A unique naked comedy show is making its debut in Los Angeles at Elysian on January 17th. Expect comedians to take the stage, literally stripped down, ready to entertain without holding back.
This performance has gained a following in New York City and more recently in Philadelphia, and now it’s coming to L.A. Tickets are available for those 18 and older, priced at around $40.
Comedian Billy Procida, who has been hosting this bare-all show since 2022, acknowledges that while nudity might draw crowds, it’s not just a gimmick for laughs. “If we were all dressed, you might think, ‘Wow, that’s a great lineup,’” he mentioned.
“I prioritize fun when booking comics. It’s not about how attractive someone is; it’s about their comedic talent,” he emphasized. “I’m looking for good humor, not models.”
This show has featured notable performers from Comedy Central, Netflix, and HBO. Procida points out that even experienced comedians find it challenging to elicit laughs while dressed, and being naked adds an extra layer of vulnerability, particularly for men.
“There’s definitely a fascination with male anatomy in comedy,” he noted. Some male comics tend to worry about their size in a very real way during performances.
While concerns about nudity often stem from men, he said, everyone has their own issues with body image. But that insecurity can transform into good material for jokes.
Procida candidly shared his own body image issues, referencing his own experience that leads to some awkward humor. He chooses to joke about it rather than dwell on insecurities.
Interestingly, some newer comics think that taking drugs like Viagra could give them an edge on stage. The reality, however, is less glamorous, as Procida shared, saying that those medications only work when there’s an actual, you know… arousal happening.
If being unabashedly naked doesn’t come naturally to someone, humor can be hard to conjure up. “You’re in survival mode rather than feeling sexy,” he remarked.
Although excitement might be part of the performance for some, the awkwardness of nudity typically fades quickly once the set begins. One comic, for instance, attempted to incorporate a tampon into her act but ended up fumbling around awkwardly, which didn’t quite land as planned.
In an unforgettable moment, another comic hilariously managed to use his foreskin to introduce a setlist, which got quite the laugh from the crowd.
The lineup typically includes five to six comedians willing to bare it all, but the lure of these shows also seems tied to a deeper cultural fascination with nudity. As Procida put it, America’s historical discomfort with sexuality fuels the show’s popularity.
Compared to its New York counterpart, attendees in L.A. will find that the first two rows aren’t clothing-optional. This performance offers a unique setting for public nudity, although it remains questionable whether it elicits arousal. “Honestly, I can’t read what anyone’s thinking,” Procida admitted. “But as long as it stays in their minds, it’s harmless.”
However, Procida is clear that this isn’t intended to be obscene or sexually provocative. “If I’m making a joke with my pants down and you find it appealing, that’s on you,” he stated. “This is not a sexy gig. We’re comedy, not a strip show. Clothes come off behind the scenes; you’re not going to see me take off my Old Navy Spandex jeans on stage.”
The L.A. premiere is expected to feature a diverse lineup, including Martin Morrow (Netflix), Kylie Vincent (Comedy Central), Alison Rose (PBS), Omar Finley (Skankfest), and James Tison (Out Magazine). The “Skunk Room” will open at 7:30 p.m.
