Monterey Bay Improv is a home for honest comedy — storytelling nights, open mics, and classes built around the idea that the funniest things are the ones that connect us to each other.
The best comedy isn't invented.
It's remembered.
The awkward thing that actually happened.
The conversation you replayed for a week.
The moment you thought you were the only one —
and then found out you weren't.
That's what we're here for.
America appears to be suffering from a fun shortage.
Over the past two decades the US has lost 7,000 bars and nightclubs, a third of its bowling alleys, and a fifth of its movie theaters. The Bureau of Labor Statistics documents double-digit drops in the hours Americans spend on arts and entertainment each year. The places where people used to gather, laugh, and feel something together have been quietly disappearing.
— Ben Steverman · Bloomberg Businessweek · July 2026
Most people walk around with stories they've never told out loud — the ones that are too real, too specific, too true to say in polite company. Monterey Bay Improv is the room where those stories belong.
We're not looking for perfect. We're looking for honest. The laugh that comes from recognition — the one that says "I know exactly what you mean" — that's the one that matters.
Jonathan Browning has spent 25 years at the center of professional comedy as a performer, teacher, writer, and storyteller. He performed thousands of shows as a member of the first UCB LA Harold Team, an active company member of IO West, Los Angeles, ComedySportz, Chicago & San Jose, and the Annoyance Theatre. He also performed stand-up at some of the top clubs in the country, including the Hollywood Improv, Pasadena's Ice House, and the world famous Comedy Store. He taught stand-up comedy at Second City Hollywood for over a decade.
"The funniest moments I've ever been part of weren't planned. They were true. Someone said the thing they actually meant, and the room recognized it. That's the whole game."
Storytelling nights, open mics, classes, and shows. Get on the list and you'll hear first.
The next Found Objects storytelling night is coming this fall. Get on the list for first access — tickets go fast.
Monterey Bay Improv brings the craft and spirit of Chicago and Los Angeles live performance to the Central Coast. Creating spaces where everyone belongs.
Jonathan Browning has spent 25 years at the center of professional comedy as a performer, teacher, writer, and storyteller. He performed thousands of shows as a member of the first UCB LA Harold Team, an active company member of IO West, Los Angeles, ComedySportz, Chicago & San Jose, and the Annoyance Theatre. He also performed stand-up at some of the top clubs in the country, including the Hollywood Improv, Pasadena's Ice House, and the world famous Comedy Store. He taught stand-up comedy at Second City Hollywood for over a decade.
His writing credits include multiple episodes of the animated series Ben 10, a solo show at the Comedy Central Stage in Los Angeles, sixty original one-acts presented at the Second City Hollywood Stage, and ten award winning short films that screened internationally. He has performed in a number of national commercials and on television, including guest appearances on The Office and How I Met Your Mother.
Born and raised in the Midwest, the high school speech team gave Jonathan his first chance to perform outside of his family basement and he never forgot how it felt to make others laugh and connect. He's been lucky enough to work with some of the best improvisers and comedians in the world, and even luckier to call them his friends. Since moving to Monterey in 2019, he's missed the connection and camaraderie that only exists in a room full of trust, where everyone can truly be themselves. Connection is the name of the game.
Want to perform, host an event, sign up for a class, or just find out what's coming? Reach out. Jonathan reads every message.
Jonathan will be in touch. Thanks for reaching out.