The next time you’re looking for an alternative nightlife idea, think comedy. Florida has some of the best comedy clubs in the nation, many of which attract national acts. Whether you want to experience stand-up in cozy venues, outrageous improv or want to develop your own side-splitting act, Florida’s comedy venues can answer your needs.
Whether you want to be a comedian, see a comedian or just want to get your boss to lighten up, there’s a Florida comedy club for you.


Bonkerz, Daytona Beach

To see traditional stand up, take in a show at Bonkerz Comedy Club (www.bonkerzcomedy.com). This Orlando-based outfit has several locations throughout Florida and has been welcoming the likes of Rita Rudner, Jerry Seinfeld and Paula Poundstone to their stage for three decades. They are one of America’s longest-running comedy clubs and were voted “Best Comedy Club in Central Florida.”

I went to the Daytona Beach location at the Penthouse Lounge at the LaPlaya Resort. Offering panoramic views of the beach and strip, the room is well set up with both table and bar seating. Small enough to be intimate, the comedy is emceed by the very funny James Yon. Whenever you go, you’ll get a great show – all of Bonkerz comedians have either TV or movie credits to their names.


Off the Hook Comedy Club, Marco Island

Another great traditional stand-up venue is the Off The Hook Comedy Club at Capt. Brien’s Seafood and Raw Bar in Marco Island (www.captbriens.com/comedy_club.htm). The club is on the Improv's comedy circuit, meaning that top headliners making the rounds in major cities like Atlanta, Tampa and Orlando make a pit stop here on Marco Island for a weekend as part of their tour. Past performers have included Pauly Shore, Andrew Dice Clay, Gallagher, Jackie Mason and Jimmie J.J. Walker. Arrive before the show starts to eat at the restaurant, then yuk it up with a handful of your new best friends.


Coconuts, St. Pete Beach

When in St. Pete Beach, take some time out from the beach to catch a show at Coconuts (www.coconutscomedyclubs.com), located in the Tradewinds Sandpiper Resort. This is an intimate (read, small) space, but it attracts high-end acts. I saw Nick Gaza when I was there, dubbed “laziest comic in America.” His act is a mixture of hysterical true stories and audience participation (read, poking fun at the audience and himself). Nick has been on “The Drew Carey Show,” “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Becker”.

 
McCurdy’s Comedy Theater, Sarasota

McCurdy's Comedy Theater and Humor Institute (www.mccurdyscomedy.com) in Sarasota was established 16 years ago and welcomes stand-up and improvisational performances. This is a specially designed, 4,000 seat room where, even at the very back of the room, seats are no more than 40 feet away from the stage. Past performers have included Jeff Foxworthy, Chris Rock, Elayne Boosler, Soupy Sales, Judy Tenuta, Pat Paulsen, Larry "The Cable Guy", Kevin Pollack, Ron White, David Brenner, Bobcat Goldthwait . . . you get the idea. This unsuspecting spot draws in big-name acts.

In addition to hosting live comedy performances, they also present McCurdy’s Humor Institute. This program is dedicated to showing corporations how to use humor to present new information to their employees – statistics show that humor is the best way for employees to retain new information. The comedy team known as The Bermuda Mavericks uses both improvisation and sketch comedy to help businesses develop more productive, less stressful workplaces. What a concept.

 
Jokeboy’s, Ocala

“Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” is brought to life at Jokeboy’s Comedy Club in downtown Ocala (www.jokeboys.com), where audience members provide the "scenes" and the AraCKa comedy performers (those are spontaneous comedy performers) do the rest. Improv takes place every Sunday. Each Friday and Saturday night, three nationally touring stand-up comedians perform and there are many special events held throughout the year.


SAK Comedy Lab, Orlando

If improv is more your style, check out the SAK Comedy Lab (www.sak.com), a 200-seat improv comedy theater in downtown Orlando. This friendly comedy club (no bad language allowed) features a variety of nationally and internationally recognized comedians. A variety of comedy themes are featured every night, including improv en Espanol on Saturdays.

SAK even offers a totally one-of-a-kind gift idea. For $150, they’ll personalize their performance to do a “slice of life” take-off and will actually devote an entire scene to your family member, friend, or loved one. At the end of the show, you even get a videotape to commemorate the experience. Be sure to arrange this in advance.

SAK also hosts a comedy university, where you can learn the art of improv. SAK has been teaching improv for over 30 years and their alumni are a testament to their success: Wayne Brady, Jeff Cook and Craig Wilson, among others.


Comedy Zone, Jacksonville and Tallahassee

Further north, the Comedy Zone (www.comedyzone.com) has hosted favorite acts such as Tommy Chong and Ralphie May. Aspiring stand up comedians are urged to drop in to either the Jacksonville or Tallahassee location to sign up for a Comedy Zone Workshop. If you’re an amateur comedian or just a want to be able to tell a joke without making your friends groan, give this eight-week course a try.

Whether you want to be a comedian, see a comedian or just want to get your boss to lighten up, there’s a Florida comedy club for you. So get out there and make laughter a part of your fun in the sun itinerary.