The Improv stand-up club has secured its place in comedy history. It has been the springboard for comedy legends and has generated a wealth of laughter and talent across the country.

Many of today's stars started at the Improv. Tim Allen, Drew Carey, Margaret Cho, Ellen Degeneres, Jeff Foxworthy, Jamie Foxx, Pablo Francisco, Bette Midler, Brian McCann, Jay Mohr, Kevin Pollak, Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld, Lily Tomlin, Damon Wayans, Robin Williams, Jonathan Winters, and practically every stand up you've ever heard of has graced the Improv stages.

Established in 1963, in New York City, by Budd Friedman, the Improv provided a venue for showcasing new talent. He recreated his venue in L.A. and quickly grew in reputation and success. In the early 1980's, A&E aired "An Evening at the Improv", hosted by Budd Friedman and showcasing top stand-up talent.

The empire expanded as franchises started opening around the country. Improvs' were in Addison, Baltimore, Brea, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Reno, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Tampa, Tempe, Washington D.C., and even internationally in London, England. Though they have one in Ontario, it's not Canada, it's Ontario, California. There are two franchises right here in South Florida. One in Coconut Grove and the other in West Palm Beach as well as a third on the west coast of Florida in Tampa. You can access the Miami site here or the West Palm site here.

For more on their history, go to the Improv websites' history page by clicking here.

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