Cheaper Than Therapy

Cheaper Than Therapy
Cheaper Than Therapy logo
Cheaper Than Therapy logo
Interactive map of Cheaper Than Therapy
Address533 Sutter St
LocationSan Francisco, California
Coordinates37°47′21″N 122°24′33″W / 37.789028°N 122.409144°W / 37.789028; -122.409144
Seating type
General admission
Capacity99
TypeComedy club
Public transitPowell Street, BART and Muni
Construction
Opened2013 (2013)
Website
cttcomedy.com

Cheaper Than Therapy is a comedy club in San Francisco, CA. Founded in 2013 by comedians Scott Simpson, Eloisa Bravo, and Jon Allen, Cheaper Than Therapy presents seven shows per week at the Shelton Theater in the Union Square area.

Comedian Kaseem Bentley laughing into the mic in front of a full audience at stand-up comedy club Cheaper Than Therapy.
Kaseem Bentley on stage at stand-up comedy club Cheaper Than Therapy

History

Cheaper Than Therapy began as a comedy night at The Purple Onion in 2013.[1][2] The show relocated to Shelton Theater in late 2013, where it remains.[3] Co-founder Jon Allen explained the name's origin in the San Francisco Chronicle: “The audience always thought our name was a play on it being cheaper than therapy for them, but no, it was cheaper for me and other comedians.”[4][5] Due to audience demand, the show expanded from its initial weekend performances to seven shows per week.[6] Operations ceased temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] Following the pandemic, comedy performances rebounded, with the venue selling 29,000 tickets in 2023.[8] Allen and Simpson assumed management of Shelton Theater in 2021 following founder Matt Shelton's retirement.[9]

Format and operations

Cheaper Than Therapy operates at Shelton Theater, located at 533 Sutter Street in San Francisco's Union Square district. The club presents shows Wednesday through Sunday, with two performances on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue admits patrons 18 and older with no drink minimum required.[10]

The club uses an unannounced lineup format, with tickets sold at a flat rate regardless of performers. Shows conclude before public transportation services end, allowing audience access to BART and Munisystems. Comedians interact with audiences following performances.[11] Shelton Theater is located at 533 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Notable performers

The club featured comedians including Alex Edelman,[12] Emma Willmann,[13] The Lucas Brothers,[14] Laurie Kilmartin,[15] Mekki Leeper,[16] Michael Che,[17] Sam Tallent,[18] and Tom Rhodes.[19]

Reception

California.com named Cheaper Than Therapy one of California's best comedy clubs.[20] Entrepreneur magazine recognized Cheaper Than Therapy as one of America's favorite independent businesses [21] and ranked it third among America's 15 favorite local entertainment experiences.[22]

References

  1. ↑ "Top Comedy Clubs in San Francisco". Cirque du Soleil Blog. 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  2. ↑ Brule, Tyler; Tuck, Andrew (2018-03-27). The Monocle Travel Guide to San Francisco: The Monocle Travel Guide Series. Gestalten. p. 91. ISBN 978-3899559217.
  3. ↑ "Cheaper Than Therapy". Shelton Theater. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  4. ↑ "Bay Area stand-ups discuss the fine line of writing comedy during the worst of times". San Francisco Chronicle, Datebook. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  5. ↑ "How 45 Live Comedy Shows Got Their Names". Vulture. 17 January 2019. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  6. ↑ "Cheaper Than Therapy: Show Schedule". CTT Comedy. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. ↑ "Here's How Comedy Clubs Are Dealing With Coronavirus". Vulture. 15 March 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  8. ↑ "Comedy key to small, thriving theater near Union Square". San Francisco Examiner. 21 August 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  9. ↑ "Comedy key to small, thriving theater near Union Square". San Francisco Examiner. 21 August 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
  10. ↑ "Cult-Hit Standup Comedy Show Cheaper Than Therapy Celebrates Fifth Anniversary". Broke Ass Stuart. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2018.
  11. ↑ "Cheaper Than Therapy". BARTable. Retrieved 4 August 2019.
  12. ↑ "Alex Edelman performing at Cheaper Than Therapy". Instagram. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  13. ↑ "Cult-Hit Standup Comedy Show Cheaper Than Therapy Celebrates Fifth Anniversary". Broke-Ass Stuart. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  14. ↑ "The Lucas Brothers performing at Cheaper Than Therapy". Instagram. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  15. ↑ "Cult-Hit Standup Comedy Show Cheaper Than Therapy Celebrates Fifth Anniversary". Broke-Ass Stuart. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  16. ↑ "Mekki Leeper performing at Cheaper Than Therapy". Instagram. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  17. ↑ "Michael Che performing at Cheaper Than Therapy". Instagram. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  18. ↑ "Sam Tallent performing at Cheaper Than Therapy". Instagram. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  19. ↑ "Tom Rhodes performing at Cheaper Than Therapy". Instagram. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  20. ↑ "The Best Comedy Clubs in California". California.com. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  21. ↑ "7 of America's Favorite Mom & Pop Shops® on The Special Thing They're Known For". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  22. ↑ "Hawaiian Luaus on a Nut Farm, 'Astounding' Magic Shows, Bible Stories on Stage: America's 15 Favorite Local Entertainment Experiences". Entrepreneur. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
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