19 Comedians Get Passed at the Comedy Store for 2014

If you are not familiar with the Comedy Store it was started by Sammy Shore in the 1970’s as a place for him and his friends to work out their comedy. When he went on the road his wife Mitzi took it over and turned it into one of the most profitable clubs in the world. Every comedian wants to perform at the Comedy Store, thousands come every year hoping for a three minute spot on the open mic. This year Ari Shaffir, Jerrod Carmichael and Louis CK filmed their specials at the store for Comedy Central, HBO, and FX.

While many get to perform at the store via the open mic or an outside produced show, very few get passed or become paid regulars. Comedians used to showcase for Mitzi Shore and she would decide if they had what it takes to be a paid regular at the store. Many times Mitzi would have them start by working at the club as a door guy before passing them as paid regulars. Names that worked at the Comedy Store include Robin Williams, Freddie Prinze, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Chevy Chase, Sam Kinison, Marc Maron, Andrew Dice Clay, and Jim Carrey. Unfortunately Mitzi isn’t around much these days but the tradition lives on with the latest crop of comedians showcasing for the talent coordinator who decides if they are passed or not.

Being passed or becoming a paid regular means you perform on Comedy Store produced shows in the Original Room or the Main Room, you get paid to perform by the Comedy Store, and you get your name painted on the outside wall of the store.

2014 class of paid regulars at the Comedy Store:

Anthony Jeselnik

Judd Apatow

Mary Lynn Rajskub

Donnell Rawlings

Harland Williams

Tom Papa

David Spade

Greg Fitzsimmons

Rob Schneider

Earl Skakel

Candice Thompson

Erik Meyers

Tom Green

Paul Provenza

Fred Wolf

Jim Florentine

Kyle Dunnigan

Adam Devine

Godfrey