The Hideout Theatre & Coffeehouse is a perfect mix of Austin quirk and Texas charm. With two tiny stages and an accompanying coffee shop, Hideout offers patrons a fun-filled evening of improvisational comedy, rich baked goods, aromatic coffee, and wine by the glass. This Congress Avenue locale sits in the heart of Austin and offers hour-long elimination-style improv comedy troupe performances and poetry slam events. Try their sugared cinnamon roll with a scoop of Amy's vanilla ice cream and a glass of Chardonnay. If you need some help in the humor department, Hideout offers weekly improv classes at moderate prices. Disabled access in coffeehouse and downstairs theater only. Check their website for weekly show times.

Right next door to Esther's Follies, its sibling act is a venue for local and visiting comics. Featuring all the elements of the stand-up comic's typical venue; dimly lit, crowded audience, bar, central stage; it has sustained the careers of many a local comedian for ages. In the past, it has showcased people such as the late, great comics Sam Kinison and Bill Hicks, both of whom began their careers in Texas. Beer and other drinks are cheap and the comedy is pretty constant. A stable of regular performers keeps the place friendly do not be surprised if the Esther's Follies gang turns up a lot.

En parte vodevil y en parte sátira política y social, este lugar ha estado divirtiendo y deleitando a sus clientes así como a los peatones que pasan por las vidrieras y miran el escenario principal desde finales de la década de 1970. Un grupo de artistas polifacéticos es quien escribe, actúa, canta y baila a lo largo de una gran variedad de actos de comedia que se burlan de funcionarios electos, celebridades y ciudadanos normales. No todo es para reírse, sin embargo. Se lleva a cabo un espectáculo de magia de vez en cuando para sorprender y cautivar a la audiencia. Este lugar es infalible.

Austin has long been a serious hotbed for film & TV production, and, with many talented artists living here, there is great competition for this industry's attention. Thus, in addition to a rotating lineup of shows, it is nice to see that The Institution Theater dedicates itself to providing intimate, affordable acting & sketch writing classes. As if all of that were not enough, the instructors of this company offer "Corporate Training" packages. The idea of this package is to help young business people effectively and efficiently communicate within the workplace through improv.

Bored of the regular entertainment options like nightclubs or bars? Then book a ticket for a show at ColdTowne Theater. Each season, the group brings forth better, improved and novel comedy shows. What started out as a mere training center has now blossomed into a full-fledged comedy theater that runs house-full shows. The performers dabble in varied forms of comedy like stand-up, improv, sketch and so on. On off-days, you can also rent the premises for private events and functions. Check website for season schedule and other details.

For a change of pace from the traditional Downtown scene, take the short trek up to the Cap City Comedy Club. Enjoy an evening of laughs at this wonderful 18-and-above comedy club in North Austin. It presents stand-up, local and national comedians who put on a show for everyone's enjoyment. The club also sponsors the annual "Funniest Person in Austin" contest. The shows start at 8p; reservations are highly recommended.