FISTful of PAIN!

It's finally here! Washington Improv Theater's Annual Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament! I KNOW!

For the next 5 weeks starting today, yes, TODAY, 40 overqualified teams will battle it out for champion status and bragging rights as well as Facebook photo tagging rights.

Check out the teams with many familiar names and faces, the bracket, and buy tickets here!

It's going to be a world of crushing defeat and good, ol'-fashioned fun! Both at the same time.

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WIT Offering Discount for Foundation's Class

Take a $240 WIT Foundations of Improv Class for $195 ($25 Discount + entering the $20 early registration discount code)Washington Improv Theater's Foundation's of Improv Class begins next week and you still have time to enroll. Long-form improvisation has been the backbone of the comedy coming out of Second City, Saturday Night Live, SCTV, Kids in the Hall, Mad TV, and has influenced countless others for over 40 years. So if you have ever had an itch to perform or even just need to get out and do something with your life, check out WIT's website and enroll...

Washington Improv Theater classes focus on creativity, communications and teamwork and have enthusiastic instructors that establish a fun and trusting atmosphere.
Former students have said:

"I loved this class"

"Great opportunity for expression, meet cool people and build confidence."

"I started taking WIT classes to help me get over my stage fright and to think on my feet better. I've taken many drama classes and other things over the years, but this has helped the most".

"Personally, the classes have taught me to listen more effectively, feel free to explore my creative side...and I have met some really cool people as well".

"The skills you learn in improv are really life skills - they are transferable to so many situations. I am always seeking to get outside of my comfort zone and the classes help me do that."

"Foundations of Improv" starts next week:

Monday June 16 w/ Marquis

Tuesday June 17 w/ Karen Lange

Thursday June 19 w/ Anna Marie Trester

All classes at 7pm.

If you have any questions that aren't on the FAQ give Managing Director Topher Bellavia a call at 202-315-1314 or email: topher@washingtonimprovtheater.com

Location: The Children's Studio School at 1301 V St NW

Enter: 4NOW as the coupon code when registering.

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FIST Champions: Polygamy

That's right. The compound in Texas didn't even get as much attention as the recently crowned F.I.S.T. 2008 Champions did last weekend. Polygamy Rules! Congrats to Mike Bass, Ken Hays and Michelle Swaney!!

They are the last team standing in WIT's largest F.I.S.T.'in ever, beating out 26 other teams. Wow.

For those of you that missed this year's tournament.. sorry, your loss. Crowds were rowdy, shows were sold out and teams came from all over the area to compete. It was awesome. Mad props go to the Commish, Justin Purvis for keeping the madness going all through March and April.

Don't miss next year's tourney in March '09. Start getting your groups together now!


RIP: Blue Cop Town and Dar, Blunkeet & Hilbiern

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Shows That Make You Go "Hmmmm"

TONIGHT, FRIDAY APRIL 9!!

Classic American Comedy
Parker's Classic American Bistro in Bethesda, MD
10pm FREE
This is one of the greatest showcases in the country. If you are a fan of watching great comedy, or performing on great comedy shows, please check out Parker's tonight. It is a young show and as all young shows are, on a probationary period. We need to pack the room to tell the owners that stand up is as important as we the readers think it is. Do it for your country (or at least your friends.) Tonight, check out John McBride, Brandon Ivey, Nick Turner, Shotgun Tom, Andy Haynes, and Tyler Sonnichsen

TOMORROW NIGHT, SATURDAY APRIL 10!

DCC4N presents: DC Comedy Festival Showcase
DC Improv Comedy Lounge
8pm $10
Featuring the best stand-up comics in DC auditioning for spots in the DCCF '08. Line up includes: Jason Weems, Aparna Nancherla, Jay Hastings, Bryson Turner, Kojo Mante, Nick Turner, Tony Gracyk, John McBride, Tim Miller, & Hampton Yount.
Buy tickets here

WIT's F.I.S.T. Tournament FINAL ROUND w/ JACKIE
Flashpoint Theater in Chinatown
9:30pm $12
The Final Two Teams in the 2008 F.I.S.T. tournament go head to head to crown the ULTIMATE CHAMPION. The audience votes for the winner!
Buy tickets here









WORD!

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Washington Improv Theater Auditions: Caveat

Caveat, one of Washington Improv Theater's premier longform improvisation ensembles, is looking to add new members, and is holding an open audition.

The Caveat Audition will be held, Saturday, April 26th from 10AM - 4PM at the Children's Studio School (13th and V St., NW).

The Audition will be comprised of varied group scene work. If you are selected to attend call-backs, you will be notified by 10PM on April 26th.

Callbacks will take place the following day, Sunday, April 27th
beginning at 11AM at the Children's Studio School (13th and V St. NW).

SIGN UP HERE
no later than 4 pm, Friday, April 25th.

Read the FAQs online. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Justin Purvis via email, LaughRyott1@gmail.com, or by phone, 443-831-6796.

Do it. Audition.

Best,
DCC4N Read more!

Guaranteed to Score with These Shows!

If you are going to do anything other than watch NCAA basketball this weekend (forget them, you know your bracket is already fucked up) then head out to these above-the-rim comedy shows.

The Awesome Room
Tonight is The Awesome Room @ McGinty's Pub in Silver Spring, MD. This week's show crosses over and hits the paint with music, comedy, musical comedy and comedy about music.

9pm $4

Starting Lineup:
Tyler Sonnichsen
Bryson Turner
Kojo Mante
Jason Saenz
...and DC funk/fusion powerhouse The Champions!


Washington Improv Theater's F.I.S.T.
Also tonight thru Saturday is the final bracket of WIT's F.I.S.T. tourney @ The Flashpoint Theater. It is teams of 3-on-3 competing for YOUR vote. Shows have been selling out. There is only going to be more madness in March as we approach the final matches.


Tonight:
Yocko Cronkite vs. MimeHunters @ 8pm

Friday:
Blue Cop Town vs. The Achievers @ 9:30pm

Saturday:
Pay Attention To Us vs. Grandma Molly's Wayback Machine @ 8pm

Winner of Thursday's Match vs. Polygamy @ 9:30pm

Buy tickets here.

Note: Basketball puns are like comedy swishes!

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WIT Offers Free "Intro to Improv" Workshops

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be able to speak and act with spontaneity, confidence and humor without a second thought? Improv gives you the tools to get yourself out of bad situations and into awesome ones. These workshops are free, fun, and oh yeah, did I say it's free?

The Washington Improv Theater classes focus on creativity, communications and teamwork and have enthusiastic instructors that establish a fun and trusting atmosphere.

Former students said:
"I loved this class"
"Great opportunity for expression, meet cool people and build confidence."

Free Intro to Improv Workshops:
Monday Mar 24 7:00 – 9:00pm
Tuesday Mar 25 7:00 – 9:00pm
Wednesday Mar 26 7:00 – 9:00pm
Thursday Mar 27 7:00 – 9:00pm

Location: The Children's Studio School at 1301 V St NW

Info/registration: topher@washingtonimprovtheater.com

Also:

WIT's Spring Classes begin March 30th with a $20 discount for early registration.

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Go F.I.S.T. Yourself

“Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages…”

We are just a week away from D.C.’s #1 competitive improv-comedy event!! That is right, WIT’s 2nd Annual "Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament" (F.I.S.T.) is almost upon you.

Here it is from WIT’s official F.I.S.T. website:

“…Three-player teams do battle in a single-elimination style test of improv mettle where the audience determines who lives to fight another day. The action is fast. The tension is high. The consequences are severe... win your match and move on to the next round. Lose your match, and there's no road back but the one paved in shame.”

What is so awesome about the F.I.S.T (other than its name), is that it brings together improvisers from all backgrounds from all around the city. For example, competing in this year’s smackdown are some people you might recognize from this here blog, like Seaton Smith, Mike Bass, Mikael Johnson, and DCC4N's friend for life, GWU's ReceSs. Also, DCC4N contributors Aparna Nancherla and “yours truly” will be droppin’ elbows as well.

This is not an event to be missed folks. I plan on seeing as much as I can because 1) TICKETS DO SELL OUT 2) THE CROWDS ARE ALWAYS ROWDY AND READY TO RUMBLE 3) IT IS SOME OF THE MOST UNIQUE AND INNOVATIVE IMPROV YOU WILL SEE ALL YEAR LONG.

SHOWS START THURSDAY FEB 28th @ 8pm at the Flashpoint Theater in Chinatown.

Click here for F.I.S.T tickets
Click here for the F.I.S.T. Bracket
Click here for F.I.S.T Combatants

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Caveat @ The Comedy Spot in Ballston

Washington Improv Theater's most energetic troupe, Caveat, explodes all over the Comedy Spot next weekend.

And they are debuting a new experimental format. Calling in one of their former members, James Williams, the show will be a plethera of music, lightning and love.

Yes, they have the power to create romantic clouds of music.

8PM Thursday Feb 21 - $10
8PM Friday Feb 22 - $15
7:30PM Saturday Feb 23 - $15
CLICK FOR TICKETS!

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"Romantic Comedy" to become the first show to ever sell out in the history of the WORLD!!!!

We are putting on our second showcase at The DC Improv Comedy Lounge on Valentine's weekend combining the sweetest standup and improv comedy just for you, that's right, you snickerdoodle. Our First showcase, "Clash of the Titans" sold out (unlike any show that has ever been produced by any person or persons in any medium!)and we are celebrating by putting on another local comedy showcase with twice the heart, with TWO shows @ 8pm and 10:30pm. Hey pumpkin-pudding, you deserve nothing but the best.

Fall in love with stand up from:
SHOTGUN DENNY TOMM (winner of 2007's "Funniest Person in Baltimore,")
NICK TURNER (jerk from NYC and [little-seen] National Commercials)
JAY HASTINGS (Comcast On Demand)
JASON WEEMS (Last Comic Standing, Comcast On Demand)

And Long-Form Improv/Pillow Talk from:
HOURLY RATE HOTEL f/ Topher Bellavia, Natasha Rothwell, Dan Hodapp (Washington Improv Theater's "161" and "Caveat" )
THE JOHNSON FAMILY VACATION f/ Dave Johnson, Mikael Johnson, Jason Saenz-Johnson (Washington Improv Theater's "161" and "Jackie")

And hosted by the debonair but cuddly JASON SAENZ (member of WIT's "Jackie" and "iMusical)

What: DC Comedy: 4 Now Presents: "Romantic Comedy"
When: Saturday, February 16th @ 8:00 and 10:30pm
Where: The DC Improv Comedy Lounge
Cost: $10 at the door or go to http://www.symfonee.com/improv/dc/home/index.aspx.

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DC Comedy Spotlight: Michael Bass

Michael Bass is a Comedic Renaissance Man(tm). Since joining Washington Improv Theater's One-Sixty-One in 2003, he has been a part of several of WIT's biggest productions, including; the one-of-a-kind improvised movie Neutrino, the recently sold-out Seasonal Disorder, the political-spoof POTUS, the festival-crushing Dr. Fantastic and the improv "Titans" of D.C., Superbest.

That is what Mike likes to do. He keeps his audience guessing on what he will do next. You may swoon at his relaxed and easy going approach to the stage, but don't let your guard down. His quickness to the punch is lighting fast, it is up their with the city's best.

Outside of improv Mike is also heavily involved with some of the city's best film making, which includes production, editing, and performance work in several award-winning 48HFP projects. He also continues to work with his buddies from college, The Big Honkin', who produce web shorts - Jesus Christ Supercop, and currently, The Defenders of Stan.

The Defenders of Stan is the longest running series in the history of Channel 102 and on Feb. 4 in New York the latest episode will be screen (and will become available online at Channel 102 and The Defenders of Stan Website).

Whether it is on stage, behind or in front of the camera, Mike continues to have success. He'll be back onstage beginning Feb 19th, 2008 when his team "Polygamy" enters into Washington Improv Theater's 2nd Annual F.I.S.T Tournament.

When did you realize that you wanted to do comedy?

Well I've always been a performer of sorts – I was the ham as a kid and always liked making people laugh. I figured out in college that comedy really was a skill that one could study and hone. I found that I enjoyed thinking about what was funny and why.

[Hit the jump for the rest of Mike's interview, plus the latest "The Defenders of Stan" video.]

Who were some of your earliest influences? What about them captivated you?

I discovered late night TV in 7th grade and started quoting Sandler, Meyers, Farley movies with my friends. It was edgier comedy than I'd seen. A lot of it was just silliness, but it showed me a new way of being funny, I guess.

Where did you first start doing improv?

I first started doing improv in college – at James Madison University. The first troupe we put together was specifically for a run of shows at an on-campus restaurant attempting a dinner theater. We rehearsed a bunch of games and the crowds dug it. I actually remember doing a game called "emotional symphony" and I was assigned "elation". So my first big laugh was essentially channeling Meg Ryan's fake orgasm from When Harry Met Sally. It was hacky, but I was assigned "elation" every night of the run.

What do you enjoy bringing onstage?

I think my style is pretty relaxed. I've learned to not try so hard in scenes but rather let scenes develop naturally and assist the comedy of any given situation to come out naturally. I also find that I'm very reality-based.

Do you enjoy the process of writing? How do you think your improv training has effected your writing style/process?

I don't really. Improv has really developed my skills as a storyteller and given me a great understanding of HOW to write – even though I don't. Improv teaches me how to establish patterns and when to break them. It teaches the importance of pacing, scene dynamics, and believability. At the same time, I think improv has made me lazy. Why take the time to write something when I can just make it
up? I've never been good at motivating myself to write.

What about performing live do you enjoy? Do you ever want to convey a message?

The energy from a live audience is the best. It's a shared artistic experience between performer and audience. One does not exist without the other.

Convey a message? That there's more to improv than "Whose Line is it Anyway?" And that there's more to the DC comedy scene than Capitol Steps.


What's hacky to you?

I think that not playing to the highest level of your intelligence is hacky. OR taking advantage of an unintelligent audience is hacky too. See "Blue Collar Comedy Tour". And by "unintelligent", I really mean "uninformed". Telling a bunch of fart jokes to an audience that's never been exposed to anything better than fart jokes
is hacky.

Credibility is key.

It's relative to the individual. Anything that makes you feel dirty or guilty is hacky – and we're all guilty of that from time to time.

How do you feel about doing comedy in Washington DC?

DC is an awesome and unique city. The Arts community here is really supportive and does quality stuff in dance, theater, and comedy. I like doing comedy here. It's a big city, but has that small pond kind of feel. Besides, it's our nation's capital for crying out loud. I think it'll be even better when the rest of the country realizes that DC is more than just a bed of corruption and politics. And I think it's getting there.













What is your day job?

I do video production. I work for the cable company, putting commercials up on TV and producing PSAs, etc. Not a bad gig at all.

Were your parents supportive of you doing comedy?

I've been really blessed to have supportive parents. They never dissuaded me from pursuing comedy or performance opportunities. Thank God they didn't want me to be a doctor or take over the family business, etc.

Where do you plan on moving next?

Probably NYC, but I'm not sure when. I'm a NOVA native, so I'm feeling the itch to change my scenery. My wife is a dancer and would love to pursue the dance world of New York too. It's tough though - the older I get the less energy I have to really "hit the pavement" of a new city. We'll see what happens.

I want to state, however, that I wish DC was not such a transitive town. There are plenty of wonderful reasons to stay here. And if we continue to build the arts/comedy communities here, I think we'll start attracting more positive attention to DC.

THE DEFENDERS OF STAN- The Gift Of The Magi(c Cards)

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DC Comedy Spotlight: Mikael Johnson

When it comes to personal favorites, few top my list higher than today's Comedy Spotlight. Mikael Johnson is one of DC's most unique comedians, known most notably through his incredible character-driven improvisational work with The Comedy Pigs, Comedy Sportz and currently WIT's Jackie. He also is an experienced sketch writer, director and stage actor having been a ensemble member of Maryland's MET for several years. He is also a past producer of the Mid-Atlantic Comedy Smörgåsbord, which featured the area's best stand-up and improv talent.

This guy produces more "you had to be there" moments than any DC performer I know. He has a way of capturing an audience's attention, without deterring from what others are doing onstage. He also has one of the most twisted senses of humor I have ever witnessed. Try to turn away...you can't. Audiences outside DC love him as well. As a member of WIT Mikael has performed at several of the east coast's biggest comedy festivals including the Charleston Improv Fest, Dirty South Improv Fest, Chicago Improv Fest, DC Comedy Fest and the Philadelphia Improv Festival.

Mikael also is a established teacher and is currently instructing a long-form improv class through Washington Improv Theater. If you have performed improv in the past and would like to learn more from one of the masters, then definitely sign up for his class.

[Hit the jump for an interview and videos from Mikael!]

When did you realize that you wanted to do comedy?
When I was 14 I was Bill Cosby in my English Class for this project. It got a huge response. I think I have been chasing that ever since.

Who were some of your earliest influences? My two older brothers and my parents. They f'd with me all the time—lie to me with a straight face sort of thing. I could never get a straight answer out of anyone. I know that definitely rubbed off. Also: Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Kids In The Hall, South Park, Monty Python, and Mel Brooks (Spaceballs).

What about them captivated you?
If I could make someone in my family really laugh, who were all older, it was a good feeling. South Park, Kids In The Hall, and Monty Python have always been my favorite. I like anything that is silly and smart, plus KITH had nudity in their first few seasons on HBO.

Where was your first performance?
First student class showcase at Comedy Sportz in Arlington, VA was my first show in front of a paying audience. I was mortified. I remember sweating a lot but eventually relaxed. I really don't remember my first gig with the Pigs, I remember thinking, "I got through it".

What would you say is your improv-comedy style?
I like to find a character or an emotion and just go with it. I just hope I'm having fun and not sitting inside my own head. If I'm taking things too seriously, then I need to find something else to do.

Do you enjoy the process of writing?
Yes and no, I love writing, what I find difficult is revising and editing. I hate it when I don't hit it out of the park on the first try, which is all the time. Basically, with writing, and improving on any discipline, the toughest part for me is any act that involves "follow through".

How do you think your improv training has affected your writing style/process?
I am more open to take chances on stage with just an idea or exploring something through a character. Also, there are other things to do on stage other than premise-set-up-punch.

What about performing live do you enjoy?
All the sex you get after the shows.

Do you ever want to convey a message?
I really don't care enough about anything. The late great, Richard Jeni, has a great bit on this concept, you can find it on Youtube.

What's hacky to you?
Anybody who doesn't respect their craft, a paying audience, or their fellow artists.

How do you feel about doing comedy in Washington DC?
I love it most of the time but you have to make your opportunities. It sometimes feels like a way station, people come through here with great talent but if you're going to work you have to move to NY, LA or Chicago.

Were your parents supportive of you doing comedy?From day one, though my mother would harp on the, "This is your ______ year in a row without medical insurance, you just can't keep gambling with your future like this". And I was like, "Mom, I'm drinking vodka every day, and I continue to feel as if I am being swallowed--I'm fine".

Donner Party Diary

Donner Party Diary
JFK Interview

JFK Interview
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Happy New Year, DC!!

We hear[Grammar King!] at DCC4N would like to thank everyone who reads our blog for making 2007 a incredible year. Never had we though[GK!] that things would take off as they have, but more importantly we are just happy to see comedians, of all sorts, coming together in this city.

Here is to a even better 2008 for everyone!!

Check back next week for announcemets regarding...

More SHOWS!
More ROOMS!
and more great local, DC COMEDY!!

Also, don't forget about DCC4N's New Year Bustin' "Clash of the Titans".
Friday Jan. 4th @ 8pm
DC Improv Comedy Lounge!

Read more!

Reindeer Games: This Saturday Night @ Source

Life at Santa's workshop is not all merriment and good tidings. While Santa checks and re-checks his list, others do all the real work around the North Pole. Hear their stories as an array of holiday creatures share their experiences of the year's biggest holiday and life with the Fat Man.

A special late-night bring-your-own-grog event featuring guest players from all of Washington Improv Theater's troupes.

CAST
Mike Bass
Jaime Fearer
Dan Hodapp
Mikael Johnson
Justin Purvis
Jason Saenz
Stuart Scotten
and SPECIAL GUESTS!

REINDEER GAMES

WIT'S SEASONAL DISORDER 2007
$5 | SA 12.15 - 12.29 | 11:00PM
Source | 1835 14 St NW
Cash-only tickets available at the door from 10:45
Read more!

WIT's Jackie Gets Respect, too! The Express Gives it...

You should already know about the incredibly popular show "Seasonal Disorder" that Washington Improv Theater is putting on at the Source Theater this month. The Blade and The Metro Weekly already have great things to say about it. But, what you may not know is that Seasonal Disorder is just one of the many hilarious and innovative improv shows being performed at this time. One of WIT's oldest troupes, Jackie, is getting some great praise of their new show "Working Overtime" by The Washington Post's Express.

The article features WIT member Molly Murchie's account of what Jackie is doing to surprise audiences this time around; a deep, character driven show about the stress of working during the holidays. Audiences are loving it!

You know how these old periodicals work! Grab yourself a copy before next Wednesday! Great things are happening for comedy in this town and hopefully this (and today's Onion article) will get more people out to see everything D.C. comedy has to offer.

We have the article. Click to enlarge!

[Hit the JUMP for information on Jackie's showtimes!]

JACKIE'S WORKIN' OVERTIME
Upcoming Performances
WIT'S SEASONAL DISORDER 2007
$12 | SA 12.1 - 12.29 | 9:30PM
Source | 1835 14 St NW
Buy Tickets Now!

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WIT's Biggest Opening Weekend Ever!

A Carol from Caveat
A Kiss from 161's "Seasonal Disorder"
[photos courtesy of Katie Jett]

Did you miss it?

If so, don't worry. Washington Improv Theater still has 4 more weekends of wassailing and merriment, with 6 new & fantastic shows! Jackie's "Workin' Overtime", Caveat's "Forgotten Holidays", Jinx's "Best 2007 Ever", Season Six and the late-night Reindeer Games. Tickets are selling out fast so don't miss your opprotunity to see this Holiday Season's most outrageous and orginal shows.

"Seasonal Disorder" is irreverently funny, sometimes exhilarating, often groan-inducing, but never boring." The Blade

Buy Tickets Now! Read more!

WIT's "Seasonal Disorder": Kicks off TONIGHT!

Happy Friday everyone! In fact, "Happy last Friday before the Holidays begin their non-stop assault to ruin every quiet moment you might have during your day!" Taking a cigarette break? There is some guy dressed as Santa shaking a goddamn bell on the corner. Want to finish those end of the year reviews? The receptionist is too busy putting sleigh bells around the front desk to notice!

The fine folks at Washington Improv Theater feel your pain. Because, the Holidays are coming.....for ALL of us!

[Hit the jump for show listings!]

WIT's Winter Run: Seasonal Disorder

Nov. 30th - Dec. 30th

WIT's Seasonal Disorder
"A decidedly NOT warm and fuzzy take on Christmas merriment" -Washington Post Style

Friday and Saturday Nights@ 8pm, $12

Caveat's Forgotten Holiday's w/ Jinx!
Every holiday season we are met with stressful obligations, gift-giving dilemmas and traditions we don't understand, but feel compelled to accommodate. Caveat asks the question, "What if every holiday was just as important?"

Fridays@ 9:30pm, $12

Jackie's Working Overtime w/ Season Six
So, are you enjoying your time off this holiday season to celebrate with friends and family? Must be nice. Jackie, however, is Workin' Overtime. Someone has to do it.

Saturdays@ 9:30pm, $12

WIT's Reindeer Games
A special late-night bring-your-own-grog event featuring guest players from all of Washington Improv Theater's troupes.

Saturdays (12.15-12.30)@ 11:00pm $5 Cash at Door, BYOB

All shows are at the Source Theater on 1835 14th Street NW. This will be WIT's new home for 2008!

For more information and to purchase tickets head to Washingtion Improv Theater's Website. Read more!

DC Comedy Spotlight: The Big Honkin'

Good Morning True-Believers of DC Comedy,

This weekend I did some extra work for the newest The Big Honkin' production. For those unfamiliar with these guys, they are the creators of the Jesus Christ Supercop short films and more recently, the Channel 102 dominating Defenders of Stan. Austin Bragg and Hunter Christy both went to JMU with WIT's Mike Bass, who has appeared in many of their projects. 4 Now they are based out of Northern VA.

It is just too great of a show to not check it out from the beginning. Enjoy!

Read more!

Philadelphia Improv Festival '07 Recap

Last weekend I performed with the Washington Improv Theater troupe Jackie at the Philadelphia Improv Festival . I went two years ago as a member of Season Six (where Stuart and I had the pleasure of meeting Philly's worst-whore-woman-beast of a bartender). This year marked PHIF's 3rd anniversary and it has already grown alot since it began. In fact, Philadelphia is very similar to DC's improv scene. It has a small community, in which there are just a handful of groups on the forefront. The main being the Philly Improv Theater, whose members created and produced the festival. Philadelphia's improv influences do travel far as groups from New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and LA all came to the city to perform.

What you get at the PHIF is a close group of fellow improvisers and a pretty good mix of talent, all of whom are eager to try something fun in front of a new crowd. Some of the troupes I enjoyed the most were The Gunshow (NYC), who did a fantastic long-form show involving a father trying to tell his son about sex as he is being hauled of to jail and 30,000kHz of Sound (NYC), a BAT show done completely in the dark. Unfortunately, there was also the "hahah poop!" induced shows that left me looking for the exit. But hey, that is what you get a an improv festival right? Overall, you get the sense that the PHIF is making quick strides to become something one everyone on the east coast looks forward to by sticking to their guns and inviting strong, long form based shows year after year.

Jackie had a great show, as did the other troupes from Washington Improv Theater; 161, Caveat and iMusical. Jackie's show actually marks the last performance of Zack Phillips in WIT. Zack has been incredibly instrumental in making Jackie and WIT what it is today and I am sad to see him go. Too bad he is just too damn talented. I need more dull friends, so they will never leave me! Zack, I wish you luck buddy.

iMusical actually closed out the festival Saturday night with one of their more silly performances, which included Jordan Hirsch singing to heart-broken parent Shawn Westfall about how "raising a hand to your child" was the fast way to gain back your child's respect. I loved it and I plan on using that advice when I have children. And yes, I will be singing as I do it.

Weird. How did Jay get in here?

Anyways a big thanks to Matt, Rick, Nathan and Alli for putting up the festival and inviting WIT again to join them. Philadelphia is like DC's sister city. I know there are incredibly talented improv comedians in both towns and it is up to people like WIT and the Philly Improv Theater to continue making sure people know about them.

Philadelphia Comedy: 4 Now? See you guys in 2008. Read more!

WIT's Fall Run of Shows: Last Weekend

Dear Mr/Mrs Procastinator (or current resident),

This letter is your last notification that Washington Improv Theater's "Up and Autumn" run of shows will be coming to an end this Saturday night, October 20th.

This is your last chance to catch the incredible and completely made up hilarity from such groups as:

iMusical 8pm Friday Night $15
Caveat w/ Season Six 9:30pm Friday Night $12

Jackie / Superbest 8:00pm Saturday Night $12
161 w/ Interns 9:30pm Saturday Night $12

Your account shows that you have not spent enough money this month on laughs. Which, according to the agreement you signed with your heart, makes you close to falling short of your monthly quota.

Please make sure to catch Washington Improv Theater this weekend or we will be force to pass along your account to a less funny collection agency.

DCC4N Customer Service Read more!