New comedy club brings belly laughs to historic San Antonio theater

San Antonio's comedy scene is getting a major boost. After months of renovation, the 985-seat Woodlawn Comedy venue will officially open on April 12 with two laugh-out-loud sets from '90s icon Pauly Shore.

The club's site is equally iconic — the historic former Deco District home of Woodlawn Theatre, at 1920 Fredericksburg Rd. Co-owners Shane Quade and Keith LaRosa began renovating the space shortly after production company Woodlawn Theatre Inc. moved its musicals to Wonderland of the Americas.

"This theater kind of dropped in our lap," explains Quade. The owner told me that the theater company was leaving and asked if I would like to do some shows here. I said absolutely. Both feet, no toes."

Although both Quade and LaRosa have experience in the music industry, they decided comedy filled a San Antonio niche. With few venues offering enough seating for touring shows and the busy schedules of spots like The Majestic Theatre, San Antonio was not getting the caliber of comedians as other major cities, Quade says.

Since taking over the space, Quade and LaRose have been painstakingly returning the theater to its former grandeur, installing a state-of-the-art light and sound system. While Quaid admits that the system is over the top for the average comedy show, the venue is also ready to host private events and live music.

"We have high expectations for what we do versus what we see," says Quade. "I don't want to be the coulda, woulda, shoulda person; I want to be the coulda, shoulda, did person."

The attention to detail is enhanced by a full beverage program, including a downstairs bar and the 1920 Lounge, a speakeasy-style space hidden beneath the staircase to the mezzanine. To ensure guests don't miss a belly laugh, Woodlawn Comedy will soon incorporate QR codes to the back of the seats, allowing patrons to order a cocktail directly to their seats.

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