The Groundlings is an American improvisational and sketch comedy troupe and school based in Los Angeles, California.

[2] Its name is taken from Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III, Scene II: "...to split the ears of the groundlings, who for the most part are capable of nothing but inexplicable dumbshows and noise.

Many Groundlings performers appeared in movies and television, including several who have become cast members and writers on Saturday Night Live, MADtv, Reno 911!, and the G4 network while also being active on the internet, mainly YouTube.

[4] In 1972, Gary Austin (a veteran of San Francisco's The Committee) assembled a group of performers in Los Angeles to work on their craft.

Word got out about the workshop, more people started coming, and a core group of performers began to showcase their material at various venues around Hollywood.

Los Angeles Times theatre critic Sylvie Drake was in the audience the first weekend, and wrote a rave review.

Later that year Lorne Michaels, who produced Tomlin's TV special, asked Groundling Laraine Newman to be a cast member for Saturday Night Live.

With such a large company, workshops seven days a week, and sold-out shows going up three nights a weekend, the Groundlings needed a place to call their own.

In 1975 the company acquired what became The Groundlings Theatre at 7307 Melrose Avenue (the building was previously used as an interior decorator's studio, a furniture showroom, a gay bar, and a massage parlor).

They battled through four years of red tape, building codes, and parking restrictions before producing any shows on the stage.

During that time the Groundlings performed their revues at a handful of theaters all over town, including The Improv, The Matrix, The Hollywood Canteen, and the White House.

In April 2017 the Groundlings paid tribute to passing of their founder, Gary Austin, by gathering at the theatre and laying flowers at his plaque.

The Main Company (capped at no more than 30 members at any time) collectively acts as the organization's artistic director, democratically making business and creative decisions as a group.

Quickly the show became a huge LA hit; it moved to The Roxy Theatre on Sunset Blvd and was filmed for an HBO special.

In the following years, Pee-wee became a pop culture icon; films, toys, and a children's television show were created about the character.

[12] On September 12, 2011, the Groundlings featured a sketch titled "Resting Bitch Face" (written by Patric Cagle,[13] co-starring Nate Clark,[14] and directed by Mitch Silpa).

In 2006, the Groundlings recorded a skit called David Blaine Street Magic performed in the alleyway behind the theater.