The Groundlings is an improvisation and sketch comedy school and theatre that has been entertaining LA audiences and educating students for over 40 years. We’re a non-profit organization founded by Gary Austin in 1974. A “Groundling” is one of the 30 company members who write and perform in the theatre’s shows and teach classes at the Groundlings School. Our school has been the foremost comedy training ground in Hollywood and the springboard for countless careers.