FAQ - Comedy on State | Madison's Premier Comedy Club

GENERAL:

Do you have an age restriction?
All of our shows are 18+. You must show your ID even if you are not drinking alcohol. Two beverage minimum applies to patrons under 21. We have many NA options available. Please inquire with the box office on age restrictions per show as this may vary.

How long does the show last?
Thursdays run about 1 hour 45 minutes. Friday and Saturday shows are about 1 hour 30 minutes.

When are your regularly scheduled shows?
Wednesdays The Mic on State (open mic) doors 7:30pm, show 9:00pm
Thursdays @ 7:30pm
Fridays @ 7:30pm & 10:00pm
Saturdays @ 7:30pm & 10:00pm
There may be shows on non-regular show days, check out our schedule for current events!

Ticket Fees
All of our tickets are sold through Etix, a reliable ticket source. We do our best to keep ticket fees low, but they are also unavoidable due to this upgrade in our ticketing platform. Tickets are the same price whether you purchase online or over the phone.

Check in/Will call
All tickets are will call – there is nothing to pick up, print, or scan from your mobile device. You’ll need last name of your ticket order to check in. We do not mail/email or have physical tickets in advance. Please keep a photo ID handy, as well as your email confirmation, just in case there are any questions. 

Can I call to make a reservation?
We no longer take reservations, sorry! You may purchase tickets online or call and pay over the phone. A refund will be given for tickets no longer needed as long as the box office is notified by 4pm day of show. Sorry, no exceptions! There may be a cap on large groups, please call or email to inquire on any limitations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: You have until 4pm the day of the show to notify us of changes in order to receive a refund for tickets no longer needed.
Cancellations for parties of 10 or more must give a 24 hour notice in order to receive a refund.

What is a “Special Engagement” show?
Shows listed as a “Special Engagement” are premium and have restrictions. No coupons, discounts, or free celebratory admissions are permitted.

Do you have group discounts?
We do not offer discounts for large parties; however, we do offer free admission for celebrations for shows that are not premium or special engagement. See next question to see what celebrations apply!

How does your wait list work?
Our wait lists end at 5pm day of show. You may call or email info@madisoncomedy.com to sign up for our wait list and we will call you no later than 5pm the day of the show if anything becomes available. If you do not hear from us by 5pm that means we are at capacity. Please note, we do not offer wait lists for all shows, please contact us to inquire.

*If you do not hear from us by 5pm, you may sign up for our stand-by list. These are put out in house 90 minutes prior to the start of the show. Sign up must be done in person. We will know closer to the start of the show if there are seats available.

I don’t see a show for a particular date, will there be a performance?
Yes! We have regularly scheduled shows Thursday through Saturday, however we might not have the show confirmed for the date you are interested in. We’ll post the show on our social media and website as soon as possible, please check back soon!

I am celebrating something, do you do offer anything?
Yes! The person celebrating a birthday, bachelor/bachelorette party, or anniversary can get a free admission if mentioned at the door or by contacting the box office in advance (Special Engagement shows excluded). The person celebrating will receive a celebration glass and tickets to return at a later date. It must be within a week of your birthday to receive the birthday discount.

Are there restrictions to free tickets?
Yes, If you received a free ticket from your birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party, anniversary or promotion we have certain restrictions listed below. Please scan the QR code on your ticket for valid shows and showtimes.

  • Valid based on availability
  • Not valid for any Saturday 7:30pm shows in general
  • Not valid for any Special Engagement shows

Do you serve food?
We do not serve food. There are many nearby options on State St. and around the Capitol Square, check out some recommendations from us! Please plan ahead to ensure your group gets to the show on time; seats are only guaranteed until exactly show time. No food or outside beverages are allowed in the showroom. NO CARRY IN FOOD OR BEVERAGES ARE PERMITTED

Is there a dress code?
Nice, casual attire is appropriate.

Can I bring in a backpack?
Sorry, no backpacks or large bags are permitted.

Where can I park?
We recommend using the State St/Capitol ramp located on Carroll St., behind our building. There may be free street parking around the area as well. 

Do you offer access for persons with disabilities?
Yes. There is an elevator located in the first floor lobby as you enter the building. Please note this when purchasing tickets online so we may be accommodate any specific needs.

I don’t recognize the comic’s name, will the show be funny?
Yes, all of our acts are professional nationally touring comedians. There are so many talented comedians out there today; it is impossible for all of them to become household names.  That being said, comedy is subjective and we recommend you research the comedian you are coming to see.

Another patron is disrupting the show, what should I do?
Tell your server. We do our best to patrol the crowd but sometimes we are not able to spot someone who is disturbing the show. We are here because of you and we are committed to giving you the best possible comedy experience. Always let us know how we can improve your visit, whether it be turn up the sound or turn down the air.

I want to try comedy; can I perform at Comedy on State?
Yes! Every Wednesday night is the The Mic on State.  The show is at 9pm, admission is $5 and we have great drink specials. Sign up is online only Wednesdays 12pm to 7pm. 

BEVERAGES:

Please note: groups of 15 or more may be subject to 20% gratuity on your beverage bills. Any bills left open at the end of the night may be subject to 20% gratuity as well.

Why is there a 2-beverage minimum?
In order to continue providing you with the best comedians in the country at a low admission price we have to enforce a beverage minimum. This is standard at most clubs across the country.  If you choose to not drink there is a $3 charge per beverage not purchased.

If I order a drink from the bar does it count towards the minimum in the showroom?
No, only beverages ordered from your server in the showroom will count towards the 2-beverage minimum.

Can we split our bills?
Yes, please ask your server at the beginning of the show if you would like your bills split.

Do we have to drink alcohol to fulfill the beverage minimum?
No. We offer an extensive non-alcoholic beverage menu with coffee drinks, ice cream drinks, slushy drinks, soda, coffee and more. Anything except tap water will count towards the minimum.

What if I decide to not drink anything?
If you feel fully hydrated it is not a problem. There will be a $3 charge for each drink not ordered to fulfill the 2 beverage minimum requirement. This charge covers our costs so we can continue providing you with great laughs!

When will I receive the beverage bill?
Tabs are kept throughout the night and all bills are given out at the end of the show in order to not disrupt the performance.

YONDR:

What is Yondr?
Yondr creates smart device-free spaces for some comedy shows. The Yondr system is a simple solution to a technological problem that allows you to maintain possession of your phone at all times. These pouches are utilized for some, but not all, shows at Comedy on State.

What is a phone-free show?
A phone-free show allows artists and audiences to enjoy the performance without distraction, creating a better experience for everyone. No cell phones, smart watches, cameras or recording devices are permitted in the performance area.

How does it work?
Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches, and any other smart devices, are placed in Yondr cases by our staff and will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their device at all times and may access phones in the designated Phone Use Areas throughout the venue at any time. Phones will then be unlocked immediately after the performance upon exit from the venue.

What is a Phone Use Area?
Guests are able to use their phones at designated Phone Use Areas within the venue. All phones must be secured in a Yondr case before guests re-enter the performance space.

I didn’t know about the phone policy. What if I don’t want to lock my phone?
This is the show policy, and as a result we cannot allow entry to any guests with cell phones or smart watches if they are not secured in a Yondr case. For Yondr designated shows, you MUST lock your device in a pouch. If you do not want to lock up your device, you may take it to your vehicle and return to the venue.

What if I need to use my device during the performance?
You may exit the showroom at anytime to find a staff member who can unlock the Yondr case for you.

PURCHASE INFORMATION:

  • ALL SALES ARE FINAL. 
  • You must be 18 years or older to attend. Refunds are not given to minors.
  • If you want to be seated with another party and did not note this in the notes section, please call or email us with the last name of the party you are joining. Without this info, we are not able to guarantee combined seating.
  • If you are going to purchase additional tickets, please purchase online and note to be sat with your other ticket order(s).
  • Please inform us of any wheelchairs so we are best able to accommodate your party for seating.
  • Admission prices, performers, and show times are subject to change.

ARRIVAL / SEATING:

  • Seating begins 45 minutes prior to show time and is on a first come first serve basis. We recommend arriving early.
  • You may be sat with another party based on arrival time and showroom setup that evening.
  • You must claim your tickets by show time. If you are not here on time there is a chance your tickets will be given to anyone on a wait list.

SHOW RULES:

  • Cell phones must be turned off or set to silent. Never take a phone call during the show. If it can’t wait, please go to the bar to use your phone.
  • Table Talk – must be kept to a minimum. Your group will be given one warning. Any further distractions may result removal from the venue.
  • No Flash Photography permitted
  • No Recording: Each comedian owns the rights to their own material, you however do NOT.
  • Do Not Heckle the Comedian: Heckling is interrupting the performance to upstage, disparage, or throw off the comedian. It is never acceptable, and the quickest way to ruin the show for everyone. It is also the quickest way to ejection.
  • Do Not Interrupt the Comedian: The common excuse for this is “I’m helping the comedian” and “that’s what you’re supposed to do at Comedy Clubs!” Comedians are professionals, they do not need help. Exception: If a comedian directly engages you in conversation, it is ok to respond. Some of the best comedy happens this way, and can make for a memorable experience. Be ready to let it go when the bit is over.