ass crowd who was game for it all.

Check out our photos from Rebecca Rotenberg and more at our Flickr Page!

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In case you missed it, you can check-out the May photos here.