DNA’s Comedy Lab & Experimental Theatre

DNA’s Comedy Lab & Experimental Theatre is an all-ages performance venue on a mission to build community through laughter with daytime, evening, and late-night events.

Retaining its retro cinema charm, the Lab was previously a twin movie theatre, and is now a unique space with three stages, an expansive lobby with a piano, and café tables/seating.

Concessions include organic popcorn, snacks, local beer, cider, soda, & kombucha on tap—plus wine and non-alcoholic beverages. An on-site kitchen offers a café menu that includes vegan options.

Now Showing at DNA’s Comedy Lab:

• Stand-up comedy with national headliners seen on Comedy Central, Conan, Kimmel, Fallon, Colbert, & more—every Friday/Saturday at 7:00PM & 9:30PM.
• Open mic with comics, improv/sketch, magicians, and brave community members on the lobby stage—showtime Wednesdays at 8:30PM (sign-ups at 8:00PM).
• Storytelling for adults with music, games, and soul-searching in the lobby. Storytellers are given a weekly theme around which to find common ground, entertain, and challenge—in a way that only a story can—Thursdays at 7:30PM.
• Magicology is a family-friendly magic/comedy show co-presented by BoardwalkMagic.com. Children attend free with an adult—last Sunday of the month.
• CineLab is a pop-up movie experience with feature films, guest speakers, movie-riffing, giveaways, and costumes—produced around special occasions and holidays.

The Lab is also available to rent for touring performers and campus and community presentations. Some of the Lab’s regular rentals include:

• Bookshop Santa Cruz’s literary events
• Speakers & lectures presented by UC Santa Cruz
• TEDx events
• Open Show Santa Cruz film screenings
• Burlesque dance troupes

The Lab is located in downtown Santa Cruz, adjacent to a 24-hr. parking garage, with nearby shops and restaurants, and is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the nightlife on Pacific Avenue, Ocean St. lodging establishments, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.