GENERAL:
If you are a comedian or agency reaching out for booking information, please contact booking@madisoncomedy.com
Do you have an age restriction?
All of our shows are 18+. Our venue is an adult environment, so you must be 18 or older to attend. You must show your ID even if you are not drinking alcohol. A two-beverage minimum applies to patrons under 21; we have many N/A options available.
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 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 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. To check-in, you’ll need the last name on your ticket order. We do not mail/email or have physical tickets in advance. Please keep a photo ID and your email confirmation handy, 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 that are no longer needed as long as the box office is notified by 4pm on the day of the show. Sorry, there are no exceptions! There may be a cap on large groups; please call or email to inquire about any limitations.
CANCELLATION POLICY: You have until 4pm the day of the show to notify us of changes to receive a refund for tickets that are no longer needed. Cancellations for parties of 10 or more must give a 24-hour notice 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 offer free admission for celebrations for shows that are not premium or special engagements.
How does your waitlist work?
Our wait lists end at 5pm on the day of the show. You may call or email info@madisoncomedy.com to sign up for our waitlist, and we will contact you no later than 5pm on 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 that 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 show’s start if seats are available.
I don’t see a show on 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 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. You must receive the birthday discount within a week of your birthday.
Are there restrictions to free tickets?
Yes, if you received a free ticket for 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 Capitol Square; check out our recommendations! Please plan 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 also be free street parking around the area.
Do you offer access for persons with disabilities?
Yes. There is an elevator in the first-floor lobby as you enter the building. Please note this when purchasing tickets online so we may 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 turning up the sound or turning 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 on Wednesdays from 12pm to 7pm.
BEVERAGES:
Please note: parties of eight or more may be subject to a 20% gratuity on their beverage bills. Any bills left open at the end of the night may also be subject to a 20% gratuity.
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 not to drink, there is a $3 charge per beverage not purchased.
What is preauthorization?
A preauthorization (also “pre-auth” or “authorization hold”) is a temporary hold on a customer’s credit card that typically lasts around five days or until the post-authorization (or “settlement”) comes through. The duration of that hold is typically five days, but it varies. This is not a duplicate charge; the funds will return to your account after the hold drops.
If I order a drink from the bar, does it count toward the minimum in the showroom?
No, only beverages ordered from your server in the showroom will count toward the 2-beverage minimum.
Can we split our bills?
Please ask your server at the show’s beginning if you want 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 toward the minimum.
What if I decide not to drink anything?
If you feel fully hydrated, it is not a problem. However, 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 to prevent disruptions during 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 keep 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. Cell phones, smart watches, cameras, or recording devices are not permitted in the performance area.
How does it work?
Upon arrival at the venue, our staff will place all phones, smartwatches, and other smart devices in Yondr cases and unlock them at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their devices 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 leaving the venue.
What is a Phone Use Area?
Guests can use their phones at designated “Phone Use Areas” within the venue. Before guests re-enter the performance space, all phones must be secured in a Yondr case.
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 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 it to the venue.
What if I need to use my device during the performance?
You may exit the showroom anytime to find a staff member who can unlock the Yondr case for you.
PURCHASE INFORMATION:
- 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 have yet to note this in the notes section, please call or email us with the last name of the party you are joining. With this info, we can guarantee combined seating.
- If you are going to purchase additional tickets, please purchase them online and note that they should be placed with your other ticket order(s).
- Please inform us of any wheelchairs so we can best accommodate your party for seating.
- Admission prices, performers, and show times are subject to change.
ARRIVAL / SEATING:
- Seating begins 45 minutes before show time and is on a first-come, first-served 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, your tickets may be given to someone on a waitlist.
SHOW RULES:
- Cell phones must be turned off or set to silent. You should never take a phone call during the show. If your phone can’t wait, please go to the bar to use it.
- Table Talk – must be kept to a minimum. Your group will be given one warning. Any further distractions may result in removal from the venue.
- No Flash Photography permitted
- No Recording: Each comedian owns the rights to their material; you, however, do NOT.
- Do Not Heckle the Comedian: Heckling interrupts the performance to upstage, disparage, or throw off the comedian. It is never acceptable and is the quickest way to ruin the show for everyone. It is also the quickest way to eject.
- Do Not Interrupt the Comedian: The common excuses for this are “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 okay 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.