The Elysian Theater

The Elysian is an independent comedy theater and 501(c)3 non-profit based in the Elysian Valley of Los Angeles. At the Elysian, we believe all great work comes out of experimentation and we’re far more interested in the artist’s process than their finished product. Our goal is to foster a supportive space, audience and community that allows artists to enact their unique creative vision.

The non-profit was originally founded in 2018 when a group of emerging performers and comedians came together at The Lyric Hyperion Theater in Silverlake, CA. Informed by the ethos of clown, they embraced an approach of devising new works live in front of audiences, risking vulnerability and failure as a means of discovering gold. The theater became a destination for those seeking innovative, original live comedy that was unexpected, transgressive, participatory and communal. A creative culture grew that offered artists of all disciplines a place to experiment and test boundaries away from the influence of the local entertainment industry and develop shows that would go on to tour the world and win festivals.

In 2021, the non-profit established a new home in Frogtown at the historic Elysian Theater - a 135-seat thrust theater built in 1927. Under the guidance of new Executive Director Kate Banford (founder of Philadelphia’s Good Good Comedy Theater), The Elysian continues to cultivate unconventional live comedy. Over fifty percent of Elysian shows are “Work in Progress” - featuring emerging artists developing their voice or established artists developing new shows. In addition to presenting and producing shows, The Elysian also offers year-round workshops and classes in clown, improv and performance art from resident artists, community members, and international award winning performers and teachers.

The Elysian believes by nurturing the performing comedy community in this way, artists are able to generate works that inspire, challenge, delight and contribute to the world of comedy at large.

MISSION: Our mission is to support innovative artists devising original and unconventional live comedy, by cultivating a diverse and collaborative community that values experimentation as a means of pushing the boundaries of modern comedy.

VISION: Our vision is to contribute to the landscape of performing artists, helping them discover and strengthen their voice. We seek to offer a space in Los Angeles that is a respite from the pressures and expectations of the film and television industry. We believe our philosophy of giving artists a space to safely develop works in progress with a supportive audience that embraces original, innovative work, will generate a higher quality of new work that advances the contemporary culture of comedy, both in live theater and beyond.