Funny, innovative comedy that doesn't punch down. This community is incredibly welcoming and kind and most importantly funny as hell. So many talented comedians come through here! read more

I absolutely love KML! The reason I decided to try out for this sketch acting class is because they (unlike SO many other theater groups) actually provided accessibility with ASL interpreters for the entire class for me and another deaf friend of mine. It was a really fun experience, and you really see sketch shows under a new light. My teachers were Nicole and Gabby, and they were very accessible, friendly, and easy-going. I felt encouraged by them to constantly challenge myself, even when I didn't feel totally confident. I am now planning on taking the second sketch class next month. I really can't wait. I loved working with my classmates on the skits and learning things like line delivery, character development, and plenty more. Hat's off to KML! read more

Killing My Lobster - Taking a bow at our Sketch 1 Acting Showcase! - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a review for the show "Best of KML - The Last Ten Years." It's been so long since I've seen KML - they were on Florida Street back then. I recall thinking back then that the writing was good and that every single person in the cast was ready to be an SNL cast member. Sadly, the show last night wasn't that funny. There were 4 cast members and only 1 or 2 were completely killing it. The other two were not projecting correctly or speaking clearly, and unfortunately a number of punchlines were ruined because of it. I only mention it because I spent $36 on taxis to attend this show on Valencia and later wished I hadn't. If your entertainment budget is limited and you need a show guaranteed to make you laugh, maybe look elsewhere. read more

I took the sketch-acting class and it was alright. The guys leading the class were new at it and it showed. The comedy and writing for the sketch is pretty narrow and lacking in depth. So I'd say if you're bored, have lots of extra cash and want to relieve freshman year's Theater 101, this is for you. read more

I took both Acting 1 and 2 and have to say these classes are phenomenal. The class size are not too large which means that each student gets a lot of individualized attention. The level of attention and feed back I got during this class has helped me grow tremendously. KML as an organization is also very impressive. They're a Bay Area institution that is very good at what they do. They fundraise successfully, put on multiple shows all year round and aren't very professional through and through. KML also has a very large community outside of the class. I've been able to make more friends who are very supportive all with similar interests. Ultimately, I thought I was taking a class but ended up growing a lot as an actor and making new friends. If you're on the fence, it's a no brainer. TAKE THE CLASS read more

I took both KML Acting 1 and 2 classes and I am really glad that I did. The classes are fun and challenging. I have grown so much as an actor because of the support and challenge from my instructors. I am from China so I was not used to be very dramatic and I sucked at playing characters. But after the classes I have become much comfortable with playing characters and be real in the scenes. KML really creates a supportive and caring environment for those who want to try out sketch comedy or deepen their skills. It's embedded in their values and mission. I wish the class never ends. read more

If you're looking for sketch comedy in San Francisco, there is only one place to go and that's a Killing My Lobster show. They are the premiere sketch comedy company in the Bay Area and have been for 21 years and counting. They produce about 8 shows a year and work tirelessly to bring fresh and top-notch comedy to the stage. The group grows more and more diverse with each passing year, which has definitely strengthened their output. It is also run by a lady, so if you're into supporting women in the arts, KML is a great place to start. They also fund diversity fellowships to encourage more queer/POC folks to get into comedy. How cool is that? The shows are SNL-level funny, the writers and actors are extremely talented, and the company continues to put on highly professional shows with a local theatre budget. KML focuses less on costumes and big sets so that it directs all its attention to the comedy. I cannot recommend their shows enough. If you're lucky enough to be in town when they have a show, you must check it out. read more

I took the KML Sketch Comedy Writing 1 class over Zoom and learned a lot. In total, you end up writing 10+ sketches over the course of a 6-week class. Each class consists of a short lecture, with a bulk of time reading and giving feedback in small groups of 6-7 people. Teachers and students offer incisive feedback, plus instinctual feedback via laughing (or not) while your sketches are read out loud. And they have legit KML actors read your sketches in a showcase after the class concludes. Highly recommended. read more

I could not suggest the writing classes more! The teachers are knowledgeable, funny, and kind. The work was enjoyable, even when it was challenging. We learned so much! Not just how to write things that were funny, but how to write things period. The teachers were able to help me understand story structure and escalation. This means that it has laid an amazing groundwork for me no matter what medium I'm writing in. The classes are small, which allows for a lot of personalized feedback and attention. I highly suggest the classes to everyone who has any interest in writing. read more

The sketchwriting classes offered by Killing My Lobster are top-notch. I've had four instructors across two classes, and they were all great teachers: compassionate and constructive in their critiques, and super on-point in all of their feedback. The caliber of my fellow students has been consistently excellent, too. I've been in a number of writing classes where most of my classmates simply didn't do the work, or didn't seem to try very hard at it. That wasn't the case in either of my KML classes. On the contrary, I really respected the writing skills of my KML classmates; it was a ton of fun to see what everyone would come up with for their weekly homework assignments. As a part of the curriculum, we also got to see a live table-read of our sketches by KML actors. It's hugely educational to see how other people interpret a script you've written, and an experience that's really hard to get outside of something like KML. Highly recommended. read more

I've been a fan of KML shows for years - I love the direction they're pushing sketch comedy. I recently got the chance to take a sketch writing class with Tirumari, Mike and Akaina and it was everything I hoped it would be: a safe and collaborative learning environment. They used the videoconference platform to their advantage and classes were professionally run. read more

I took a (virtual) sketch writing class here, and I had a great time. The instructors are thoughtful, the environment is positive, and the class was pretty cheap. I look forward to a post-COVID world where this could be done in person, where it'd be even better! read more

KML is serious about comedy. I'm surprised that there aren't very many recent reviews because this group is a Bay Area institution. Sketch is difficult, and often not funny, but you'd think people would know that by now and give these folks a break. They're serious actors and writers creating topical satire. They're edgier than SNL while having a greater proportion of funnier scripts. You can't do sketch without failing a lot, and these folks still do it in style. Whenever I'm in SF, I try to take in a show. I might leave confused, but always thoughtful. You can laugh, but laugh so you don't have to cry. read more

I've been acting in sketch comedy for 15 years and I never really had the courage to write on my own (#ensemblelife). Once I found myself in a new town where no one knows me, I had NOTHING TO LOSE! Mike and Sarah were my teachers and were so encouraging. The lessons and feedback were spot on, and I was really proud of the two sketches that got selected for the showcase. This was a welcome distraction from the pandemic blues (though some days, those blues made it damn hard to write jokes...). I'll eventually take sketch 2 and look forward to that! read more

Great classes and instructors Nicole and Tirumari! Our sketch writing class was over Zoom due to the pandemic and it was a blast. I like that the class really focused on writing. Every week we did table reads of people's new sketches. Super funny! read more

This class provided an incredible creative outlet at a time when I needed it the most. Not only was the class full of thoughtful, empathetic, and hilarious people, I also learned how to implement a consistent writing practice that helped me work through writer's block with different tools, exercises, and I feel part of a new network of amazing writer colleagues. read more

Killing My Lobster has evolved over the years into a highly organized comedy powerhouse. The sketch shows pull from separate pools of performers and writers and each show is carefully crafted and meticulously rehearsed. Also: they're hilarious and extremely talented. What's more, PianoFight is an excellent venue with strong cocktails and tasty curly fries. Go see a show this weekend! read more

I just completed the Sketch Acting 1 class and it was awesome! Sam and Tirumari were so supportive and provided a wealth of knowledge. Compared to an acting class I took in LA, this was light years more fun. The ability to perform in a real venue in front of a live (but loving) audience was motivating for the whole class. I also think I got lucky as all of my classmates were awesome. Every single one. Excited to take level 2! read more

I took Sketch Writing I & II and it went above and beyond my expectations. It provided the external pressure I needed to write dozens of sketches, and presented opportunities for incredibly helpful feedback and a place to present my work to others. There were a few formal lectures were we focused on specific topics in sketch (mostly towards the beginning), but mostly the class just encourages you to write, write, write and get crucial feedback every single week. The "final read" is also a fantastic opportunity to show off your hard work to friends and family not in the class. Mike Ottum and Sarah Ranney's instruction was incredible, and I'd recommend KML's writing classes to anyone without hesitation. I've taken comedy classes with other theaters and can say that KML is unequivocally above average in their level of instruction. read more

I've been to a few of their shows, and they are always super fun and funny with some incredible talent. Great for a date night, night out with friends, or even just a night out by yourself! read more

This review is for the KML Excellent Adventure show. The writing of the sketches was very uneven. Some were "meh", others like the roman cheerleaders were very funny. A little disappointed there. The performers were great. They did the best they could with the material they had. I wish the writing was as strong as the performing. 2 stars for the uneven writing. 4 stars for the performers. It averages to 3. read more

I had a very positive writing 1 class through KML. The teachers were really good. I mean, I had heard they were top notch but they were dropping gems of knowledge left and right. It was really something! They also provided plenty of resources for helping us study and were very respectful and accommodating during COVID and #Black&TransLivesMatter. They have heart, they're seriously funny, you really oughta take a class and/or see them live! read more

This is a general review for the entire organization. :) Overall, Killing My Lobster is a ding-dang gift to the Bay Area. I took sketch writing classes with them in 2012. The classes have evolved a lot since then, with a comprehensive curriculum that is, above all else, really fun. I had a blast taking the classes, and walked away having written over 20 sketches. In 2015, under new management, they started doing performances more regularly, with a focus on writing that stands on it's own and doesn't rely on costume/prop gags. It's some of the best sketch comedy I've ever seen. The performers are world-class, the writers are masters of the craft, and I leave each show with an aching stomach from laughing for an hour straight. Their shows are timely and relevant, and there is something for everyone at each show. Impressions, social commentary, really dumb jokes- they do it all. I highly, highly recommend KML. read more

Killing My Lobster not only provides a consistent product in their shows and classes, but they are an organization that prioritize their artists and collaborators. As a Stage Manager who has worked with them on and off since 2011, I have witnessed the care they take in treating everyone on the team with so much respect and provide a space for people's creativity to run wild. As a patron and a donor, this emphasis on the artist is also why I contribute. Just like KML, I want to support keeping Bay Area artists in the Bay Area! Highly recommend you check out their shows and classes - and become part of the KML family! read more

Funny shows, great writing classes, good local comedy. My first experience with KML was through their comedy writing class, which was a lot of fun. You learn a lot through practice and feedback. Every week you bring sketches, they're cold-read by the group, and you get to see what works (or doesn't). You meet a lot of other cool people from the Bay Area who are also interested in comedy, and after a few weeks KML puts on a "final read" with a group of actors for your friends to see. It's a great experience that I recommend to my friends. The shows are fun, too. So far I've seen Camp KML and Puppetry of the Lobster. Each show had a lot of variety of content and were well-performed by local actors. With most sketch comedy you'll find that some sketches don't tickle your fancy while others bust your gut. It's worth checking out! read more

KML is a fantastic sketch comedy theater company. I have worked on productions, taken two writing classes, and attended many shows as an audience member. It's inclusive, supportive, and fun in meaningful ways that have made me a better comedian, artist, and person. I highly recommend Killing My Lobster for all your sketch comedy needs. read more

I took the writing class recently and highly recommend it. Supportive teachers, that encourage your work to grow at any level. I had so much fun bringing in stuff each week and they really allowed you to fail with support and get laughs with feedback on why it was funny. They touch on the technical stuff as well as the types of comedy, and the rest is up to you. Looking forward to Writing 2 ! read more

I've been to three of KML's sketch comedy shows and just bought tickets to a fourth. Every time is hilarious. Looking forward to the next one! read more

KML is an amazing, diverse group of writers and actors who I couldn't be prouder to work with. They're collaborative, supportive, and will push you to be better in the kindest way possible. read more

Funny in theory, but a total snooze in reality. That's how I'd sum up KML. Went to see the "Marina vs. Mission" show tonight, and while there were bits and pieces that I found humorous, overall I left wishing I had those two hours of my night back. Oh... and for the people serving drinks up front... thanks for forgetting to mention that you can't bring drinks into the show and pouring our drinks about 30 seconds before announcing the show is about to start. read more

Wow. Awful, awful, awful. I just saw their "Purim: The Whole Megilah" show, and it was truly terrible. The comedy was really at the level of a high school end-of-the-year sketch show. Really? Did you really name a British character "Master Bates"? Stoned Rastafarians? Drag queens making jokes about "coming from behind"? Who on Earth could possibly have written this and thought it was funny? Moreover, it was pretty offensive. I think this group doesn't understand the difference between Jewish humor in the spirit of the great Jewish comedians like Woody Allen or Mel Brooks, and just ridiculing Jews by re-hashing antiquated Jewish stereotypes. I am not certain, but I get the impression that there were few, if any, Jewish writers or actors in the show. For example, there were tons of jokes about getting circumcised. (I know, very clever.) Honest, no Jewish man is afraid of being circumcised because we ARE ALL ALREADY CIRCUMCISED! Furthermore, a Jewish mother wouldn't be offended if a non-Jewish girl showed up to a Purim (or costume) party wearing a pig costume, whihch is one of many reason that skit wasn't funny. We don't hate pigs. We just don't eat them. I could go on and on, like the show did, but I think I'll stop here. Do not waste your time. read more

Hmmm. Considering that a night out at Cobb's or the Punch Line will set 2 people back at LEAST $60, A night of sketch comedy with KML for $33 is a bargain! Yes, you kind of have to 'work your way' into this- it's not a comedy scene that everyone will appreciate (or understand, esp if you do not live in the Bay Area) but they definitely put the heart n' soul into their work and we thought their 'KML Faces the Music' at the ODC theatre on Saturday night (7pm show) was pretty darned hilarious! We've seen so much *bad* comedy (bad, as in, I-want-to-get-up-and leave-NOW-because-I-feel-so-awkward-sitting here BAD) at the improvisational comedy festival in SF a few years ago, so maybe my reference point is set a little 'off'... BUT-- I think these guys deserve the mad props they get! (....AND i love their poster art) For a group of college kids who started out in the late 90's doing shows for friends and friends of friends, they have done pretty well- complete with 'live' music! Oh, and there *was* a sign posted that said that no drinks can be taken into the theatre... (to their defense.) I'm torn. I love the 18 Mighty Mountain Warriors too, but they have moved to LA.... OH, and by the way--- the people who brought their KIDS (under 13) to this show... WHAT IS UP WIT DAT? They're SINGING about blowjobs and throwing around F- this and F- that, and you sit these with your kids? (HUH?) read more

I took that Sketch Comedy Acting 1 class and loved it. Nicole was an amazing teacher and the sketches we got to work with were hilarious! Nicole made sure I was stretched as an actor, was always available for questions and really cared about our experience. Tirumari was amazing too! The best part of class was we were able to perform on a stage with a professional stage manager and in a professional space. I truly believe growth comes from actual hands-on experience and the class gave us an opportunity to do that through the showcase. Thank you! read more

Laughter, albeit sometimes uncomfortable, is never a bad thing. I have been a KML fan for quite some time now, and every show never fails to make my eyes widen and cause me to nudge my buddy next to me. My friends and I are STILL dropping quotes from long gone shows. And whenever we run into the sketch actors at random cafes or bars, we always twitter as if in the presence of celebrity. Cheap entertainment is not always that hard to come by in this awesome city, but these guys know how to do it right. read more

Two friends and I had plans to see this show. I bought tickets and then it sold out (why?). My two friends ended up ushering (actually I got suckered in too) because we really wanted to see the show- our friend was playing in the band and it sounded like a generally fun time. Alas. It was pretty lame. For one- the mics were TOO LOUD. I was holding my ears for parts of the show. Not only were the levels too high but the actors were singing and talking really loudly in a small theatre. At a few points the mics failed on some of the actors and I could still hear them clearly. Then there was the issue of the jokes not being too funny and seeming like in-jokes. Some parts were pretty good but it was very inconsistent and rather painful. I like the song about the taquerias. This star is for that bit and the radio, and my friend being in the band. read more

Killing my lobster nearly killed me. Well, it wasn't really that bad, but I find myself disappointed. So, to continue, we saw Faces the Music. My first reaction was that none of the people in the cast can sing. In fact, many of them are painfully bad, to the point where I considered walking out (even though it was clear the singing wasn't what brought us here). As for the plot, it was hard to tell whether there was any. There were a bunch of songs, and they seemed loosely connected, but character development was weak. And most of the jokes were pretty weak, too. The only song that I really enjoyed was the one about the taquerias in the Mission (we had to visit Cancun the next day). Its kind of interesting how a lot of the humor revolves around the conflicts between various neighborhoods and types in San Francisco. There wasn't really any politics, or any current events. Just Marina hates the mission, east bay is different from sf, etc... There also seemed to be a lot of in jokes. Maybe I would get them if I went to other shows. What was up with that Malfar character? I didn't find him to be that funny, and it seemed sort of out of place. In conclusion, go if your friends are in the cast, or if you enjoy dumb, pointless comedy, or you like San Francisco jokes. Otherwise, stay home and order a pizza. read more

I took a KML class in 2014 and loved the instruction and devotion to good, solid, fun sketch comedy. Flash forward 4 years later and I'm a regular writer and director with the company. They put on a bunch of hilarious, themed shows a year, PAY their artists, and all around bring amazing comedy to the Bay Area. The folks who work with the company are whip-smart and diligent artists. Come see some shows, take a class and laugh with them! read more

Just finished the Sketch Writing Level 1 class. Sean and Kate are amazing. I got very articulate and exact notes on how to improve my writing, class after class. That helped me be more confident about my writing skills and enabled me to explore outside comedy outside my comfort zone. The end result, is I feel that I more adept at writing comedy now, and I have a higher variety in my arsenal as a comedy writer. read more

If lobster=funny bone and killing=tickling, then these folks consistently kill my lobster. Their sketch shows have featured dueling jamba juices, pole vaulters, men in life vests playing the saw, and Craigslist beat poetry. It's hard to go wrong with any of that. And then you toss in film festivals, play festivals, variety show evenings, and world premiere play productions and you've got a veritable tour de force of creative cultural output. As a side note, their world premiere production of the play Hunter Gatherers was absolutely incredible. Hilarious, dark, brutal and true, the play is tightly constructed and brilliantly executed by all parties involved. Kudos to all! So KML, you can kill my lobster anytime. read more

I saw KML "Faces the Music" last weekend! I'd been to a couple of their shows in years past (whenever a friend wanted to go). ..I found them amusing, but never rip-roaring funny. This one, though, was amazing. I can't even just name it 'funny' or 'hilarious' because it's beyond that. The actors are quirky, the writing is clever, and there's MUCH that's unexpected. KML puts their whole heart into the performance. They're performing FOR you. The songs keep repeating in my head (which i would usually find annoying, but these are funny songs) and I continue to remember all the SF neighborhood jokes. The KML "Faces the Music" show has passed, but I'll definitely be seeing their shows in the future. read more