Comedy Mothership

About Comedy Mothership

The Ritz was originally built in 1929 by J.J. Hegman, a well-known owner of several movie theaters in Austin, Texas. It was the first theater in Austin specifically designed to screen “talkies” — the films with synchronized sound. The theater opened on October 13, 1929, on 6th Street, and primarily showcased first-run westerns, often paired with country music acts performing before the movie screenings. However, the theater closed its doors in 1964, marking the end of its initial era.

A Tumultuous History

After its closure in 1964, The Ritz went through several phases, reopening in 1970 as an adult theater for a brief period. By 1974, the building underwent renovations and opened as a music venue offering a diverse range of programming, including classical, rock, live theater, and movies. Despite these efforts, the venue struggled and closed once again in 1975. Various groups attempted to take over the space throughout the 1970s, including the Center Stage theater group, which renovated the venue and split the space into two theaters, one of which included a balcony. However, the venue’s fortunes continued to decline, with short stints involving adult content and other challenges.

The Rise of Punk Rock

In 1981, The Ritz transitioned into a punk rock club, hosting iconic bands such as Black Flag, The Misfits, Hüsker Dü, and The Dead Kennedys, marking a significant chapter in Austin’s punk rock history. The venue’s punk rock era, however, was short-lived, as it faced challenges such as violence at shows, which ultimately led to the loss of its liquor license and another closure in late 1982.

Rebirth as a Beloved Music Venue

After a period of decline, The Ritz found new life as a music venue, offering a mix of Texas bands, heavy metal, and even a bit of punk rock. The venue became home to iconic shows, including a famous performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1986. The Ritz continued to serve as a music venue, bar, and pool hall throughout the following decades, earning its place as a beloved fixture in Austin’s live music scene.

The Alamo Drafthouse Era

On March 20, 2007, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema announced it would relocate its downtown cinema to The Ritz. Construction began on April 1, 2007, to transform The Ritz into a movie theater again. The grand opening of the Ritz Theatre as the flagship location for Alamo Drafthouse took place on November 2, 2007. However, in 2021, Alamo Drafthouse filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and The Ritz Theater closed as part of the company’s restructuring.

The Comedy Mothership Era

In 2022, comedian, podcaster, and commentator Joe Rogan purchased the building. The following year, The Ritz underwent renovations under the design of Austin architect Richard Weiss to transform it into The Comedy Mothership, a premier standup comedy nightclub. This project was inspired by Rogan’s dream of creating a comedy community in Austin that would draw comedians from all around the world. The Comedy Mothership now stands as a one-of-a-kind comedy venue in Austin, combining the building’s rich history with a fresh and exciting vision for the future of comedy.