As Saturday Night Live marks its 50th year on television, many of its stars were spotted 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles.
One of the most well-known spots that continue to push talented comedians onto the national stage is the Ground Ring Theatre and School on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
“Finding your community here is to find golden tickets. Michael Cherven, a member of the Groundlings Main Company, said: “It’s a truly amazing collaborator of people. It consists of groups. They look at each other, listen to each other, create sketches, put them up, and the audience just loops into the process.”
Churven gave NBC4 a historic theatre and a rare tour behind the scenes. There, once famous SNL alumni such as Lalaine Newman, John Lovitz, Phil Hartman, Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph and Christine Wiig were once roaming the hall.
Just like SNL, the Ground Ring celebrated its 50th year.
“It’s like a drug. It’s really. It’s a good awakening call that you have to be able to laugh at things from time to time,” Chuff said. “Most of the things we try here aren’t interesting, but that’s the process.”
This is a long and fascinating process that has SNL creator Lorne Michaels and his team hopes to find their next breakout star.
“It’s very strict. The training is very strict and the show process is very strict,” Chavn said. “For example, when you’re pulled by something like SNL, you’ve had the experience of wearing these boots and knowing how and when to deliver.”
And even the lucky few who were chosen to star in SNL, the Ground Ring is never far away.
Many graduates are known to return to small stages where they have received a big break.
“I mean, Kristen Wiig loves to go with us and improvise whenever he does,” explained Chuff. “It’s a community of people who have a special kind of gratitude for what they enjoy. And when you find it, you can’t let it go. So, that’s what I mean. I think the only thing you enjoy most about is the family you create here.”
On March 8th, Groundlings will host its annual open house, featuring a free show and $10 classes.
After all, the public is encouraged to attend because at any time the person you see can become the one you see on a Saturday night.
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