12 Historic Comedy Hotbeds That Gave Us Genre-Defining Creators

Something funny was in the water. Not in a gross, toxic way or anything. Maybe it should be, “Something was in the funny water?” Nope. You know what we mean! Beginning with the stand-up and sketch comedy boom of the 1970s, clubs and theaters popped up and currently inhabit every decently populated city in North America. They’re great for some local laughs and improv classes for people who might need a little public speaking help, but every so often, one of these little comedy hubs became a breeding ground for world class talent. 

Sometimes they had the special sauce that attracted top tier talent, and sometimes one or two comedy juggernauts put them on the map, and helped attract future generations of funny. Either way, it all got us wondering how some of the biggest comedians and comedy writers began popping up in the same places at the same times. Here are 12 comedy hotbeds that gave us genre-defining creators, comedians, and writers.