Washington D.C. may not be a city that embraces comedy with open arms, but you knew that already. That is why you found us. Here you can get information, interviews and insights on the best local stand-up, improv and sketch comedy this city has to offer... 4 Now. You can reach us at dccomedy4now(at)gmail.com. LET'S DO THIS, DC!
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!]
Previously this blog reported the Onion AV Club was to come to The Bomb Shelter for research for "some kind of article." All we knew was that the show was packed and John McBride gave the longest interview of his life (he gets interviewed a lot). So with bated breath we waited to see what would become of The Bomb Shelter's brush with fame. Well it came today in the form of a a sweeping, half page article (In this business, a half page article IS "sweeping") mentioning more than a few shows and more quotes from superstars Seaton Smith and Erin Jackson and even mentions this blog and our very own Mr. Jay Hastings.
We have yet to find the article online but make sure to pick a copy before next Wednesday when it forever vanishes into the ether. Hopefully this article will put a few more people into the seats and give a boost to what truly is a dynamic, talented scene that is ready for a little more exposure. Let's do this, DC!
We have the article! Click to enlarge Thanks to Suemedha Sood for shining the light!
Read more!
We have updated the past DC Comedy Spotlights with interviews from Justin Schlegel, Jon Mumma and Jermaine Fowler. Please go back and check out what they have to say on comedy in Washington DC. To that affect, all future DC Comedy Spotlights will have interviews, along the comedian's videos and upcoming gigs.
Justin Schlegel is one of the very few comics in DC/MD that can say "Yes, I am a professional comedian." In a town that continually asks "what have you done for me lately?" Justin has learned to take every opprotunity he can get. That type of fierce attitude has made him a familar face in DC's sketch, stand-up, radio and television (as the new local Toyota commerical spokesman) arenas. He has also has worked with Brian Regan, Lisa Lampanelli, Kathleen Madigan and Dave Attell. After you see him you won't be able to shake his image out of your brain. Justin is an animal.
[Updated with interview. Click the jump!]
Justin has just finished up a lengthy tour of Yuk Yuk Comedy Clubs in Canada this summer and continues to travel all over the country. When he is in town you can catch him performed at various DC spots such as; The Laughing Lizard, Riot Act Comedy Club[now closed], Cafe Rendezvous, Cafe Soho, The Hyatt in Bethesda, Wiseacres, Baltimore Comedy Factory, Arlington Cinema Draft House, The Comedy Spot, The DC Improv and almost any open mic that pops up.
*When did you realize that you wanted to do comedy?
I have always known that I wanted to make people laugh. Making people laugh (at work, at school, at home) always provided me with an instant sense of "This person laughing accepts and likes me", and thats a feeling that is hard to not want constantly. I realized I wanted to make a LIFE of it while I was working in radio. I worked for various radio stations for a few years (even shared a station with a one Larry Poon!), and after awhile I began to write comedy for some morning shows. After seeing how bad it was butchered to meet the standards and practices of the station is was to be broadcast on, I started just writing for myself, found some open mics, and let is slowly spiral outward until I was making enough money to get by on.
*Who were some of your earliest influences?
Some of my earliest comedic influences make NO sense when I write them down, but here goes...
JON CLEESE and SAM KINISON.
*What about them captivated you?
I loved the dry, backhanded, sarcastic wit of Jon Cleese, and all his Python troupe-mates. He was SO sharp, and so cunning with his humor, but at the same time, he was so willing to completely act like an ass and be dumb (see "Silly Walk" as an example). I think every "Alternative Comic" out there wants to be like Jon Cleese, but they take themselves way too seriously to do so. That's what Cleese did right, he never took himself seriously.
Kinison had an impact on me because it just seemed SO grown up to me, and SO violently over the top. This guy put on a spectacle, that regardless of what you felt about his material (which was VERY confrontational), you HAD to pay attention to and find entertaining. He blended the best parts of anger, humor, and rock-n-roll into one balls to the wall event with every show, and whether or not you were laughing, you DAMN sure were entertained.
*Where did you first perform?
Fraziers on the Avenue in Hamden, Baltimore. It's a greasy little hipster shit box that has no real sound system, and ZERO interest in ever doing comedy again.
*What was your first paid gig? July 10, 2004. Jillians at Arundel Mills. I hosted for Sean Joxe, and Doug Powell.
*Do you prefer to write on or off stage?
I just like to write, it doesn't matter where. If I come up with something in my car, i'll jot it down. If I riff on stage, and it hits, i'll write it down. My problem is, ideas don't come all that naturally to me, so I write much less than I wish I did.
*Do you enjoy the process of writing?
I hate it. I get so frustrated by it. I see guys cranking out joke after joke, week after week, show after show, and I get jealous (a major problem of mine), and very frustrated. When something good DOES come up in my mind, I am very excited, and can't wait to get it out, but sadly, that is a rare occurance. *What about performing live do you enjoy?
*Do you ever want to convey a message?
Never, I want to entertain. If you want to convey a message, write a book.
*What's hacky to you?
I'm not going to go into specifics about material, because as long as it's original, i'm for it. I do think that comics can have some hacky habits though, such as:
-Giving YOURSELF a nickname. I'd rather laugh at someone named Esther Gumpleman, that be tortured with shit material by "Mac Money dat Joke Masta". -Calling YOURSELF "controversial". Ever notice how ACTUAL controversial comics, never intended to be? -Calling a 3 show run a "tour". You're not Springsteen ass-hat.
...and fucking guitar acts. Unless you're Doug Powell, put down the 6-string, and tell a fucking joke.
*What is your day job? Comedian full time. And JUST fucking barely.
*Where do you plan on moving next?
Some days LA, some days NYC, other days happy where i'm at. I'm too all over the place mentally to say for sure. San Fran sures looks nice.
*How do you feel about the comedy scene in DC?
Some days i'm very proud to be apart of it. I'm recently a transplant to this area, having just moved from a comedically barren Baltimore City. Though only 45 minutes apart, its meant the world to be closer to friends, open mics, and opportunities that just weren't available up north. There is a lot of great young talent around here that I want to see do well, and that DESERVES to do well. Other days i'm frustrated that the area has too many comics, not enough venues, and some of the venues that we do have are run by people that either FAILED at comedy (making them a shit judge of whats good and bad, and put a chip on their now power-hungry shoulders), or have no idea what makes a comedy show entertaining. (Hosts having 90 shit newbies ruin what could be a good show, and then begging you, the feature or headliner, to "Kick up the energy! I need you to save the show!").
*What would you change?
I'd want people in comedy around here to take a step back, and ask themselves, "Am I in this for the long haul? Am I going to do what it takes to make it OUTSIDE of DC?" ala Rory Scovel, Ryan Conner, Jared Stern, and Danny Rouhier. I see some funny people around here that are REMARKABLY talented, but will forever be making people laugh at open mics, freebie shows, and local one-nighters because they don't have the drive and hustle to move past this primordial ooze. DC is .0001% of what is out there that needs to be seen and conquered, and if you're just going to swim in the shallow waters of the open mic scene your whole "career", get out of the pool, because there are other people that need to do some laps. I'd rather see you support local comedy, that use up stage time at an open mic just to prepare yourself for another open mic...
*Who would you most like to kill, and bury the body of in a shallow grave in the desert?
Dimitri Martin. He's a hipster, pretentious, too-cool-for-the-room douche bag that is a white head on the rectum of comedy. Read more!
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
Times are tough. But your city isn't filled with all deplorable people. Some are good. Some are better than good. Some are way before their time! Visionaries! One such man is your very own Larry Poon, who has been producing a show that features characters, sketch, and musical wackiness and has been changing the face of DC comedy for over 4 mind-blowing runs! I am talking about Poonanza. It's what I look forward to every year. It gets my mind off all the lead-painted toys I have to deliver.
So take your friends, loved ones and anyone else you can think of who understands that nice isn't always right. Shit, sometimes naughty is the way I like it, too!
Sincerely, Santa
What: Poonanza V Where: Warehouse Theater on 7th Street When: Saturday, December 8th @ 10pm How much: $7 tickets. Show is close to selling out so email LarryPoon1@yahoo.com to reserve yours!
Ok I'm usually not that out of the loop when it comes to pop culture but I had no idea of this failed pilot that aired before "The Office." It's called "The Golden Years" and I haven't even watched it yet because I'm at work but I'm just ecstatic about it's existence.. Thanks to the always awesome Jesse Thorne of the brilliant podcast, "The Sound of Young America" for finding this.
Curt! I've been sending you emails! Why haven't you returned my emails? Curt, I need you! You are the godfather of DC comedy so if I don't have your ear I got nothing! Nothing! I'm on my knees over here! My knees! I know you read this blog, Curt. Curt, I'm gonna come at you like a man. Look, dude, i got a dream, and that dream involves you emailing me back once. Just to tell me that you're alright. I worry about you, Curt(If that is your real name). I know this comedy life is lived in the fast lane and there are a lot of temptations. But you are better than that, so put whatever is keeping you from returning emails down, and pick up your laptop and holla at ya boy! Just in case you really haven't gotten my emails, here are some that I have sent you over the last few weeks:
Hey Curt, this is Nick, I'm Rory's friend who did the Hyatt back in August. I'd like to come do Topaz on Thursday if there is still time open. Also I would love to come back to the Hyatt any time you have an open slot. Thanks Curt, Nick
Hey Curt, I just wanted to make sure that this was the correct email address. Let me know, Nick
Hey curt. still trying to get a hold of you, seeing if I can do one of your shows. Let me know, or at least let me know if you hate me and want me to die so i don't have to keep sending you emails. Thanks Curt, PEACEnick
Curt! I've been shot! I need your help! I'm dying over here! Auuuugghhhh!! Please, this is probably the last email I will ever be able to write...tell my mom that i love her, tell my dad that he sucks at backgammon, and tell my dog...that he died 8 years ago. Curt! HEEELP!!!
Curt, that is all I can do and I can't do no more. Is this the end of the road for the tumultuous twosome? Will nick ever get a date or will he wallow in obscurity forever? Tune in next week to read the exciting conclusion of...."YA BANNED!"Read more!
In the 4 Then Interview series, DCC4N hopes to answer the question on many DC comic's minds..."What happens when I leave DC?" In this edition, Rory Scovel "sits down" with us and tries to get us to believe that he misses his friends the most.
Since leaving DC in the dust for a shot at stardom in New York City, Rory Scovel has appeared on Comedy Central's Live at Gotham, toured Canada twice, and placed third in the Seattle Comedy Competition(first and second were taken). Rory returns to DC this weekend for a full week of shows that you should either catch or catch twice. Wednesday 12/5: Dr. Dremos in Clarendon. DVD taping w/ Kojo Mante, Jay Hastings, Jon Mumma. Free at 8pm Thursday 12/6: 18th and Red Showcase. Free at 9pm Friday 12/7: Headlining the Hyatt Hotel in Bethesda, MD. $10 at 8pm Saturday 12/8: Headlining the Hyatt Hotel again. Fundraiser. $10 at 8pm. Also on 12/8: Poonanza at the Warehouse Theater on 7th St. $7 at 10pm
I was lucky enough to have Rory email me answers to questions that I emailed to him the other day. Here are those questions and answers now:
How long were you performing in DC and what were your favorite rooms?
I performed in DC for exactly 3 years. I moved up from SC in February of 04 and started getting on stage in the middle of March. Over the course of 3 years my favorite room of all was Dr. Dremos. It wasn't just the room and the show that made it awesome for me but the whole day. My friends would come over to my house to play video games and drink and smoke and then we'd head out to Clarendon. The crowds were always fun and it was the one open mic that seemed to resemble a real comedy club atmosphere. I also enjoyed Topaz and Bossa on Thursday nights. The best rooms were the ones that weren't just the show but the best to hang out in. When Rendezvous first started I had the best time standing outside on their front porch just talking with other comics before, during and after the show. Because of Dremos on the same night I was only able to do this a few times.
When did you decide it was time to move?
After traveling through Canada for the first time in 2006 I decided it was time to get involved in a new comedy scene. I was originally planning on moving to Chicago when I got home so that I could focus on improv. I wanted to learn improv in Chicago and see how I could apply it to my standup. I loved being in DC and def. wanted to stay with my friends but I knew in order to move on in standup you have to be involved in different scenes so that your act can evolve and you can be influenced and motivated by new performers.
Why did you choose to move to New York?
Because of the Seattle Comedy Competition last year I was able to meet with a few people from CBS and NBC. They told me they were interested in seeing me more often for auditions for random projects. I pretty much had to be in a place where I could drop in for an audition within an hours notice. So it was LA or NYC for me and I love the east coast and have more friends in NYC. That def. made the move a lot easier.
How did your time in DC prepare you for performing in a bigger market?
DC is a great city to start doing standup. 3 years ago it wasn't incredibly difficult to get on stage because there were fewer performers than now. If you could do well at most shows it usually led to invites to other open mics. Seeking out time in rooms wasn't a month or two month wait, usually just a week or two and you could get up. The better you did, the sooner you were back in. Being able to perform frequently is the only way to really get better at standup. DC did that for me and def. prepared me for NYC. I think NYC is a huge jump from DC but really its just a matter of confidence on stage not really the material. So DC taught me how to be a confident performer.
What are you now able to do that you couldn't do in DC?
Well I can't say that I'm able to do this yet but I'm hoping I can say it in the future. By being here in NYC I'm hoping to establish myself amongst the bigger standups and hopefully become a regular opener for someone. Right now I know I can improve my material and my act greatly if I could just perform regularly. To actually get on the road with a comic and do 25 minutes 6-8 times most weekends out of the year is the only way to get better. Right now I don't have any connections or face time with these bigger names and I think NYC might make it easier to change that. Again, can't say thats def. going to be the case though.
What do you miss most about DC?
My friends. My best friends live in DC and they can't be replaced. I think standup comedy really is the wildest mental roller coaster. Having good friends that are right there with you every step of the way and can relate to what you are going through is priceless. It can't be replaced with anything. I wish my friends and I could just get in a van and travel the US doing shows in small venues and coffee houses. I know one day it will happen but its one of those things I wish we could just do right now.
Check out this video of Rory from his appearance on Live at Gotham.
When it comes to surprising audiences, Jon Mumma has UFC like quickness. You never know where he is coming from. When I first saw Jon he was performing as one of his [now legendary] characters, Jim Marsdale, to a dumbfounded and delighted audience. "Was this guy for real?"
That is what Jon does. He comes at you when you least expect it and when he hits you...you can't stay mad for long. For several years now he has been working at such DC/Metro Area clubs as The Laughing Lizard, Riot Act Comedy Club, Cafe Rendezvous, The Hyatt in Bethesda, Wiseacres, Baltimore's Comedy Factory and is winner of the 2006 DC Improv Annual Showcase. Jon knows what it takes to be eccentric, but at the same time a welcoming face to new audiences all over the city.
When we asked Jon about what he loves most about performing he had this to say, "... for me is when you get one of those moments on stage when you feel complete comfort. Like, you could talk about anything and make it funny....total freedom." Jon's fun onstage is contagious, that is why he is one of DC's Best.
Hit the jump to learn more about Jon and watch some of his videos.[updated with interview!] Jon will be onstage this Wednesday night, Dec. 5th @ 8pm for the Salute to Dr. Dremos Comedy Showcase
This weekend, you can catch Jon Mumma as one of the cast members in the HUGE SKETCH SHOW Poonanza V on Saturday Night, 10pm @ the Warehouse Theater. For tickets email larrypoon1@yahoo.com.
Next week, Jon will be featured at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse next week, Thursday Dec. 13th @ 7:30pm. The show also includes local favorite Justin Schlegel and DCC4N's Jay Hastings.
*When did you realize that you wanted to do comedy?
5th grade. I loved Bill Cosby so did a book report about him and became infatuated with standup.
*Who were some of your earliest influences?
My earliest influence in standup was Cosby but I'd say Saturday Night Live was my greatest influence. Chris Farley and Phil Hartman remain two of my absolute favorite performers ever.
*Where did you first perform?
My first performance was at Wiseacres Comedy Club open mic, I did fairly well...if memory serves me, I did a Dr. Phil meets Rambo impersonation. It was gold.
*What was your first paid gig?
My first paid gig was Tracey's Comedy Club. I wrote my set list on my hand but once I got on stage I realized the lights were too dim to see the writing...plus, I remembered I didn't have any dick jokes so it was irrelavent.
*Do you prefer to write on or off stage?
I do both but more often than not, my jokes are writen onstage. Typically, something strikes me funny so I jot it down in my notebook. I read over it again the next day; if its still funny to me, I'll try talkin about it at an open mic. I record all my new ideas and then replay them to decide what to keep.
*Do you enjoy the process of writing?
I love the writing process. I just wish I was better at it.
*Do you ever want to convey a message?
The best part of performing for me is when you get one of those moments on stage when you feel complete comfort. Like, you could talk about anything and make it funny....total freedom. I wouldn't say that I necessarily want to convey a message in my material but I do want the audience to leave a show and feel as though its ok to let their guard down and be silly and goofy.
*What's hacky to you?
I'm not sure what hacky is anymore. It seems like the definition is always changing. I know that I don't like it when I feel as though a comic is not being genuine with the audience. I like all kinds of comedy as long as they feel honest.
*What is your day job?
I work at the Government Printing Office as a Program Analyst Read more!
Hey everyone, I'm back with another update on the meteoric rise of this so-called blog. When last we met this blog was ranked 192 when googling the phrase "dc comedy." Well, as you know by now we, have shot-the-hell-up to 145! Congratulations, DC! However, with any amount of success there inevitably will be people left in your wake. Who now has to go through life in the embarrassing #146 position? Well that would be everybody's favorite Mormon Comedy Troupe, Divine Comedy (DC=Divine Comedy, get it?). So to help make their day a little less sad, we are going to tell the whole world what's up with the funny Mormons these days.
"Divine Comedy" is BYU's "premiere sketch comedy troupe." That being said, I could not find another Mormon sketch comedy troupe. Also, I did not look for one. Alumni include many people who have given up comedy for...other things. While never having experienced a Divine Comedy show, I can only assume that the limitations of avoiding certain subject matter and foul language required by Mormon Law have opened up a creativity that most comedians could never dream of. It is truly inspiring.
However, while this troupe seems harmless on the surface, we may have another Dane Cook, Carlos Mencia-like material stealing incident on our hands, folks. While perusing through Divine Comedy's videos, which are almost all hilarious spoofs on of-the-moment pop culture like "Star Wars," (Star Wars, can you believe it? Hilarious!) I did find an intro video that looks suspiciously like one made by local comedians for the Rendezvous Open mic. Watch both and then decide for yourself.
For comics and patrons alike, Dr. Dremos in Arlington, VA has been a top spot to party at for many, many years. From their legendary (and now banned) Beer-Pong tables to their awesome downstairs lounge for comedy shows and music, Dr. Dremos will surely be missed after it is torn down for more F'ing condos in Feb '08. It really is a shame.
But, there is still time to catch great shows at Dr. Dremos before it closes and this Wednesday, December 5th marks one of the last opprotunities to do so.Rory Scovel, Jon Mumma , Kojo Mante, and Jay Hastings will be featured for a special Comedy Showcase & DVD taping. This show is going to be one of the finest Dr. Dremos has ever seen. Please come out to support live, local stand-up comedy and celebrate the kick-ass legacy of this one fine establishment.
To recap: WHO:Rory Scovel, Jon Mumma, Kojo Mante, & Jay Hastings WHAT:An amazing comedy show WHEN:Wednesday, December 5th 2007 @ 8pm WHERE:Dr Dremos, Arlington, VA
UPTOWN TAVERN in Cleveland Park, DC. Every other Friday @ 9pm
SATURDAYS
DC Open Mics
SUNDAYS
PALACE OF WONDERS in H-Street District NE, DC. Every other Sunday at 8. Sign-up is in advance by e-mailing Robb Loving robbloving@gmail.com or on site by 7:30.
MONDAYS
SPY LOUNGE in Adams Morgan. 8:00pm. Sign-up is on premises. For more info you can e-mail elisairs@gmail.com. Hosted by Eli Sairs. (this is temporarily on hold)
TUESDAYS
ALL STARS COMEDY CLUB in Arlington, Virginia. Located in Listrani's restaurant. Sign up by 8 pm. Anyone that brings 2 guests is guaranteed a spot, also if a comic shows up an hour early to help promote they will be guaranteed the 3 spot or 6 spot. E-mail allstarscomedy@aol.com for more information.
OPEN MIC MOUTH (Variety) @ Solly's Tavern in U-Street District, DC. Sign-up begins at 7:30. Show starts at 8. Runs the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
JOJO'S in U-Street District, DC. Show runs 9-12pm. Email "the Hossman" @ hossman[at]yahoo.com.
WEDNESDAYS
ALL STARS COMEDY CLUB in Arlington, Virginia. Located in Listrani's restaurant. Sign up by 8 pm. Anyone that brings 2 guests is guaranteed a spot, also if a comic shows up an hour early to help promote they will be guaranteed the 3 spot or 6 spot. E-mail allstarscomedy@aol.com for more information.
RI-RA IRISH PUB in Arlington, Virginia. Shows run 8 - 10. 3 to 10 minutes stage time. Newbies welcome! Free beer for comics. $25 cash prize joke contest for non-coms after the show! Metro friendly. Sign-up: e-mail CurtShackelford(at) verizon.net.
MAD HATTER in downtown DC. Sign-up as early as 5:30, Open Mic starts at 9. Runs from 9-11pm. Email benlong10(at)yahoo.com.
THURSDAYS
COLLEGE PERK COFFEEHOUSE in College Park, Maryland. Hosted by Sariel Lehyani.Every other week at 9pm.To sign up e-mail sloopyjoe@palindromestudios.net.
DC IMPROV on Connecticut, NW. IMPROVISATIONAL OPEN MIC JAM. Hosted by Allyson Jaffe. 8pm. For more info contact her @ allyson [at] dcimprov.com (monthly)
HOT BROTH COMEDY in Arlington, Virginia. At the Comedy Spot in Ballston Mall (off Ballston stop on Metro). All-ages open mic. Sign-up is on location at 7:00pm or by emailing arlingtoncomedy@gmail.com. Hosted by Tyler Sonnichsen and Jake Young.
JAXX NIGHTCLUB in Springfield, Virginia The first and third Thursday of each month. Doors open at 7, show at 8. All levels of comedians are welcome. To sign-up e-mail Justin Kincaid at jkincaidcomedy@gmail.com (do not contact the venue).
THE ISLANDER on U St. Sign up is 8:30 on premises, show starts at 9:00. 1201 U St. NW. Call Hossman at (240) 605-8972.
TOPAZ HOTEL in Dupont Circle, DC. 8pm in lower room. Sign-up: e-mail CurtShackelford@verizon.net.
FRIDAYS
SATURDAYS
OLD ARLINGTON GRILL in Arlington, VA. 10:30pm. Email andykline[at]gmail.com.
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.
