Relapse Theatre in Atlanta: Your Guide to This Underground Comedy Hotspot

Relapse Theatre has long been one of Atlanta’s most talked‑about underground comedy venues, especially for fans of stand‑up, improv, and open mics. If you’re looking for late‑night laughs, experimental shows, or a place to get stage time yourself, it’s a name that comes up again and again in local comedy circles.

This guide walks you through what Relapse Theatre is known for, how it fits into Atlanta’s nightlife and comedy scene, and what to expect if you go for a show or an open mic.

What Is Relapse Theatre?

Relapse Theatre is known in Atlanta as a comedy‑focused performance space that leans toward:

• Stand‑up comedy
• Improv and sketch shows
• Themed comedy nights
• Open mic opportunities for new and working comics

Locals often describe it as a more underground, DIY, “comic’s room” compared to polished club environments. Instead of a large corporate feel, you get:

• A casual, intimate room
• A lineup that mixes working comics, rising locals, and first‑timers
• Later‑night shows that attract comedy fans and performers from all over the city

For people who live in Atlanta or visit frequently, Relapse Theatre often sits on the “must‑check‑out” list if you want to see what’s happening beyond the big, mainstream clubs.

Where Relapse Theatre Fits in Atlanta’s Comedy & Nightlife Scene

Atlanta’s comedy scene is broad: you have traditional clubs, improv theaters, and bar shows scattered around town. Relapse Theatre is typically known for being:

• More alternative than a traditional ticketed club
• More performance‑focused than a typical bar show
• A hub for local comics to try out new material

If you already know places like the Laughing Skull Lounge in Midtown or Atlanta Comedy Theater in Norcross, think of Relapse Theatre as part of that ecosystem, but tilted more toward:

• Experimental sets
• Edgier or niche themes
• Community‑driven events where you might see the same comics workshopping material week after week

For locals, it can feel like a hangout spot for comics and fans, not just a place where you watch a polished show and go straight home.

Typical Shows and Events at Relapse Theatre

Programming can change, but Relapse Theatre is generally associated with a few core categories:

Stand‑Up Comedy Nights

These are regular shows where local and visiting comics perform prepared sets. Expect:

• Showcase formats (multiple comics doing shorter sets)
• Occasional headliner nights
• A mix of clean, dark, and experimental humor, depending on the show’s theme

If you’re used to larger club shows, these sets often feel looser and more personal, with comics trying out new ideas.

Open Mic Comedy

For many Atlanta comics, Relapse Theatre is remembered as an important open mic room. Open mics typically:

• Allow new comics to get their first stage time
• Give experienced comics a place to test new jokes in front of a real audience
• Run on specific nights with a sign‑up process (often first‑come, first‑served or online sign‑ups)

If you’re interested in performing, Relapse‑style open mics are often considered:

• Less intimidating than large clubs
• More forgiving of new performers
• A good place to network with other comics in Atlanta

Improv and Sketch

Depending on the period and programming, you might find:

• Improv troupes doing long‑form or short‑form sets
• Sketch comedy nights, often written and performed by local groups
• Special formats like roast battles, character shows, or themed comedy showcases

If you’re coming from nearby neighborhoods like Midtown, West Midtown, or Downtown, these shows offer a different flavor than typical bar or club nights.

Practical Tips for Visiting Relapse Theatre

Because smaller venues can shift details over time, treat these as general Atlanta nightlife best practices that apply well to a space like Relapse Theatre.

1. Check Show Times and Lineups in Advance

Comedy venues in Atlanta frequently:

• Adjust show times based on the day of the week
• Run earlier shows (7–8 p.m.) and late shows (9–11 p.m. or later)
• Host special events on weekends or holidays

Before you go, confirm:

• Day and time of the show
• Whether it’s a ticketed show or a donation/cover at the door
• The type of show (open mic vs. curated showcase vs. improv)

2. How Tickets and Cover Usually Work

At venues like Relapse Theatre, you may see:

• Online tickets for bigger shows or special events
• Cash or card at the door for smaller, recurring shows
• Suggested donations for open mics or “pay what you can” nights

If you live in Atlanta and plan to go regularly, keep an eye out for:

• Recurring weekly or monthly shows that become local favorites
• Package deals, such as two‑show nights or special seasonal events

3. Parking and Transportation in Atlanta

Relapse‑style venues are typically in areas where parking can be limited, especially on weekends. In Atlanta, consider:

• Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) to avoid parking stress and to be safe if you plan to drink
• MARTA if there’s a nearby station or bus line (for example, Midtown or Arts Center stations for many nightlife areas)
• Street parking or nearby paid lots—always read the signs carefully to avoid tickets or towing

If you’re visiting from the suburbs (e.g., Decatur, Sandy Springs, Marietta, or Stone Mountain), planning transit ahead saves a lot of time.

4. What to Expect Inside

Smaller comedy theaters like Relapse often share similar features:

• Intimate seating: You’re close to the stage, which makes crowd interaction more likely
• Casual environment: Jeans and T‑shirts are completely normal
• Bar or concession setup: Basic drinks, possibly snacks; selection varies by venue
• Room energy: The crowd can shift from small and quiet on a weeknight to packed and rowdy on a Saturday

If crowd work makes you nervous, avoid front‑row seats. If you love being part of the action, front and center is where to go.

Open Mic Comedy at Relapse Theatre: How to Get On Stage

For Atlantans thinking, “I want to try stand‑up,” Relapse‑type open mics are often where people start.

Step‑By‑Step: Trying an Open Mic

1. Find the current open mic schedule
   • Many Atlanta comedy rooms post mic info on social media or event listings.
2. Check the sign‑up rules
   • Some use in‑person sign‑ups 30–60 minutes before showtime.
   • Others use online sign‑up forms or lottery systems.
3. Prepare a short set
   • Most first‑timers get 3–5 minutes.
   • Write your material ahead of time and practice out loud.
4. Arrive early
   • You’ll get a better spot in the order and time to get comfortable with the room.
5. Stay and watch others
   • Atlanta comics often stress that sticking around to support the room is important for community and for learning.

Tips for New Comics in Atlanta

• Start local: Open mics at smaller theaters and bars allow you to experiment without huge pressure.
• Network respectfully: Introduce yourself to other comics, but don’t push for favors; just be present and consistent.
• Hit multiple rooms: Combine Relapse‑type mics with others around town (in areas like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, Midtown, or West Midtown) to grow faster.

Relapse Theatre vs. Traditional Comedy Clubs in Atlanta

If you’re wondering how Relapse Theatre compares to a classic club, here’s a simple overview:

Both have a place in Atlanta’s nightlife. Many locals enjoy bouncing between both worlds—a polished club show one weekend and an underground theater the next.

Nearby Nightlife and Things To Do Before or After a Show

If you’re planning a night out that includes a Relapse Theatre‑style show, you can easily build a full Atlanta evening around it.

Depending on the neighborhood, you might find:

• Casual restaurants for pre‑show dinner (tacos, burgers, pizza, or Southern comfort food)
• Bars and lounges for a drink before or after the show
• Walkable areas with street art, music venues, and late‑night bites

For Atlanta residents, pairing a comedy show with:

• A quick dinner in Midtown, West Midtown, or Old Fourth Ward, or
• A drink at a neighborhood bar near the theater

turns a simple show into a more complete night out.

Safety, Accessibility, and Comfort Considerations

When visiting any nightlife venue in Atlanta, including a place like Relapse Theatre, it’s useful to keep the following in mind:

• ID requirements: Most comedy venues that serve alcohol will check IDs; bring a government‑issued photo ID.
• Age limits: Many shows are 18+ or 21+, especially if there’s a full bar. Check in advance.
• Accessibility: Smaller, older buildings may have limited accessibility compared to newer clubs. If you need ADA access, it’s wise to contact the venue directly to ask about entrances, seating, and restrooms.
• Noise and content: Shows often include adult language, dark themes, and loud environments. If you’re sensitive to this, consider earlier shows or venues known for cleaner material.

Finding Up‑to‑Date Details on Relapse Theatre in Atlanta

Because independent venues in Atlanta sometimes change locations, ownership, or programming over time, the most reliable way to approach Relapse Theatre is:

• Search current event listings for “Relapse Theatre Atlanta”
• Look at local comedy calendars or social media groups where Atlanta comics and fans share weekly show info
• Check recent posts or flyers rather than relying on very old references

If you’re local and interested in the broader comedy scene, it can also help to plug into:

• Atlanta‑based comedy Facebook groups
• Event boards at other comedy venues
• Open mic lists that include multiple rooms, not just one theater

These resources often mention when and where a Relapse‑style show is happening, plus whether the venue is active, moving, or hosting pop‑up events.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who loves live comedy, Relapse Theatre occupies a special place: a home base for experimental shows, open mics, and the city’s up‑and‑coming comics. Whether you want to watch or step on stage yourself, it’s a key name to know when you’re exploring Atlanta’s nightlife and comedy culture.