The District’s reputable comedy venue DC Improv developed an alternative format to present its stand-up shows to fans after the COVID-19 pandemic hit businesses, including theirs.
The comedy club is now offering stand-up shows online via the video conferencing app Zoom for only $5. The new platform is called the “DC Improv Virtual Showroom.”
DC Improv had to shut down and cancel its shows due to the ongoing pandemic two months ago, which led the managers to discharge all of their employees.
“It’s been tough, but whatever way we can do what our core function is, which is helping people laugh, helping people have a good time and forget some of the craziness going on,” Chris White, Director of Creative Marketing for DC Improv, was quoted as saying by WUSA9 regarding the new online service.
“It really does mean a lot to us to know that we can help other people enjoy this and maybe take their mind off everything going on for 75 minutes.”
A stern warning to all foes of @FunnyJared … he's in it to win it this Saturday night. Just $5 to watch Comedy Kumite Online from your couch.https://t.co/vIgllDFo21 pic.twitter.com/CIcJsFdwYx
— DC Improv (@dcimprov) May 21, 2020
Among the venue’s upcoming online shows are:
- “Couples Therapy: An Online Comedy Show” (May 21 – 8:00 p.m.) about relationships and being single by Rahmein Mostafavi.
- “Of the Asian Variety show (Online)” (May 22 – 8:00 p.m.) that celebrates Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month featuring Kasha Patel, Brittany Carney, Wilfred Padua and Francesca Fiorentini.
- “Comedy Kumite Online II” (May 23 – 8:00 p.m.), which according to DC Improv “the world’s greatest stand-up competition. It is hosted by Natalie McGill, Winston Hodges, Elizabeth Norman, Tim Miller, Petey Steele, Jared Stern, Blaire Postman and Adrian Rodney.
- “The Overachievers Online” (June 4 – 8:00 p.m.) by Martin Amini and DJ Bo with their special guest Rafi Bastos.
Another virtual service DC Improv is providing is “online comedy classes.” There are a number of classes for various levels offered by instructor Chris Ulrich and a special training hosted by instructor Chris Coccia.
DC Improv is known for hosting prominent figures of the U.S. comedy scene such as Ellen DeGeneres, Brian Regan, Dave Chapelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Brian and Dennis Regan, Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Birbiglia and others for almost three decades.
Comedy shows that have been streamed online by DC Improv since the start of the pandemic has seen up to 500 viewers.
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