Comedy

ANYTIME

Sundays: Workaholic Jay Leno continues appearing virtually every Sunday night at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach.

Thursdays: Drew Carey, Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady and Greg Proops keep their improv act sharp and try routines that may turn up on their ABC-TV series, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Thursdays at the Hollywood Improv.

Fridays, beginning Sept. 22: The Groundlings, which have produced a wealth of comedy talent, from Paul Reubens to Julia Sweeney to Phil Hartman, introduce their latest collection of sketches and improv, “Groundlings to Meet You, I’m Robert.” See if you can spot the next comic star, every Friday.

Saturdays, beginning Oct. 4: A group calling itself “The Third Floor: Los Angeles,” a local branch of the original “The Third Floor: Portland,” debuts with sketch comedy at the Masquer’s Cabaret in West Hollywood, Saturdays in October and November.

SEPTEMBER

26-30: There’s only one performer whom the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach issues a warning for: Bobby Slayton, the “pit bull of comedy.” It’s a take-no-prisoners approach to humor for five nights.

29: Joe Torry hosts “Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam 2000,” with performances by Earthquake, J. Anthony Brown, Bruce Bruce and Melanie Camarcho, at the Universal Amphitheatre.

OCTOBER

19-20: Margaret Cho, whose career has been surging recently, from magazine covers to clubs, appears for two nights at the Irvine Improv.

26-29: Gary Shandling makes a rare Southern California run at the Irvine Improv.

29: Carrott Top brings his odd assortment of props and totally off-the-fall humor to the Universal Amphitheatre.

NOVEMBER

24-25: Louie Anderson steps away from hosting chores on “Family Feud” for a three-night stand at the Irvine Improv.