Prior to her major television roles, Julia Louis-Dreyfus was involved in various stage productions. This included work in improv and sketch comedy shows, particularly during her time at Northwestern University with the Mee-Ow Show.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus made her Broadway debut in the play "Four Dogs and a Bone", written and directed by John Patrick Shanley. This marked her first significant foray into professional theatre and showcased her versatility as an actress beyond comedy.