The Groundlings

Kristen's a participating member of The Groundlings, and performs show there occasionally during SNL's off-time.

Located in Los Angeles, California on Melrose Avenue, The Groundlings take their name from the lowest-paying patrons of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Founded in 1972, The Groundlings is an improvisational comedy troupe and school. The school is a four-part program that offers intensive training in improv. Once in the advanced classes, students are offered a chance to join the Sunday Company which prepares them to be potential troupe members.

Famous alumni include Kathy Griffin, Lisa Kudrow, Maya Rudolph, Cheri O'Teri, Will Ferrell, and numerous others in the comedy realm.

To attend the classes, you must audition. Kristen quickly moved through the classes, and in 2005, joined Saturday Night Live.

Official Groundlings website
NPR's "Fresh Air" 30th Anniversary interview
Groundlings' myspace