Free comedy

Pete Holmes of Punch Up Your Life

Photo: Seth Olenick

ASSSSCAT 3000
Get in line early to score free tickets to this indefatigable improv show, featuring stars from Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W 26th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-366-9176, ucbtheatre.com). Sun 9:30pm (a limited amount of tickets are distributed at 8:15pm).

Beauty Bar Comedy
Over several years, Vince Averill and Jesse Popp have built a following at this East Village bar, which books some of the local scene’s brightest rising stars. Beauty Bar, 231 E 14th St between Second and Third Aves (212-539-1389, myspace.com/vinceandjesse). Sun 9pm.

Big Black Car
The PIT’s best and oldest house team improvises every week with a guest troupe opening. Book early—or just come early. The whole night of shows, from 7 to 11pm, is free and sells out fast to students. Peoples Improv Theater, 154 W 29th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, second floor (212-563-7488, thepit-nyc.com). Wed 8pm.

Big Terrific
New-breed darlings of the alt scene Max Silvestri, Gabe Liedman and Jenny Slate showcase a collection of cable-familiar faces and solid up-and-comers at their quirky, adorable show. Cameo, 93 North 6th St between Berry St and Wythe Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-388-8087). Wed 8pm.

Comedy as a Second Language
Grab a shot of Jameson and a pint for Sean Patton and Chesley Calloway’s down and dirty stand-up showcase of new talent: The wilder and more frazzled the audience is, the better. Kabin, 92 Second Ave between 5th and 6th Sts (212-254-0204, comedyasasecondlanguage.com). Thu 9pm.

Entertaining the Bartender with Jena Friedman
Chicago transplant Jena Friedman has the kind of dark wit that will make you embarrassed for giggling at it; the guests at this showcase might go easier on you. Pyramid Club, 101 Ave A between 6th and 7th Sts (212-228-4888, thepyramidclub.com). Thu 8pm.

Punch Up Your Life
Stand-up superstars Pete Holmes (frontpagefilms.com) and Jessi Klein (who’s written for sitcoms and Comedy Central) bring jokes, silliness, overly intimate personal stories and top comedians to this weekly free show. Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby St between E Houston and Prince Sts (212-334-3324, housingworksbookstore.org). Tue 8:30pm.

Whiplash
This show has no business being free: Leo Allen books some of the biggest names in stand-up, many of whom are in town for high-paying gigs and come by to surprise audiences unannounced. Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, 307 W 26th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-366-9176, ucbtheatre.com). Mon 11pm.

—Jane Borden

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