Past

Dark Days: A Night Of Dramatic Improv

February 28th & 29th at 7:30pm

March 6th &7th at 10 pm

Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Purchase Tickets Here

One ticket, two dramatic improv shows directed by Joe Randazzo, creator of the Capital Fringe Festival hit The Heist.

The Cabin Affair
Six friends. Twelve months. So many secrets.

Cast:
Geoff Corey
Michael Hendrix
Justine Hipsky
Jasmine Jiang
Jonathan Murphy
Katie Rush
Isabelle Solomon
Assistant Directors: Lauren Woody

Veritas
A murder interrogation. But can you believe what you hear?

Cast:
Clarissa Zies
Jane White
Alex Kazanas
Darnell Eaton
Nina Hsu
Joe Randazzo
Assistant Director: Andy Weld

Run time is approximately 1.5 hours with a brief intermission.

Please be advised that this show contains dramatized violence with adult content, situations, and language.

Saturday, March 7th at 7:30pm

Tickets are sold at the door: $8 General / $6 DCAC Members

LAZY/PROV is an improvisational comedy group featuring DC local Kabeer Parwani, and NYC favorite Sam Fox-Hartin.  LAZY/PROV believes improv rules are meant to be broken – not in like an aggressive, rebellious way, but like the way where you try to work the remote with your foot because you’re too comfortable to get up.  We’ll be joined by some other DC-based comedians to bring you a side-splitting, rib-tickling, noun-adjectiving, comedy show – completely improvised on the spot!  .

Naked Girls Reading Presents Come Into My Parlor
February 14th 2020 at 10pm.

Join us as we start the year with our annual New Years tradition of salacious books, kinky authors and naked woman. Come Into My Parlor features DC’ official Naked Girls; Cherokee Rose, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and Callie Pigeon performing an aural assortment of Erotica to get you ready for a hot Valentine’s night. We invite you to join us at our home, the DC Arts Center, to kick off the New Year with sexiness, kinky tricks, lustful yearnings and a salacious rendezvous or two, if you’re lucky on February 14th at 10pm.

General: $22 presale/ $27 day of show
DCAC members: $17.60 presale/ $21.60 day of show

Tickets available HERE

In Your Ear

February 16th, 2020 at 3:00PM

$5 at the Door/Free to DCAC Members

Hang out at Songbyrd afterwards!Katy Day is a poet, a single mother, and a literary arts administrator. Her work has recently appeared or is forthcoming in The Rumpus, Nimrod International Journal, Barrelhouse, PANK Magazine, Tinderbox Poetry Journal, and elsewhere. A 2019 Pushcart Prize nominee, she was a finalist for the Brett Elizabeth Jenkins Poetry Prize and is an MFA candidate in creative writing at Sierra Nevada College.

Annie Finch’s books of poetry include Eve, Calendars, The Body of Poetry, and Spells: New and Selected Poems. Her poetry has appeared onstage at Carnegie Hall and in The Paris Review, Kenyon Review, Washington Post, New York Times, and The Penguin Book of Twentieth-Century American Poetry. She is the editor of Choice Words: Writers on Abortion.

Carlea Holl-Jensen was born on a Wednesday. Since then, her fiction has appeared in Fairy Tale Review, Black Warrior Review online, and Queers Destroy Fantasy!, among others. She lives in Baltimore

Washington Improv Theater: Road Show

January 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, & 31, 2020; February 1 & 2, 2020

DCAC Members: $15; Non-DCAC Members: $18

One intimate stage—limitless possibilities. WIT runs wild at DC Arts Center all January long. WIT’s latest engagement at DC Arts Centers finds our company ensembles performing alongside our featured ensembles and special guests. The line-up changes every night and no performance is ever the same.

General information:

–Line-ups vary nightly. Please verify the performing acts on your individual curtain times.
–For all shows, unclaimed tickets may be resold at curtain time. Late arrivals will be seated at WIT’s discretion.
–DCAC Members: Please call DCAC for the member code at (202) 462-7833.

Tickets are available here.

The Near Misses Presents: An Experimental Electropop Opera

Saturday, January 5th at 3pm

General public $18; DCAC Members: $15

The Near Misses is a 4-woman electropop band & experimental opera based on true near death stories the artists have collected. The band incorporates synth/keytar, cello, violin, and accordion, with percussion coming from set pieces: an oven, a ladder, a pile of leaves, and keys. The show also integrates dance and movement, first person survivor recordings, and video projections.

Tickets are available here.

In Your Ear

Readings by Marie Buck, Christopher Kondrich and Nicolette Polek

January 19th at 3pm
$5 at the Door/Free to DCAC Members

Join us every 3rd Sunday for In Your Ear’s poetry reading. Afterwards, head down to Songbyrd to meet the authors.

http://www.dcpoetry.com/iye

Chinese Menu Presents: Home For The Holidays!

December 22, 2019

Hosted by Sofia Javed

Once again it is time for this annual fun fest. DC’s best mix it up on stage with some very fun ex pats that are in town for the winter holidays. If you are unfamiliar with what Menu shows are all about, all you need to know is that it was monthly party on stage that sold out for about ten years and now it happens for special occasions. The people that appear in Menu shows are some of the most fun you will see anywhere. They are quality players and quality people that know that the first thing that makes a comedy show is that it should be funny. You’ll notice that ageism is not a thing in our shows. Haha.

The cast is still coming together but here some early commits:

Shawn Westfall, Jordan Hirsch, Amanda Hirsch, Erica Geiser, Kathy Westfall, Mikael Johnson, Sean Murphy, Dave Johnson, Colin Murchie, Pete Bergen, Topher Bellavia, & Paul Hitlin (Cast subject to change)

Tickets are available here.

December 12, 2019

DCAC Members: $8 / General Tickets: $10

This evening will be the first in a series of performances by activists, advocates, and analysts working on peace and security issues who are also talented comedians, musicians, storytellers, improv performers, and more.

Performers will include Bill Hartung of the Center for International Policy, a progressive foreign policy think tank based in Washington, DC; Tristan Guyette of Beyond the Bomb, which does grassroots lobbying designed to end the threat posed by nuclear weapons; and Hassan El-Tayyab, the lead lobbyist on Mideast issues for the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

The evening will provide opportunities for audience participation, in surprising ways!

Tickets are available here.

RiverShe Collective Presents Opening The Circle: Works in Progress

December 5, 2019 at 7:30-9:30PM
Tickets: $10 General Admission/$8 for DCAC Members

Join RiverShe Collective for an evening of interdisciplinary works-in-progress from the Fall 2019 RiverShe Creative Practice Circle! Participating artists include: Ayesha Ali, Richael Faithful, Les Henderson, Chelsea Iorlano, Cath Kane, Nicole Oxendine, and Amy Vitro. Over the past nine weeks, these artists have come together once a week to share inspiration & support, receive feedback on individual works-in-progress, and experiment with collaborative creation & performance.

Tickets are available here and will also be available at the door.

In Your Ear

David Need has been a university lecturer in Asian Religions in Durham, NC for twenty years. Book publications include two volumes of essays and translations on Rilke — Rainer Maria Rilke, Roses: The Late French Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, David Need, translations and essay, Horse and Buggy Press, 2014, and Rainer Maria Rilke, Notebooks and Personal Papers, David Need, translations and essays, Shearsman, 2018 — and one volume of his own poetry, Offshore St, Mark / Songs in-Between the Day: Two Suites, Three Count Pour, 2015. His poetry and critical writings have appeared in Hambone, Talisman, Golden Handcuffs Review, Lana Turner Review, Heavy Feathers Review, Spoke, Oyster Boy and Minor American.

Comedic Pursuits and LGBTQ AF Presents: Distrtict Queer Comedy Festival.

November 15 & 16, 2019 at 7PM

The District Queer Comedy Festival is the first LGBTQ comedy festival in Washington, DC. The inaugural Festival features some of the best LGBTQ performers from DC, MD, VA, PA, NJ, and NY for two nights of shows. In addition to shows, the District Queer Comedy Festival has workshops and an open mic Comedy & Coffee show benefiting an LGBTQ charity. For further information, visit comedicpursuits.com/events/district-queer-comedy-festival.

Tickets November 15th show are available here. Line-up features: Kevin McLain, Christopher Hook, Joyce Rebar, Laura Delhomme, Shawn Fisher, Rachel Antomattei, Shawn Banks, Maddox Pennington, & The Plumbers

Tickets November 16th show are available here. Line-up features: Alejandro Morales, Michae Furr, Samantha Nokes, Elizabeth Norman, Ross Weisman, Ian Insect, & Ryan

*Line-up subject to change*

About the Performers

Kevin McLain
Inspired by topical late night hosts and scathing insult comics, Kevin occupies a unique space in the DC comedy scene. A former-Republican-turned-practically-Communist potty-mouth, he has won crowds over with his hilarious allusions and references to gender, race, sexuality, class, and politics. He has described his style of comedy as “Imagine Trevor Noah…but as a big gay slut.”

Christopher Hook
Chris Hook is a DC based comedian originally from Kentucky who finds humor in daily life. Forever a joiner, you can find him at his office book club, condo association, running club, alumni association chapter, or employee engagement groups whenever he’s not glued to his couch watching television and wondering why he isn’t training for a marathon.

Joyce Rebar
Joyce Rebar has been entertaining audiences in the DMV area for over 12 years. She has been accepted into many of the World Series of Comedy national competitions, and she also has performed in many of the Gaylarious shows that were held at the old Riot Act theater in DC. Her original stand-up training was at the DC Improv, and she has returned to the DC Improv Lounge for many shows. In addition, she has opened for Mimi Gonzalez and Jennie McNulty, in shows at Women’s Week in Provincetown, MA; and she has organized informal shows on Olivia (lesbian) cruises, in which she has entertained many a lesbian traveler.

Laura Delhomme
Laura Delhomme explores being single and bi, when’s the best time to get a 3rd cat, and when to break her parents’ hearts with news of of all 3.

Shawn Fisher
Shawn is a multi-ethnic, disabled, queer senior citizen, and has the AARP card to prove it!

Rachel Antomattei
Rachel is a rising talent who performs storytelling and observational humor.

Shawn Banks
Shawn is an interactive storyteller, who dives into pop-culture and current events from the POV of a black, gay young man.

Maddox Pennington
MK Pennington is a nonbinary queer writer and comedian, and the author of A Girl Walks Into a Book: What the Brontes Taught Me About Life, Love, and Women’s Work. They have performed all over the DMV including the Charm City Comedy Festival, DCAC, DC Drafthouse, DC Comedy Loft, Busboys and Poets, and many of DC’s finest dive bars.

The Plumbers
We fix toilets. Need we say more?

Alejandro Morales
Alejandro Morales is a founding member of stand-up collective Laughs On Philly, producer and co-host of the food-themed rap battle game show Eat Your Beats, creator and star of the web series Sadulous, spanish-language improvisor with Que Comedy, and comedian about town, performing at independent showcases as well as comedy establishments like Helium Comedy Club, Punch Line Philly, and Good Good Comedy Theatre. He is the 19th funniest comedian in Philadelphia.

Michael Furr
Michael Furr is Baltimore’s “Sweetheart of Comedy.” A comedian, producer, director and writer, Michael uses his narrative voice and conversational tone to put audiences at ease while leaving them in stitches. His hit stand up comedy special, “Straight Acting,” is delighting audiences across the world on Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, iTunes, Tidal and anywhere else that comedy is streamed.

Samantha Nokes
Sammie James is a comedian and story teller from New Jersey; where she hosts and produces The LGBT showcase Queerly Comedic. Sammie also hosts the podcast All Of My Friends Are Animals and The NYC Trans Variety show We Are Trans. She performs all over the east coast; including past appearances at Cinder Block Comedy Festival, Charm City Comedy Festival and Bechdal Test Fest; and she is soon to be your favorite disabled, nerdy, butch trans woman in comedy.

Elizabeth Norman
Native to Baltimore, Elizabeth Norman is a comedian, educator and very polite young lady. When she isn’t explaining mummies to children or teaching art classes, she entertains audiences all over Maryland and DC (and sometimes even Pennsylvania and Virginia!) either alone as a stand-up or with her sketch comedy group, Nightmares on ELM Street. As quick-witted as she is silly, Elizabeth is a delightful mix of proper, playful and absurd, with just a hint of an edge. She’s all the fun of your favorite redhead female cartoon protagonist, with a little extra depth!

Ross Weisman
Comedian and podcaster Ross Weisman has a neurotic mind. He has performed in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and once in a skeevy London bar (no one could understand his lack of an accent). His comedy style combines stories from his childhood and his modern-day failings to be a cool, well-rounded gay man

Ian Insect
America’s foremost cryptocomedian takes you on a deep dive through his shallow thoughts. Shifting between obsessive wordplay and physical comedy, between the surreal and the dialectic, Presenting a witty, sharp take on mundane notions, Ian’s act treads clumsily through self-examination and social awareness stopping just short of navel gazing. Most of the time.

Ryan
Ryan is an improv duo who cordially invites you to brunch. Be careful: the tee is hot, and it will be spilled.

Scena Theatre Presents: Sea

Previews: November 1, 2, 3, & 6 at 7:30PM
Performances: November 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, & 24 at 7:30PM
Matinees: November 9, 16, 17, 23, & 24 at 3PM

Tickets for Preview: $12 DCAC members; $15 General Admission
Regular Tickets: $28 DCAC members; $35 General Admission
Matinees: $25 DCAC members; $30 General Admission

Journey to Limbo. Dare to Escape.

Join the voyage of a shipmaster who guides a bizarre band of travelers through a modern-day Hades. Six unassuming travelers face riveting challenges on the quest for ultimate salvation. Sea is an episodic tale of lost love in the otherworld that unfolds as past relationships meet present realities. This powerful play is written by Norway’s preeminent writer Jon Fosse, the most performed living writer in Europe and 2010 winner of the International Ibsen Award.

Tickets available here.

Naked Girls Reading Presents: 8th Annual Something Wicked

October 26, 2019 at 10PM

DCAC members: $17.60 presale/ $21.60 day of show (must present valid DCAC membership card to the DCAC Box Office)
GA: $22 presale/ $27 day of show

This October, DC’s Naked Girls Reading celebrates its eight-year anniversary with Naked Girls Reading Presents Something Wicked! Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and So You Wanna Be A Naked Girl contestant, Whiskey Hallows on October 26th at 10pm. The Naked Girls will scare the pants off you with tales to thrill and chill; disturb and perturb; tease, tantalize and terrify! This special annual show will be our last show of 2019 and feature naked tarot card readings by the Bewitching Beauty, Cherokee Rose!

Tickets are available here.

Ciao! E benvenuti in Italia!

October 25 & 26, 2019 at 7:30PM

IN ADVANCE (Online): General Admission: $16; DCAC Members $12
AT-THE-DOOR: General Admission: $20; DCAC Members $16

Come take a light-hearted and physically-comedic romp through Italy with 14-time internationally award-winning writer and performer Michael Burgos.

WINNER: Best Solo Performance, 2019 Boulder Fringe Festival.

“Pure ridiculousness in every bite!”  Audience Review, Boulder Fringe

“My cheeks hurt from laughing so much! I wish the show had been two hours!”  Audience Review, Boulder Fringe

“Burgos shares DNA with the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Sid Caesar.”  The Washington Post

More at MichaelJBurgos.com

Ages 12+ (Language: Scarce Profanity)

Tickets are available here.

Joshua Weiner is the author of three books of poetry (all from University of Chicago Press).   His Berlin Notebook, reporting about the refugee crisis in Germany, was published by Los Angeles Review of Books in 2016 as a digital edition.  A chapbook, Everything I Do I Do Good: Trumpoems (Dispatches from the Poetry Wars, 2018) is available as a free digital download (www.disptachespoetrywars.com).  He has received Whiting, Guggenheim, and Rome Prize fellowships, as well as the Amy Lowell Traveling Scholarship, which took him to Berlin in 2012-13.  The poetry editor of Tikkun, he teaches at University of Maryland, and lives in Washington D.C.

Omnious Maramba

October 19, 2019 at 7:30PM; $8 General / $6 DCAC Members

OMINOUS MARIMBA is an improvisational comedy group featuring Alan Carroll and Kabeer Parwani, who have been performing together for more than ten years. We’ll be joined by some other DC-based improvisers to bring you a side-splitting, rib-tickling, noun-adjectiving, comedy show – completely improvised on the spot!

Chinese Menu 

October 5, 2019 at 10PM

This was once a monthly all star mash up that sold out for 10 years! Now it only pops up when special occasions like when some improv royalty comes to town!
The amazing Susan Glynn is coming to town and we are puting some rock stars around her. Susan is the 4th member of the killer Chicago team, Shebeast to work with Chinese Menu.
Just like Ryan Asher, Katie Kershaw and Mary Catherine Curran, she is pure joy!

If you have been, you know.
If you haven’t, you’re in for something special.
A who’s who from WIT and beyond
Come and check out who is on the Menu!

Cast:
– Eva Lewis, Jo Scott, Colin Murchie Donna Steele, Rachel Showalter, Mikael Johnson, Jonathan Murphy, Jamal Newman, Dan Miller, Susan Glynn, and Patrick Gantz, Pete Bergen

(Cast subject to change)

Tickets sold here.

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Jack Read

​

October 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 at 7:30 pm
October 19 at 3:00 pm

Tickets: $15 DCAC Members, $20 General (contact DCAC during open hours to retrieve DCAC member discount code,Wed-Sun, 2-7pm. 202-462-7833, or info@dcartscenter.org)

Broken Mic Comedy Presents Promote Mike.B

September 28, 2019 at 7:30PM & 10PM

Tickets: $20 general / $16 DCAC members

Broken Mic Comedy presents “Promote Mike.B”, the live album recording. This showcase will highlight some of the best friends of Broken Mic Comedy, along with the second album recording of Broken Mic Comedy’s own Mike.B. If you was around for the “Life and Times of Ol’Mike.B” you don’t want to miss out on this show. Hosted by Greg Stevens with performances by Adaylah Banks, Tommy Taylor Jr and Charity Sade. Get your tickets now before they sell out!!!

Tickets are available here.

HIV/AIDS Discussion

September 26, 2019 at 7:30PM

Pay As You Can ($5 minimum). Proceeds go towards the Whitman Walker Fund

HIV/AIDS and DC Artists present a discussion with DCAC’s Director, B Stanley, and artists on the effects of HIV/AIDS on the DC Arts Community. Reflecting on DCAC’s 30 year history – the number of artists in multiple fields that were lost to the epidemic in the 80s and 90s was particularly impactful.

Tickets are available here.

In Your Ear 

September 15, 2019 at 3:00PM

$5 at the Door/Free to DCAC Members
Hang out at Songbyrd afterwards!

Ah-reum Han was born in South Korea, and raised in The Gambia and Senegal, where she applied herself climbing trees and reading Enid Blyton. She has a BA in cross-cultural sociology and creative writing from Carson-Newman University and an MFA in fiction from George Mason University. Her work has appeared in Okey-Panky, StoryQuarterly, River Teeth, Fugue, and Flyway, among others. She lives and loves and writes in Virginia, where she works as a proposal manager for a tech company and as an editor for Asymptote, a journal of world literature in translation.

Chris Mason is a Baltimore poet. He is a member of three bands: The Tinklers, Coocoo Rockin Time, and the Old Songs Archaic Greek poetry translation group. Books: Poems Of A Doggy (pod books, Baltimore, 1977), Click Poems (shabby editions, London, 1982), Hum Who Hiccup (Narrow House, Baltimore, 2011), Where To From Out (Furniture Press, Baltimore, 2013), Some of the Methods Used to Perform Poetry In and Around Baltimore from the late 60’s to the Early Teens by Poets in their Late Teens to Early 60’s (Primary Writing, D.C., 2019).

Thibault Raoult (MFA, Brown) has published two books of poems—Person Hour (BlazeVOX, 2011) and Disposable Epics (Caketrain, 2014)—as well as the cross-genre text «Pro(m)bois(e)» (Opo, 2016). His poems and short fiction have appeared in Boston Review, BOMB, Denver Quarterly, New American Writing, Gulf Coast, 6×6, typo, Conjunctions, and elsewhere. At present he edits RealPoetik, records/performs experimental pop as Historic Sunsets, and teaches creative writing and literature at University of Maryland.

Phyllis Rosenzweig has lived in Washington, D.C. since 1974. Her publications include the chapbooks: Seventeen Poems (O Press, 1975); Dogs (Edge Books, 1996); Reasonable Accommodation (Potes and Poets Press, 1997); and Girls (Primary Writing Books, 2011). She and Diane Ward published the journal, Primary Writing, from 1995 to 2008. She currently edits Primary Writing Books.

Laugh Index Theatre

September 11, 14, & 27; October 4, 5, 11, 18, 25, & 27

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre is your one-stop shop for your comedy needs offering a variety of comedy shows and classes in stand-up, improv, sketch, & storytelling.

Tickets are available here

Washington Improv Theater: September Road Show

September 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, & 22, 2019

Online Pre-Sale: $15
Door: $18 General / $12 DCAC Members (email wit@witdc.org for code)

WIT’s latest engagement at DC Arts Centers finds our company ensembles performing alongside featured ensembles like Lena Dunham and special guests like I Don’t Know Her, Goodison, and Bring Back the ’90s.

The line-up changes every night and no performance is ever the same.

Tickets are available here.

Area Woman: EPHEMERAL FATALE

Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 3PM & 7:30PM

$20 General/ $16 for DCAC Members

Area Woman (Claire Alrich, Sarah Greenbaum, Sadie Leigh & Meg Lowey) is a performance collective that tangles dance, music, and theatre to create inquisitive spaces for audience-artist encounters. EPHEMERAL FATALE starts with an exit and ends with an arrival. Area Woman sifts through space, time, and expectations with their signature brand of trust-building meta-moments. Through meticulous movement, sonic worldbuilding, and murder mystery, they invite you to peek in from the outside, or come in for a drink.

Tickets are available here.

Naked Girls Reading Presents: 7th Annual Nerdettes

Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 10:00PM

$22 General/ $18 for DCAC Members

Are you in possession of a Tardis key, have a Sorting Hat and your very own Tesseract? Then do we have a show for you! On the heels of Awesome Con, DC’s official Naked Girls are here to definitively prove Nerds are Sexy. Naked Girls Reading Presents the 7th Annual Nerdettes will showcase tales of Hobbits, Mutants, and Clones. Join the Nerdalicious Cherokee Rose, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and Callie Pigeon! 

Tickets are available here. 

Joey Maranto Presents: Shepherds Gone Wild

September 29, 2019 at 3:00PM

$5 general public / $3 DCAC members

Time runs out on four; washed up, middle-aged comedian’s Hollywood dreams when their Christian employer cancels their kids television show. Wanting to go out on their terms, they get “creative” with their Christmas show. No harm in that…right?

Fabum presents: ROOM: 27 Minutes; You as empath

October 23, 2019 at 7:30-8:00PM

Sundays November 3, 2019 & Novevember 10, 2019 at 3:00-

3:30PMTickets, $15 General Admission, $12.50 DCAC members

An experiment in self-realization; a combination of meditation practice, empathic connecting and performance art. You are the being in the room.

Tickets sold here.

Naked Girls Reading Presents: Comedy Undressed

Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10PM

Tickets: $22 presale/DCAC members; $27 General Admissions

Tickets are available here.

Brett Johnson Presents: Poly-Theist 

Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 7:30PM

Tickets: $8 DCAC Members/$10 Non-Members

Comedian Brett Johnson, once married 21 year old monogamous Evangelical now turned opposite, has a new solo show about (non)monogamy, faith, and KFC/Taco bells hits DC before its Edinburgh Fringe Festival run this August!

Tickets are available here.

LGBTQ AF

Hosted by Ryan McClure

June 23, 2019 at 7:30PM

General Admission: $11.00 
DCAC Members: $8.00

LGBTQ AF is live comedy show, featuring the best LGBTQ stand-up, storytelling, improv, and sketch performers in the DMV area. Rising LGBTQ talent is also spotlighted. LGBTQ AF is the only indie comedy show in the DMV area with an all LGBTQ line-up. Their awesome line-up features: Kelsie Anderson, Katie Zane, Andie Basto, Heather Marie Vitale, Nik Snow, Gina Brown, Shawn Fisher, Oona MacDougall, Elizabeth Norman and Sharon & Karen. This show is going to be amazing – you should come! 

Tickets are available here. 

Naked Girls Reading Presents Mystery Edition

Saturday, June 21 at 10:00PM

DCAC Members:  $17.60 presale/ $21.60 day of show
Gen Admission:  $22 presale/ $27 day of show

The game is afoot! Don your deerstalker, grab your magnifying lens and join your Naked Girl sleuths as they read their favorite tales of whodunits, capers and thrillers! Cherokee Rose is delighted to present Alice Darling, Cherie Sweetbottom, and Callie Pigeon for this enigmatic brainteaser. 

Tickets are available here.

Holly Bass & Maps Glover Present: Pretending to be a Rock

June 20, 2019 at 6pm

FREE

Sherman Fleming and Holly Bass return to DCAC for The Black Overlay, an exhibition and a series of performances. In 1997, Bass witnessed Fleming’s iconic performance art work Pretending to be a Rock in DCAC’s black box theater. Bass will re-perform two of Fleming’s early performances, inverting the gender dynamic and exploring how the visual presence of a female body impacts the perception of masculine actions. The exhibition also includes Fleming’s ongoing series, Infiinite Desire, a selected group of collage-based figurative abstractions.

Will Martin Presents TOTAL LOSS: A Comedy Show About Death

June 19, 2019 at at 7:00PM

$10 pre-sale and $15 at the door ($8/$10 for DCAC members)

Total Loss is a comedy show about death that The Boston Globe calls “a must-see.” Will Martin’s car died, his friend died, his new car died, then his brother died. The story became Total Loss: a tale of road trips, diner coffee, and a dive bar in Montana. Half comedy show, half tribute, Total Loss is about the thing we never joke about and one thing we all have in common. It’s Mike Birbiglia by way of Sarah Silverman. After a sold out run in New England he’s taking it on the road again.

Tickets are available here.

Laugh Index Theatre: Sh!t Show

June 15, 2019

$12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Sh!t Show is LIT’s annual late-night experimental comedy showcase; stay up late and check out the finest assortment of half-baked ideas you’ll ever encounter!

Tickets are available here.

Chinese Menu Oops

June 7, 2019 at 10pm

$10 General/$8 DCAC Members

So… We had a special guest reach out to us about coming down so we booked our space. Sadly they had another opportunity come up and they could not make it. That leaves us on the hook for the theater rental and allows the DC community another chance to see the most fun improv show in town.

Here is who you get this time: Katie Webster, Kate Symes, Dave Johnson, Molly Murchie, Eva Lewis, Topher Bellavia, Greer Smith, Pete Bergen, Ken Hays, Katie Rogers, Cara Hayes, Caroline Petit & more to come!
(cast subject to change)

Tickets are available here.

Steampunked Stories Presents: A Fundraiser for STEM Training For Girls

June 2, 2019 at 4:30PM

General: $10/DCAC Members: $8 at the door

Steampunked Stories will be using fantasy stories to teach young girls about STEM. Each story will introduce famous women in the history of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics!

Performance of Something Akin to Living

Featuring Holly Bass & Wilmer Wilson IV

Friday, June 1, 5-5:30pm

FREE

Performance synopsis: Something Akin To Living (1979). A collaborator (Wilmer Wilson) measures, saws and fits 40 pieces of wood slats between the performer (Holly Bass) and two support columns so that the performer has to use her body to literally hold everything together.

Rainbow Theatre Project Presents: Stonewall 50

May 31 – June 2, 2019 at 7:30pm

Door: $35 General / $28 DCAC Members

The Stonewall riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the gay (LGBTQ) community against a police raid that took place in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. They are widely considered to be the most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBTQ rights in the United States.

Join us for Stonewall 50: Rainbow Theatre Project’s eclectic celebration of the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. An evening of theatre, poetry and song! Directed by Stephanie Kelly.

Ticket are available here.

In Your Ear

May 19, 2019 at 3:00PM

$5 at the Door/Free to DCAC Members
Hang out at Songbyrd afterwards!

Lucy Biederman is the author of The Walmart Book of the Dead, which won the 2017 Vine Leaves Press Vignette Award and was a Finalist for the Foreword Book of the Year in the Fantasy category. She has written four chapbooks of poetry, and her short stories, essays, and poems have appeared in The Collagist, AGNI, Ploughshares, and Pleiades. Her scholarship, which has been published in The Henry James Review, Women’s Studies, The Emily Dickinson Journal, and Studies in the Literary Imagination, focuses on how contemporary American women writers interpret their literary forebears. She is an assistant professor of creative writing at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio.

Dr. Irène P. Mathieu is a pediatrician and writer. She is the author of Grand Marronage (Switchback Books, 2019), orogeny (Trembling Pillow Press, 2017), and the galaxy of origins (dancing girl press, 2014). Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in American Poetry Review, Narrative, Boston Review, Southern Humanities Review, Los Angeles Review, Callaloo, TriQuarterly, and elsewhere. Irène is on the editorial boards of Muzzle Magazine and the Journal of General Internal Medicine’s humanities section. A member of Jack Jones Literary Arts’ speakers bureau, she has received Fulbright and Callaloo fellowships. Her Twitter handle is @gumbo_amando

Rod Smith is the author of Touché (Wave Books, 2015), What’s the Deal? (Song Cave, 2010), Deed (University of Iowa Press, 2007), Protective Immediacy (Roof Books, 1999), In Memory of My Theories (O Books, 1996), and several other books and chapbooks. He edits the journal Aerial, publishes Edge Books, and manages Bridge Street Books in Washington, DC. He has taught writing at the Corcoran School of Art & Design, George Mason University, the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and currently teaches at the Maryland Institute College of Art. His work appears in The Penguin Book of the Prose Poem (2019), Flarf: An Anthology of Flarf (2017), American Hybrid: A Norton Anthology of New Poetry (2009), and several other journals and anthologies.Smith edited The Selected Letters of Robert Creeley (University of California Press, 2014) with Peter Baker and Kaplan Harris.

Indran Amirthanayagam (www.indranmx.com) writes poetry in English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole and Portuguese. He has published fourteen books thus far, including the recently released Coconuts On Mars (www.paperwall.in), his latest in Spanish Ventana Azul, in French Il n’est de solitude que l’ile lointaine, The Splintered Face: Tsunami Poems and Uncivil War.  Mr.Amirthanayagam’s first book The Elephants of Reckoning won the 1994 Paterson Poetry Prize. He has received fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, the US/Mexico Fund for Culture and the Macdowell Colony. His poem Juarez won the Juegos Florales of Guaymas, Mexico In 2005.

Chinese Menu Comedy Birthday Show!

May 10, 2019 at 10PM

The best improvisers from DC and beyond play on the Menu. This time they are coming together to have fun and celebrate the birthday of Menu founder Pete Bergen. Pete wants to have fun and having a killer show with great people is as good a way to celebrate as any. Joining Peteon stage will be some of the best, including Greer Smith, Kate Symes, Joe Randazzo, Eva Lewis, Heather Moyer, Kathryn Carlsen, Caroline Petit, Mikael Johnson and more!

Tickets are available here. 

Washington Improv Theater: May Road Show

May 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 & 26, 2019

Online Pre-Sale: $15
Door: $18 General / $12 DCAC Members (email wit@witdc.org for code)

Spring is coming. And it will be epic at Washington Improv Theater.

Dive into adventure with WIT’s Debut of Day of Thones, a riff on HBO’s Game of Thrones. Conceived by Mary Lauran Hall and Michael Hendrix, Day of Thrones makes the bravado of the fantasy phenomenon TV show a little more relatable.

Every Sunday during the run, you can follow your heart with WIT’s romantic comedy Improv Actually. From meet-cutes to “happily ever after,” you’ll see the whole romance play out before you.

Tickets are available here.

Three’s Company: May 1 & 8, 2019 at 8:00PM

IMPROV WARS: May 11, 2019 at 3:00PM

House Comics Show: May 15, 2019 at 10:00PM

Sketch Night:  May 22, 2019 at 8:00PM

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre is your one-stop shop for your comedy needs offering a variety of comedy shows and classes in stand-up, improv, sketch, & storytelling.

Tickets are available here

LGBTQ AF

Hosted by Ryan McClure.
Booth Operator: Elizabeth Fulton

April 28, 2019 at 7:30pm

LGBTQ AF is having a bi-monthly live comedy show featuring the best LGBTQ-identifying stand-up, storytelling, improv, and sketch performers in the DMV area. Rising LGBTQ talent will also be spotlighted. This is the only regularly occurring comedy show in the DMV area with an all LGBTQ line-up.

The awesome April line-up features Geoff Corey – Storytelling, Jonathan Horsford – Stand-up, Ugh – Improv, Miranda Pennington – Stand-up, Joyce Rebar – Stand-up, The Plumbers – Improv and more!

In Your Ear

April 21, 2019 at 3:00PM

$5 at the door + Tips for the authors are appreciated // FREE to DCAC Members / Hang out at Songbyrd afterwards

Katy Bohinc is a poet and data scientist based in NYC. Publisher’s Weekly describes her most recent title, Scorpio (Miami University Press, 2018) as “an astute, witty, feminist collection.” She is also the author of Trinity Star Trinity (Scarlet Imprint, 2017) and Dear Alain (Tender Buttons Press, 2014).

Pamela Woolford is a filmmaker, writer, and performer whose work is especially concerned with the lives of black women and girls and others whose joy, history, and inner life are underexplored in American media and popular art. She has been a Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award winner for screenwriting, a 2018 North Beach American Film Festival Jury Award winner for her film Generation, a 2018 Experimental Forum Honorary Mention Awardee for her “vision and the film’s unique contribution to cinema,” and a recipient of a 2018 Canada Shorts Award of Commendation, among other honors. She bases the script for Generation on her short story “Just After Supper,” nominated for a 2018 Pushcart Prize by novelist and Pushcart Prize editor Mark Wisniewski.

Washington D.C. native Morowa Yejide’s novel Time of the Locust was a 2012 finalist for the PEN/Bellwether Prize and the 2015 PEN/Bingham award, and was a 2015 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work. Her stories have appeared in the Adirondack Review, the Istanbul Review, and others. Her short story “Tokyo Chocolate” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, anthologized by Britain’s best of the Willesden Herald, and praised by the Japan Times. She is a PEN/Faulkner Writers in Schools and Hurston/Wright Foundation Workshop author. She lives in the D.C. area with her husband and three sons. Her next novel is forthcoming through Akashic Books.

Tickets are available here.

Life Advice: A Sketch Comedy Show

April 19 – 20, 2019

Door: $15 General / $10 DCAC Members

Oh man is this sketch comedy like you’ve never seen it before.  Funny and irreverent.  Not the kind of comedy your grandma likes.  It’s the kind your crazy great aunt likes. Dark comedy exploring the (un)importance of men. Join us, will you?

Tickets are available here.

Naked Girls Reading: A Night At The Movies

Friday, April 12 at 7:30 pm 

$25 General/ $20 for DCAC Members

Who doesn’t love a good movie? Your resident Naked Girls are no different. However, they are far fonder of the tales, legends, graphics, and novels that brought these Hollywood blockbusters into existence. Join us as we pop some popcorn and enjoy an all-new evening of in-the-buff readings exclusively at The Sexology Institute! $15 single ticket, $25 couple’s ticket, and receive 20% off purchases.

Tickets are available here.

House Comics Show: April 10, 2019 at 8:00PM

IMPROV WARS: April 13, 2019 at 3:00PM

Sketch Night:  April 24, 2019 at 8:00PM

FEMIN-EDY & DUDE-EDY: April 26 & 27, 2019 at 10:00PM

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre is your one-stop shop for your comedy needs offering a variety of comedy shows and classes in stand-up, improv, sketch, & storytelling.

Tickets are available here

Annika B. Lewis: Oppressive Mechanics

A collaboration with DC Arts Center, The Danish Embassy and The Swedish Embassy. Supported by Kassandra Production and The Danish Arts Foundation

Sunday, April 7 at 7:30 pm; Monday, April 8 at 7:30 pm

$15 General/ $12 for DCAC Members

Welcome to this work-in-progress and ARTivistic encounter where everything can happen!

You are invited as guests to feast on dismantling oppressive mechanics.
Together, we will explore possible strategies through an artistic creative dialogue regarding these questions:
How can we change from exploitation to respect, from narcissism to empathy, from destruction to creativity, from pain to pleasure, from consumption to generosity, from oppression to freedom?

Oppressive Mechanics is initiated by the Scandinavian-American performance artist Annika B. Lewis in a co-creation with DC based fine artist Anna U Davis, sex educator Laura Zam, multi-talented musician Jamal Gray, Baltimore based dance artist Vincent Thomas, and guests.

Tickets are available here.

Rainbow Theatre Project: Clothes For A Summer Hotel

Directed by Greg Stevens.

April 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, & 28, 2019 at 7:30PM

Door: $35 General / $28 DCAC Members

The Rainbow Theatre Project presents Clothes for a Summer Hotel, by legendary writer Tennessee Williams. Clothes for a Summer Hotel is Tennessee Williams’ evocative “ghost play” about the tumultuous marriage and creative lives of Zelda & Scott Fitzgerald. Filled with music and dance of the jazz age, the play fuses the past and the present in a theatrical tour-de-force as Zelda and Scott re-visit their youth and the ghosts of characters (including Ernest Hemingway) who helped shape their existence.

Tickets are available here.

House Comics Show: March 20, 2019 at 8:00PM & March 31, 2019 at 8:00PM

IMPROV WARS: March 23, 2019 at 3:00PM

Sketch Night: March 27, 2019 at 8:00PM

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre is your one-stop shop for your comedy needs offering a variety of comedy shows and classes in stand-up, improv, sketch, & storytelling.

Tickets are available here

In Your Ear

March 17, 2019 at 3:00PM

$5 at the Door/ Free to DCAC Members
Hang out at Songbyrd afterwards

Erin Dorney is the author of “I Am Not Famous Anymore: Poems after Shia LaBeouf” (Mason Jar Press, June 2018). She is the recipient of a 2017 Artist Career Development Grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council/McKnight Foundation; a 2017 Emerging Artist Residency at Tofte Lake Center; a 2016 Spruceton Inn Artist Residency; and was the first Modern Worker: Writer in Residence at Modern Art in Lancaster, PA. Erin’s recent projects include “Cento Box” for Container’s Multitudes series & “The Hidden Museum, 2018”, a collaborative conceptual art installation on display at the Susquehanna Art Museum. Erin is cofounder of FEAR NO LIT and volunteers with VIDA: Women in Literary Arts.

Buck Downs’s latest book is a selected poems, Unintended Empire: 1989-2012, just out from Furniture Press Books. He lives in the neighborhood east of Capitol Hill known as Stadium City and works as a writer and writing coach.

Laura Eve Engel is the author of Things That Go (Octopus Books). The recipient of fellowships from the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center, the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing and the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation, her work can be found in The Awl, Best American Poetry, Boston Review, The Nation, PEN America, Tin House and elsewhere. She’s in a band called The Old Year with Washington DC-area musician Paul Erik Lipp.

Mathias Svalina is the author of five books, most recently The Wine-Dark Sea from Sidebrow Books. He is a founding editor of Octopus Books & runs a Dream Delivery Service (dreamdeliveryservice.com).

Josh Todarello is a writer, translator,  and PhD student in German Studies at Johns Hopkins. He lives in Baltimore.

Tickets available to the door.

The Wheel Theatre Company: Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull
Adapted & Directed by Jack Read

March 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 at 7:30 pm; March 30 at 3:00 pm

$20 General/ $15 for DCAC Members

On a summer’s evening, at a makeshift theater by a lake, a young writer’s new work is performed. In the wake of its spectacular failure, its audience – all connected by love – confront their own regret, grief, mortality, pettiness and loneliness. The Wheel Theatre Company’s new adaptation of Chekhov’s comedy is an ode to our first drafts and our failures, to our most bewildering infatuations, to our futile, comic search for reason and to our inexplicable ability to endure.

Tickets are available here

Naked Girls Reading: The Occult Edition!

Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 7:00PM

Online Pre-Sale/DCAC Members: $22; Door: $27

Gather around the cauldron, coven. We’re dusting off our spell books, ripping off our robes, and solemnly swearing that we are up to no good. It’s Naked Girls Reading: The Occult Edition! March 9th at the DC Arts Center, join us as we welcome our new Naked Girl, Callie Pigeon, for an evil evening of witchcraft and bitchery; a séance of storytelling, sorcery and sisterhood not to be missed.

Tickets available here.

Laugh Index Theatre Presents: Three’s Company

Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 8pm

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

LIT knows the rules of comedy, and they’re bringing you the power of three. Three types of comedy. One Show. Come on and knock at our door….

Tickets are available here

Next Stop: North Korea

Written and Performed by John Feffer; Directed by Angela Kay Pirko

March 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, & 24, 2019

Door: $20 General / $16 DCAC Members

How far would you travel to help other people? How many compromises would you make?

In this new one-man show, acclaimed playwright and performer John Feffer brings audiences as close to North Korea as they can get without a visa and an airplane ticket. Based on his visits to the country and the work he did there, Feffer explores the challenges of doing good in a morally ambiguous environment. He takes you inside Kim Il Sung’s mausoleum, up and down the Tower of the Juche Idea, out to the North Korean countryside, and into the hearts and minds of North Koreans themselves. Follow along with this “brilliant writer and performer” (Washington City Paper) as he brings you on an alternately funny, sobering, and thrilling trip of a lifetime.

Tickets are available here

Laugh Index Theatre: House Comics Show

February 28, 2019

LIT’s monthly stand alone stand-up comedy show features its House Comics. CAST: Jennifer Amo, Laurent Amzallag, Doug Francken, Edward Francis Lee, Katie McKelvie, Ben Nemceff, Rashee Raj, Robert Rowlett, and Hedi Sandberg.

LIT’s Stand-Up 101 and Stand-Up 201 students will also be performing!

Tickets available here.

Laugh Index Theatre Presents: Sketch Night

February 27, 2019

Wednesday at 8pm
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

LIT’s Sketch Night is every month on Wednesday, and it’s an entire show devoted to sketch comedy in Adams Morgan. Brought to you by both of LIT’s house teams, Separate Beds and Hot & Sweaty, each month’s show is a different theme with new material.

Tickets available here.

Landless Theatre Company: Puffs

February 22, 23; March 1, 2, 8, 9, 23 & 30, 2019

Door: $50 General / $40 DCAC Members

PUFFS – PUFFS or SEVEN INCREASINGLY EVENTFUL YEARS AT A CERTAIN SCHOOL OF MAGIC AND MAGIC by Matt Cox. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Playing in rep with THE DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW.

Tickets are available here

In Your Ear

February 17, 2019 at 3:00PM

$5 at the door + tips are encouraged for the authors/ Free for DCAC members
Come hang out afterwards at Songbyrd

Dora Malech is the author of Stet, selected by Susan Stewart for the Princeton Series of Contemporary Poets and published by Princeton University Press in 2018. Her two previous books of poetry are Say So (Cleveland State University Poetry Center, 2011) and Shore Ordered Ocean (The Waywiser Press, 2009). Her poems have appeared in publications that include The New Yorker, Poetry, The Best American Poetry, Poetry London, The Kenyon Review, Lana Turner, and Tin House. Her visual art has appeared or is forthcoming in publications that include Poetry, Poetry Northwest, and Pinwheel. She is the recipient of awards that include an Amy Clampitt Residency Award from the Amy Clampitt Foundation, a Writers’ Fellowship from the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, a Ruth Lilly Poetry Award from the Poetry Foundation, and a Mary Sawyers Baker Award from the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland, where she is an assistant professor in The Writing Seminars at Johns Hopkins University.

Allison Titus is the author most recently of SOB STORY (Barrelhouse) and The True Book of Animal Homes (Saturnalia Books). She embroiders erasures from discarded library books and with the poet Ashley Capps is at work on The New Sent(i)ence project. She teaches in the low-res MFA program at New England College.

Anne-Adele Wight is the author of An Internet of Containment, just released by Blazevox. She has three other books: The Age of Greenhouses, Opera House Arterial, and Sidestep Catapult, all from BlazeVOX. Anne-Adele lives and writes in Philadelphia. She has read extensively there and in other cities and her work has been published internationally.

Tickets available at the door.

Laugh Index Theatre Presents: Three’s Company

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 8pm

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

LIT knows the rules of comedy, and they’re bringing you the power of three. Three types of comedy. One Show. Come on and knock at our door….

Tickets available here

Laugh Index Theatre Presents: Sketch Night

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at 8pm

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

LIT’s Sketch Night is every month on Wednesday, and it’s an entire show devoted to sketch comedy in Adams Morgan. Brought to you by both of LIT’s house teams, Separate Beds & The Employables, each month’s show is a different theme with new material.

Tickets available here. 

Chinese Menu: Jaci Says Goodbye

Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10pm

Door: $10 General / $8 Pre-Sale & Members

Chinese Menu Comedy has done it again The best in DC come together in this celebration of great friends doing great work. Come see some of the best players you frankly don’t get to see that much anymore have a party on stage. There is always a Menu first timer and these days these shows don’t happen without it being a big(ger) deal event. Whats so special about this show? Other than than how good it is? Glad you asked.

This will also be your chance to say goodbye to Chinese Menu Comedy Hall of Famer Jaci Pulice.

Ticket information can be found here.

Laugh Index Theatre Presents: Threes Company

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 8pm

Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

LIT knows the rules of comedy, and they’re bringing you the power of three. Three types of comedy. One Show. Come on and knock at our door….

Tickets available here. 

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
HOT SPOT

December 22 & 29, 2018

Saturday at 8pm
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

One night only!  It’s LIT’s musical comedy show! You’ll hear funny songs from our Laugh Index Players plus you’ll see them perform musical improv and musical sketch!  This show is so much fun it will hit your hot spot!  There will also be a jam at the end of the show! The 10 pm show features special guest Julian Stern.

Tickets available here. 

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
A Hot & Sweaty Holiday 

December 22, 2018

Saturday at 3pm & 5pm
Online Pre-Sale: $20, Door: $25

Nine times the charm and holiday spirit of its predecessors, the ninth annual “A Hot & Sweaty Holiday” will have nine times the laughs! You’ll laugh so hard you’ll sweat the holiday pounds away, and your ticket purchase will help Bread for the City.

Each show is ninety minutes long with no intermission.

Tickets available here. 

In Your Ear

December 16

Sunday at 3 pm
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Merry Christmas! In Your Ear will do an old fashioned group reading this December.

Please join us to hear poetry by Rod Smith, Buck Downs, Leslie Bumstead, Phyllis Rosenzwieg, Hope LeGro, Jennifer DePalma, Casey Smith & more!

We’ll head to Songbyrd after the reading to grab a bite and a pint.

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Bevil Townsend with social media coordinated by K. Lorraine Graham.

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Tickets available here. 

AnyStage Theater:

Watergate…With Puppets!

Starring Melissa Carter, Sheryl Mebane, Alec Scheller, and Zachery Smith
Written By John-Nicholas Walsh; Movement Directed By Marshall Betz; Directed By John-Nicholas Walsh and Kirsten Grady

November 30-December 2, 2018
Friday-Sunday at 7:30pm

December 14 & 15
Friday at 7:30pm
Saturday at 3pm & 7:30pm

$15 General/ $12 for DCAC Members

Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like. AnyStage Theater presents the story of Nixon’s last days in the White House- featuring puppets, humans, and a giant rubber fish! Watergate… With Puppets! is not affiliated with (or supported by) The Jim Henson Company, The Muppets, or Sesame Street. Visit AnyStageDC.com to learn more.

Tickets available here. 

Camille Roberts and Friends

December 13

Thursday at 7:30pm
$5 General/ $3 for DCAC Members

A night of stand up from three up and coming in the DMV: Camille Roberts, Sarah Roche, and Katie McKelvie 

Tickets available at the door. 

Laugh Index Theatre 

Mondays & Wednesdays at 8pm

Improv Wars: December 3 & 10
Three’s Comedy: December 5 & 12

Online Pre-Sale: $10 / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 / $12 DCAC Members

Tickets available here.

The DC Center: 

DC Queer Theatre Festival

December 7 & 8, 2018
Friday at 7:30pm
Saturday at 3pm & 7:30pm

$20 General/ $15 for DCAC Members

Founded in 2012, the DC Queer Theatre Festival is dedicated to unleashing and celebrating the underrepresented voices and diversity of our artists, audiences, and area.By featuring new plays with themes relevant to the DC area and local artists with roots in the community, the DC Queer Theatre Festival combines quality theatre with activism and charity. The 2012 and 2013 DC Queer Theatre Festivals partnered with The DC Center for the LGBT Community, raising money for and awareness of the essential services The DC Center provides to the LGBTQ communities in Washington, DC.

Our mission is to unleash and celebrate the underrepresented voices and diversity of our artists, audiences, and community.

Tickets available here.

Rainbow Theatre Project:

A Deafening Sound

a cabaret directed & performed by Jeffrey Higgins

November 23 & 24, 2018
Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm

$35 General/ $30 for DCAC Members

On November 8th, 2015 Jeffrey Higgins was fired from his singing job in the Archdiocese of Washington for being a gay, married man. After a short battle with the Church, Jeffrey left music behind, finding it too painful to relive his sacking with every note he sang. A Deafening Soundis his return to the musical world. Using music from several genres, Jeffrey will tell a deeply personal story of shame, depression, love, and the climb back to stable ground.

Tickets available here. 

Chinese Menu March

October 28, 2018
Sunday at 10pm
$10 General / $8 Pre-Sale & Members

For those of you that don’t know, Chinese Menu Comedy put on a rock star mash up improv show for about 10 years. The show was a great outlet for old school players unable to commit to the grind of the improv style dues to geography or kids. We also enjoyed folding in newer players on the scene and giving hundreds of people in the community a chance to get together and play. Sometimes with some of the biggest out of town names in improv. We stopped our monthly show in the spring but we left the door open for “big deal or special occasion” shows. We think this one qualifies.
Luke Null (Saturday Night Live season 43 cast member and Chicago improviser) is in town and jumping on the Menu. Some great people are coming out to play with him.
The (tentative) cast includes:

– Luke Null (IO alum and season 43 cast member of SNL. loves the Bengals. from Cincinnati. great eyes.

– Denny Johnson (nice. pure joy. except when he’s not. Menu hall of Famer, Commonwealth alum, currently killing it with To Be Frank)

– Katie Carson Phillips (161 Alum, 1/3 of the all time great team, that person that we wish were available more. Biscuitville, pure joy. on our Mount Rushmore of DC improvisers)

– Jules Duffy (Chicago trained. Commonwealth alum. one of the smartest players around. so damn nice. until you’re a jerk)

– Donna Steele (RVA alum. plays with everyone. coaches everyone, takes great photos. very nice but will not hesitate to have a hard chat with you. sneaky young)

– Mikael Johnson (gadfly. one of the best teachers ever. Menu Hall Of Famer. honest to a fault. great dad. curious facial hair)

– Colin Murchie (161 Alum, “nobody has more vocabulary instantly available”- Shawn Westfall. intimidatingly smart. ju-jitsu devotee. elaborate scene painter. Also sneaky young.

– Justine Hipsky (Part of the Hellcat mob. educator. woke AF. cool pets. intimidatingly cool boyfriend.)

– Dan Milliken (IMusical mainstay, great coach, extraordinary server, looks bad in drag but is handsome AF

– Dots Thomas (plays with GUS, super handsome, loves BBQ, Naval officer, smarter than most.

– Pete Bergen- (whatever)

We have some invites out and will report back with a ticket link once the cast is filled out!
Until then plan on staying up a little later on the 28th!

Tickets available here.

Washington Improv Theatre Presents:
Road Show 

October 25 – November 18
Thursdays – Sundays at 7:30pm

October 27 & November 3
Saturday at 10pm

November 9 – 17
Saturday & Sunday at 10pm

Online Pre-Sale: $12 General / $10 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

What will happen at the WIT Road Show? Your guess is as good as ours! WIT’s company ensembles and special guests take over DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan with our thrilling, unpredictable performances! Each show’s line-up is unique and every performance is one-of-a-kind.

Tickets & more info available here. 

In Your Ear

November 18
Sunday at 3 pm
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Please join us for In Your Ear’s November reading & please hang out for Drinks / Coffee afterwards at Songbyrd

Julie Carr’s most recent books are Objects from a Borrowed Confession and the essay collection, Someone Shot My Book. A mixed-genre work, Real Life: An Installation, is due out in 2018. She lives in Denver where she helps to run Counterpath and teaches at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Chris Nealon is Professor of English at Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of two books of criticism, Foundlings: Lesbian and Gay Historical Emotion before Stonewall (Duke, 2001) and The Matter of Capital: Poetry and Crisis in The American Century (Harvard, 2011), and three books of poetry: The Joyous Age (Black Square Editions, 2004), Plummet (Edge Books, 2009) and Heteronomy (Edge, 2014). He recently completed a new manuscript, The Shore. He is currently at work on a critique of academic antihumanism. He lives in Washington, DC.

Edwin Torres is a New York City native and the author of eight books of poetry including, Ameriscopia (University of Arizona Press), The PoPedology of an Ambient Language (Atelos Books), and most recently XoeteoX: the infinite word object (Wave Books). Anthologies include: American Poets in the 21st Century (Vol. 4): Global Poetics, Who Will Speak For America, and Aloud: Voices From The Nuyorican Poets Café. His current 4-year project has been editing The Body In Language: An Anthology, forthcoming in 2019 from Counterpath Press.

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Tickets available here. 

In Your Ear

October 21

Sunday at 3 pm
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

We’re back! It’s kind of like a Pop-Up event, only we always meet on 3rd Sundays 🙂

Join us for the October installment of In Your Ear to hear two wonderful local poets. $5 at the Door (proceeds split between artists and DCAC), plus, we encourage tipping so that we may pay our artists a little extra.

Sepideh Jodeyri is a winner of the Jovellanos International Poetry Prize, ‘The Best Poem in the World’ in 2015 for one of her poems, Chãk, and a graduate in chemical engineering from Iran University of Science and Technology. Jodeyri has published several works, including six poetry collections, a collection of short stories and an anthology of her poems. Her articles and interviews have been published in Iranian newspapers and magazines as well as European ones. She has also translated poetry books by Edgar Allan Poe and Jorge Luis Borges as well as the graphic novel Blue Is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh into Persian.

Daniel D’Angelo’s poetry has appeared in The Collagist, alice blue, B O D Y, and elsewhere. He lives in D.C., thinks he works to advance and sustain higher education institutions, and juggles a few poetry manuscripts.

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Tickets available here. 

Marimba Cabaret  

September 27, 2018
Thursday at 7:30pm
$15 / $10 DCAC Members & Students

Come out of the musical closet with Brian & Erika! Marimba Cabaret is what happens when two classically-trained percussionists with a love of showtunes and shoes put on a show. Brian embraces his love of karaoke, marimba and heels, while Erika loves arranging awesomely bad songs for percussion and her voice. Together, they present a dynamic show full of musical theater, pop covers and guilty pleasures re-imagined for marimba, percussion and their voices.

Winner of the 2017 Critic’s Choice Award at PortFringe Theater Festival, Marimba Cabaret is a refreshing take on unexpected songs and stories. Audience members say “it’s a fabulous time” and “fun, unexpected, inventive, and full of heart!” Guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and sing along, there’s something for everyone in this eclectic evening of mash-ups and marimba covers.

Tickets available here.

The Klunch:
How to Win a Race War 

Written & Directed by: Ian Allen

September 21: Friday at 7:30pm
September 22: Saturday at 2:30pm & 7:30pm
September 23: Sunday at 2:30pm
September 28 – 30: Friday – Sunday at 7:30pm
October 6: Saturday at 2:30pm & 7:30pm
October 7: Sunday at 2:30pm
October 12 – 13: Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm
October 14: Sunday at 2:30pm
October 19: Friday at 7:30pm
October 20: Saturday at 7:30pm

$25 General / $20 DCAC Members
$40 Premium / $30 DCAC Members

Things take a darkly hilarious turn this fall, with the highly-anticipated world premiere of Ian Allen’s How to Win a Race War. The three-part comic satire, replete with song-and-dance numbers, and clocking in at three hours plus, is a parody of white supremacist “race war” fiction, which has proliferated in the years since Timothy McVeigh named William Pierce’s The Turner Diaries as inspiration for his brutal 1995 bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City. How to Win a Race War takes the audience on an epic journey from one end of the white supremacist bookcase to the other: from the fear of slave rebellions in the antebellum South, to the militant skinhead scene of 1990’s Boston, and waaaay beyond – into a liberal dystopian future packed with the sort of orchestrated chaos we are seeing from these dangerous groups today. Part satire, part exposé, and part horror show, How to Win a Race War is guaranteed to be an experience like no other.

For audiences ages 18+

Tickets available here.
*DCAC Members: For promo code please email info@dcartscenter.org or call 202-462-7833 during open hours Wed-Sun 2-7pm. 

In Your Ear

September 16

Sunday at 3 pm
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Bevil Townsend with social media coordinated by K. Lorraine Graham.

Buck Downs’ latest book is a selected poems, Unintended Empire: 1989-2012, just out from Furniture Press Books. He lives in the neighborhood east of Capitol Hill known as Stadium City and works as a writer and writing coach.

John Most is the author of Field, Timetable, Atelier, and Persephone. John’s latest video poem, co-written with Pauline Oliveros, is “In Absentia.” John lives in Crozet, Virginia. www.johnmost.com

Washington D.C. native Morowa Yejidé’s novel Time of the Locust was a 2012 finalist for the PEN/Bellwether Prize, longlisted for the 2015 PEN/Bingham award, and a 2015 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work. Her stories have appeared in the Adirondack Review, the Istanbul Review, and others.  Her short story “Tokyo Chocolate” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize, anthologized by Britain’s best of the Willesden Herald, and praised by the Japan Times. She received her MFA from Wilkes University and is currently a PEN/Faulkner Writers in Schools author. She lives in the D.C. area with her husband and three sons. Her next novel is forthcoming through Akashic Books.

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Tickets available here. 

Photo Credit: Michael Geffner||The Inspired Word NYC

Felicitations

September 8, 2018

Friday at 10pm
$5 General/ $2 for DCAC Members

Felicitations is an improv show focused on the joy of community, the double-edge nature of uncertainty, and the inevitability of change. Showcasing the breadth and depth of talent in the DC scene, this show will feature new combinations of improvisers and will explore the essence of improv: mining the richness of each and every moment. This show embraces the “both, and” of improv and life. With every choice, there is opportunity, and each change carries with it both celebration and lamentation. Audience participation is highly encouraged!

Tickets available here. 

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Reading Banned Books

August 24

Friday at 10pm
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale

There is nothing more subversive than reading banned books. Except maybe reading them naked…in public! Haters be damned, we’re doing it. Cherie Sweetbottom, GiGi Holliday, Alice Darling and Sucre a la Creme are stripping down at the DC Arts Center to show you why these pieces of literary rebellion are important.

Seating is limited, so advanced ticketing is suggested.

Tickets available here. 

Rainbow Theatre Project:

In the Closet

A World Premiere directed by H. Lee Gable

August 16 – August 18
Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm

August 23 – September 2
Thursday – Sunday at 7:30pm

August 27: Monday at 7:30pm

September 6 – 8
Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm
September 9: Sunday at 3pm

Saturday September 15 at 7:30pm

$35 General/ $30 for DCAC Members

The season will kick off in August with the world premiere production of Siegmund Fuchs’ In the Closet, a metaphysical comedy that follows four men, each living during a different time period, as they look at their lives in the place where all gay men begin, in the closet.

Tickets available here. 

We Finna Laugh: A Night of Comedy with Sampson 

August 10

Friday at 7:30pm
$20 General/ $15 for DCAC Members

Award winning stand up comedian and writer Sampson McCormick, returns to DC for a very intimate and uproariously hilarious and thought provoking comedy performance.

Tickets available here. 

Theory of Theories

Written & Directed by Sean Surla

Performed by Karoline Troger & Cristen Stephansky

August 3: Friday at 7:30pm
August 4: Saturday at 3pm
August 11: Saturday at 7:30pm

$15 General/ $10 for DCAC Members

Theories about life, love, desire, friendship, & connection… a play on vulnerability & evolving

Tickets available at door.  

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
THE MOVIES

July 27, 2018
Friday at 10pm
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale

Who doesn’t love a good movie? Your Naked Girls are no different. But we are far fonder of the tales, legends, graphics and novels that brought them into existence. Bring your popcorn and join us for a Night at the Movies, July 27th at 10pm!

Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center to present the sexy starlets GiGi Holliday, Alice Darling and special guest Nina LaVoix to entertain, seduce and even educate you.

Seating is limited, so advanced ticketing is suggested.

Tickets available here. 

It is better to speak!

July 27, 2018
Friday at 7:30pm

$10 General/ $8 for DCAC Members

RiverShe Collective Arts invites you to an evening of creative resistance & revival through spoken word, music, laughter, & community!

*DCAC members, please email info@dcartscenter.org to receive promotional code.

Tickets available here. 

THE ACCIDENTAL PILGRIM 

A NEW PLAY BY THEATRE DU JOUR
Directed by B. Stanley

July 7 – 15: Friday – Sunday at 7:30pm

July 19 – 26: Thursday – Sunday at 7:30pm

July 28 & 29: Saturday & Sunday at 7:30pm

$24 General/ $17 Fringe Button Discount

In this newly devised play Theatre Du Jour offers an intimate abstract spectacle with laser focus on humankind’s search for satisfaction. An unfulfilled individual starts on what he believes to be the road to his goals only to find the path is diverted and not as clear as he had imagined. Psychedelic visuals and sound caress the ensemble as they make their way through this decidedly obtuse adventure.

Featuring Jerry Herbilla, Jacquelyn Paulin, Rachel Reed, Kris Roth, and Annetta Dexter Sawyer. Sound design by Rob Gould and Nate Taylor.

This production is presented as a part of the 2018 Capital Fringe Festival, a program of the Washington, DC non-profit Capital Fringe.

Tickets available here. 

GNO: Gay Night Out 

June 23, 2018
Saturday at 7:30 & 10pm
$20 / $15 DCAC Members at the door

GNO brings together DC’s trendsetting LGBTQ musicians and performers for a night of queer excellence. You’ll be laughing, singing, and dancing your way through a new breed of nightlife entertainment.

Hosted by Jane Saw. Performances by Bryce, Hilary Morrow, and Jordan Genovese.

Tickets available here.

Chinese Menu March

June 22, 2018
Friday at 7:30pm
$10 General / $7 Pre-Sale & Members

These all star improv shows have been selling out for almost 10 years. Come see why!

Tickets available here.

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Comedy Undressed

June 22, 2018
Friday at 10pm
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale

We want to tickle your fancy and your funny bone! Join us as the Naked Girls read their favorite memoirs, tales, blogs and funny stories by the world’s most memorable jokesters! Cherokee Rose is in stitches to present GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and a to be announced for Naked Girls Reading Presents Comedy Undressed.

Seating is limited, so advanced ticketing is suggested.

Tickets available here.

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Science Fiction

May 18, 2018
Friday at 10pm
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale

By Grabthar’s Hammer, through time and space, in a galaxy far far away, to boldly go where no Naked Girl has gone before, join us for Naked Girls Reading presents SciFi Fantasy. Will we be the Mother’s of Dragons, The Queens of Fairy or ruler of a realm both Muggle and Wizard alike? Join us, faithful squires, through journeys far and wide starting at our home the DC Arts Center on an epic the Bards will sing for ages to come. Cherokee Rose returns to the shire with Alice Darling, Cherie Sweetbottom and GiGi Holliday at the DC Arts Center on May 18th at 10pm. So say we all!

Seating is limited, so advanced ticketing is suggested.

Tickets available here.

WIT Road Show: Interplay

May 3 – June 16, 2018
Thursday-Sunday at 7:30pm
May 4 – 12 &  May 25 – June 16
Friday & Saturday at 9:30pm

Online Pre-Sale: $12 General / $10 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Washington Improv Theater’s Interplay features dynamic collaborations between WIT’s own improvisers and artists from a myriad of disciplines—from music to puppetry to storytelling. These one-of-a-kind mash-ups will be unlike anything you’ve seen before on WIT’s stage!

Tickets available soon. More info available here. 

Zach and Kristin Will Make You Cry 

April 20, 2018
Friday at 10pm
$12 / $10 DCAC Members

Zach Mason and Kristin O’Brien, best friends and experienced DC comedians, will try (and fail) to move the audience to tears. Zach and Kristin Will Make You Cry is a parody comedy show that combines scripted sketches, improvised scenes, and multimedia elements inspired by Zach and Kristin’s lived experiences. A little silly, potentially profound, mostly cathartic. You will not be unmoved.  The show follows a theme from the magnitude of the universe to the singular experience of shameful alone time. Don’t close your eyes or fall asleep, because you don’t want to miss the spectacle of Zach and Kristin Will Make You Cry.

Tickets available here.

In Your Ear

December 17, 2017
Sunday at 3 pm
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Meg Ronan and Mike Walsh.

Tickets: dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Washington Improv Theatre Presents:
Rise Up!

November 9 – 25, 2017
Thursdays – Sundays at 7:30 pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 9:30 pm

Online Pre-Sale: $12 General / $10 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

What will happen at the WIT Road Show? Your guess is as good as ours! WIT’s company ensembles and special guests take over DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan with our thrilling, unpredictable performances! Each show’s line-up is unique and every performance is one-of-a-kind.

Tickets & more info: witdc.org

Chinese Menu Invitational

November 3 & 4, 2017
Friday at 7:30 & 10 pm
Saturday at 7:30 & 10 pm
$10 Pre-Sale & Members / $12 General

An invite only festival where the teams have been curated and vetted ensures that they are up to the Menu standard! We have secured the DCAC for the whole weekend. There will be workshops, shows, laughs, and as always, pizza.

Tickets:

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
A Comedy of Horrors

October 27 & 28, 2017
Friday and Saturday at 10 pm
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $13 DCAC Members

It’s so funny, it’s scary. A Comedy of Horrors, LIT’s Halloween-themed comedy variety show, includes stand-up comedians, improv teams and sketch comedy. You’ll have a wicked good time.

Tickets: laughindextheatre.com

In Your Ear

November 19, 2017
Sunday at 3 pm
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Meg Ronan, Mike Walsh

Tickets: dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Comedy Undressed

November 17, 2017
Friday at 10 pm
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale

We want to tickle your fancy and your funny bone! Join us as the Naked Girls read their favorite memoirs, tales, blogs and funny stories by the world’s most memorable jokesters! Cherokee Rose is in stitches to join GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling for Naked Girls Reading Presents Comedy Undressed, November 17th at 10pm.

Tickets: https://nakedgirlsreadingscomedy.brownpapertickets.com/

Chinese Menu Home for the Holidays

December 23, 2017
Saturday at 7 & 9:30 pm
$10 Pre-Sale & Members / $12 General

Lots of very talented people come home for the holidays so we like to make sure we get them on stage. Come see some of your favorite Menu Regulars mix it up with some of the most fun ex pats! There is so much talent we have 2 shows!

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3083068

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
A Very Naked Holiday

December 15, 2017
Friday at 10 pm
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale

The holiday season is no reason to turn into a Scrooge. Join us for Naked Girls Readings Presents: A Very Naked Holiday and you’ll be filled with so much holiday cheer your wee heart will grow three sizes this year. Already a Suzy Snowflake? Then you won’t want to miss this North Pole Express filled with heart, wit and just enough sass to make anyone’s belly shake with Naked Girl class. It’s become our Holiday tradition make it yours too!

The Naked Girls celebrate any winter holiday they can get their hands on with their ever-popular, A Very Naked Holiday show! Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling, GiGi Holliday, and a TBA special guest, December 15th at 10:00pm.

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3181468

Judge Me Not

October 14 & 15, 2017
Saturday at 10 pm
Sunday at 6:30 pm
$25 General/ $20 for DCAC Members

Judge Me Not is a diverse ensemble production featuring seasoned actors in a variety of characters. A unique monologue performance that takes you on a journey through the lives of 10 souls and challenges our snap judgement through storytelling. Judge Me Not delves deeper beyond the surface of others to incite a little more compassion.

Tickets:

Theatre du Jour Presents:

Accidental Pilgrim

October 12 – 28
Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 pm
$20 General / $15 DCAC Members

A NEW PLAY BY THEATRE DU JOUR

Directed by B. Stanley

In this newly devised play Theatre Du Jour offers an intimate abstract spectacle with laser focus on humankind’s search for satisfaction. An unfulfilled individual starts on what he believes to be the road to his goals only to find the path is diverted and not as clear as he had imagined. Psychedelic visuals and sound caress the ensemble as they make their way through this decidedly obtuse adventure.

Featuring Jerry Herbilla, Jacquelyn Paulin, Rachel Reed, Kris Roth, and Annetta Dexter Sawyer. Sound design by Rob Gould.

More Info: theatredujour.com

Tickets:

Chinese Menu

October 7, 2017
Saturday at 10 pm
$10 Pre-Sale & Members / $12 General

The kick ass, rock star, grimy little monthly all star show is back. Mark your calendars and make sure you don’t miss this show that has been selling out for years!

Tickets:

In Your Ear

September 17, 2017
Sunday at 3 pm
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. This month features readings by Nat Baldwin and Mugabe Byenkya.
Curated by Meg Ronan, Mike Walsh

Tickets: dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Washington Improv Theatre Presents:
Rise Up!

September 14 – October 1, 2017
Thursdays – Sundays at 7:30 pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 9:30 pm
Online Pre-Sale: $12 General / $10 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $10 DCAC Members

Over inauguration weekend in 2017, WIT presented a one-weekend politically-minded barrage of improv shows called Rise Up! That cathartic, eye-opening, and raw experience stirred something up in DC’s improv community and WIT is thrilled to present this three-week revisitation of politically inspired performances. Rise Up! explores all the ways the personal really is political, and vice versa. Part rallying cry, part group hug, Rise Up! is an artistic response to the life and times we live in.

Tickets & more info: witdc.org

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Mythology

September 8, 2017
Friday at 10 pm
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale

Beloved by Seshat, blessed by Aphrodite, and drinking buddies with Anansi, Naked Girls Reading DC is pleased to take you back to a time of myth and legend for Naked Girls Reading Presents: Mythology! Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with GiGi Holiday, Cherie Sweetbottom, and Alice Darling to pass down ancient and awesome tales of fairies, heroes, and the occasional trickster in this auspicously naked month of September.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingmyth.bpt.me/

Randy Syphax LIVE!

August 25, 2017
Friday at 10 pm
$5 / $3 DCAC Members

Come enjoy an evening of comedy with nationally touring comedian Randy Syphax as he tapes his latest special. It will be immediately followed by a Q&A with Randy.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/randy-syphax-live-tickets-37103608893

Chinese Menu Comedy

August 19, 2017
Saturday at 7:30 pm
$10 General / $8 Pre-Sale & Members
*Presale tickets (only available online) end at midnight the night before the event*

The kick-ass, rock star, grimy little monthly all star show is back. Mark your calendars and make sure you don’t miss this show that has been selling out for years!

Tickets: http://augmenu.bpt.me/

Go Get My Mom Improv

August 18, 2017
Friday at 8 pm
$12 General / $10 DCAC Members

A one night only comedy/storytelling performance, Go Get My Mom is centered around finding humor in life’s darker moments. Erik Beringer, John Barnes, and David Vaughn Staughn are three Virginia-based comedians with distinct and unique performance style brought together under one roof to share personal experiences and give you something to laugh about and they are making Washington D.C. the fourth stop on their five city tour.

Tickets: http://gogetmymom.brownpapertickets.com/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Internets

August 11, 2017
Friday at 10 pm
At the door: $27 / $22 DCAC Members and Presale
*Presale tickets (only available online) end at midnight the night before the event*

You know it, you love it, it’s made you partially blind, let us bring you the best of it we can find. From the hilarious to the disturbing, Naked Girls Reading presents the Internet! Cherokee Rose returns to the DC Arts Center with Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling, and GiGi Holliday at the DC Arts Center on August 11th at 10pm.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadinginternet17.bpt.me/

Videofreex Presents:
Mayday ’71

August 7, 2017
Monday at 7:30 pm
$10 / $8 DCAC Members

The first public preview of a new edit of rare footage of the largest civil disobedience in American history against the Vietnam War, which took place in Washington DC April 19 – May 5, 1971. The slogan was “If the Government won’t stop the war, we’ll STOP THE GOVERNMENT!” Recorded by thirty of the first generation of video filmmakers, armed with the first generation of portable video, the action-packed doc witnesses the protests from inside as well as interviews with Rennie Davis and Dr. Benjamin Spock. The new film has been re-edited for the 21st century with added newly discovered footage and international titles, by Emmy-winning filmmaker Skip Blumberg, an original member of Videofreex and Mayday Video.

More information: http://dcartscenter.org/performance6.htm

***From the Archives***

Rainbow Theatre Project Presents:

Blue Camp

September 16 & 18, 2017
Saturday at 3 pm, Monday at 7:30 pm

$15 General / $13 DCAC Members

Blue Camp is a drama with humor that takes place on an Army base somewhere in the U.S. in the late summer of 1964, just prior to the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Soldiers accused of homosexuality are kept in the Blue Barracks awaiting discharge while criminal soldiers are kept in the Green Barracks. These are the days leading into the event known as the Vietnam War. Written by Tim Caggiano and Jack Calvin Hanna. Directed by Christopher Janson.

The Rainbow Theatre Project offers eclectic performances that honor and uplift the gay community and affirm the worth of all people. Support LGBTQ Theatre.

Tickets:

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Sketch Night

December 1, 2017
Friday at 10pm
Online Pre-Sale: $10 / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 / $13 DCAC Members

LIT’s Sketch Night is an entire show devoted to sketch comedy. Brought to you by both of LIT’s house teams, Separate Beds & The Employables, each month’s show is a different theme with new material.

Naked Girls Reading Presents
Neil Gaiman

July 14, 2017
Friday at 10 pm
$27 General / $22 DCAC Members and Pre-sale

Sandman, Neverwhere, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Norse Mythology. Do those words bring excitement to your very being? Then this is the show for you! Don’t know those titles yet? Then come and find out about this amazing literary and film sensation. We can never get enough of Neil Gaiman so Naked Girls Reading dedicates the month of July to the winner of a multitude of literary awards, our Erudite hearts and one of our Favorite Author’s, Neil Gaiman!

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3024574

Chinese Menu

July 10, 2017
Monday at 7:30 pm
$12 General / $10 DCAC Members

The shows we had last year with our guests from the Second City gave us some of the best work and most memorable moments of the year. Including our current cover and event page photo!! They are back! We are waiting on confirmation for how many Chicago friends will be joining us. Once we know we will get those tickets available. Unlike last year it looks like we will only get ONE SHOW with them. You know it will be good.

Tickets: http://cmcsc3.bpt.me/

MOLOTOV THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS:
A READING BY RAFAEL ALVAREZ

July 11
Tuesday at 7 pm
FREE

Molotov Theatre Group brings Rafael Alvarez, author and writer for “The Wire” to DCAC on July 11, to kick off his latest book tour.

Rafael Alvarez, the author of 11 books and a former writer for the legendary HBO series “The Wire,” is coming to the DC Arts Center (DCAC) on July 11 to read selections from his new collection, “ Basilio Boullosa Stars in the Fountain of Highlandtown.” The reading will be followed by a question and answer session with attendees.

“Basilio Boullosa Stars in the Fountain of Highlandtown” is a mix of stories including such far-flung subjects as a junk man and his Greek lover, duck blood soup, flying John Lennon dolls, and a hot-air balloon shaped like the head of Elvis Presley. Basilio Boullosa is Alvarez’s alter-ego, an artist who brings canvases to life at night while painting the side of seafood trucks by day to make ends meet.

A lifelong Baltimorean, Rafael Alvarez graduated with a degree in English from Loyola University of Maryland. For twenty years, he worked as a City Desk reporter for the Baltimore Sun. He quit the paper in 2001 to work as a laborer on cable ships and soon after began writing for HBO’s police drama, The Wire. Since 2009, Alvarez has concentrated on writing books and screenplays for independent films.

Of Alvarez’s new book, Guggenheim Fellow Deborah Rudacille writes, “Past and present converge in an eternal now for both writer and character, a now flavored with the ache of abandonment.”

“Alvarez’s characters are a particular kind of American—those restless souls who leave because they cannot stay but who refuse to surrender the sight, smell, taste, and touch of that which has been lost. They live in a permanent state of exile, a liminal world of the present shot through with the past, how enchanting the ache.”

WHO WHAT WHERE THEATER PRESENTS:
WE FOUND THE WILD THINGS

July 8 – 16
Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 pm
Sundays at 3 pm
$15 General / $10 DCAC Members

Friendships are formed, broken and rewritten in Andrew Reid’s new coming-of-age story We Found the Wild Things. Seven friends mark seven New Year’s Eves in their hometown, learning the value of what we carry with us and of what we leave behind.

Tickets: www.whowhatwheretheaterco.org

Steampunked Stories

June 24, 2017
$8 General / $6 DCAC Members

This riotous performance of the wildly inventive Steampunked Stories by Tom Howell, including an imaginative slide show, punctuated throughout with eruptions from his time machine. It’s full steam ahead as Tom and his film crew activate the sparks and white lightning from the dome of his creation. Audience will be filmed, a portion of the proceeds to be donated to Autism Speaks. This event is family friendly, and will offer free kazoos!

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steampunked-stories-tickets-35429874709?aff=utm_source%3Deb_email%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_campaign%3Dnew_event_email&utm_term=eventurl_text

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Nerdettes

June 23, 2017
At the door: $27 General/ $22 DCAC Members and Presale
*Presale tickets (only available online) end at midnight the night before the event*

Are you in possession of a TARDIS key, Sorting Hat, and your very own Precious? Then do we have a show for you! On the heels of Awesome Con, DC’s official Naked Girls are here to definitively prove Nerds can be Sexy. Naked Girls Reading Presents Nerdettes will showcase tales of Hobbits, Mutants, and The Doctor. Join the Nerdalicious Cherokee Rose, GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, and Alice Darling at the DC Arts Center on June 23rd at 10 pm. Dress in your best nerdy/cosplay outfit to enter our Nerdettes Costume Contest.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2988902

In Your Ear

May 21, 2017
$5 General / FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. This month features readings by Toby Altman, Lauren Hunter, and Justin Sirois. Curated by Meg Ronan, Tony Mancus, and Mike Walsh.

Tickets: http://www.dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Washington Improv Theatre Presents:
Road Show

May 4 – June 18, 2017
Thursdays – Sundays at 7:30 pm
Fridays & Saturdays at 9:30 pm
Online Pre-Sale: $12 General / $10 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $10 DCAC Members

What will happen at the WIT Road Show? Your guess is as good as ours! WIT’s company ensembles and special guests take over DC Arts Center in Adams Morgan with our thrilling, unpredictable, performances! Each show’s line-up is unique and every show is one-of-a-kind!

Tickets: witdc.org

Chinese Menu

April 29, 2017
$12 General/ $10 DCAC Members

Keisha Zollar​ is coming to town and we are putting some fun people on stage with her.
Mark your calendars and get your tickets. Chinese Menu shows have been called “The Ramones” of the improv scene. Why? Because they are bare bones and a kick ass rock and roll good time. No real kitsch. No gimmicks. No real hook other than the best in town having a great time.

Tickets: http://april2017.bpt.me/

In Your Ear

December 18, 2016
$5 General / FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. This month features readings by J.K. Daniels, Kelly Chick, and Camognhne Felix.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
A Hot & Sweaty Holiday 7, Part 2

December 16, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $15 General / $13 DCAC Members
Door: $20 General / $18 DCAC Members

Seven times the charm and holiday spirit of its predecessors, the seventh annual “A Hot & Sweaty Holiday” will have seven times the laughs!

Join us at the DC Arts Center on 12.16.16. You’ll laugh so hard you’ll sweat the holiday pounds away, and your ticket purchase will help Bread for the City.

The show is ninety minutes long with no intermission. Tickers are $20 online, and all proceeds go to Bread for the City. Tickets are $25 CASH ONLY at the door.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2711681

The Wheel Theatre Company:
At Sea, Staring Up
by Finegan Kruckemeyer

December 9-11, 2016
$20 General / $15 DCAC Members

The Wheel is a new theatre company in Washington, DC dedicated to telling stories about bringing human beings from all walks of life together. The Wheel’s first production is the North American Premiere of At Sea, Staring Up by prolific Australian playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer. Set over three continents and one vast ocean, this richly poetic, magical realist romance weaves together the lives of five individuals searching for direction and belonging. Anyone that has ever lost their way will see themselves echoed in these characters’ journeys.

Tickets: ​www.thewheeltheatre.org

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Sketch Night
With Separate Bed and The Employables

December 2, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

During this show, Separate Beds & The Employables, two sketch house teams at Laugh Index Theatre, will perform sketch comedy.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2505743

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
All Work & Some Plays
By Mr. Lifeguard

December 2 – 3, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

An evening of short plays written and performed by LIT’s Mr. Lifeguard.
For more info, please visit: www.laughindextheatre.com

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2497488

In Your Ear

November 20, 2016
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. This month’s readings will feature James Belflower & Matthew Klane, Michelle Dove, & Matvei Yankelevich.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Poetry

November 19, 2016
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

Remember, remember, the month of November, with Naked Girls, charming and hot! Naked Girls Reading DC is proud to present Naked Girls Reading: Poetry! Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling, GiGi Holiday and a TBA special guest star on November 19th at 10pm.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingpoetry16.bpt.me/

Tabla for Two Presents:
Birthday Beats Concert

November 13, 2016
$20 General / $15 DCAC Members

Tabla for Two is celebrating Abigail’s birthday by playing fabulous new music! Abigail Adams Greenway and Masood Omari have created original compositions drawing from rich musical traditions, blending classical Eastern beats with Western style to produce a powerful fusion for the tabla and harmonium. Many who have heard this music describe it as mesmerizing, energizing and transcendental. It is without a doubt a unique experience! Tabla for Two will be joined by Sofya Savkina, dancer.

Please call 202-462-7833 for reservations

Hot Spot

November 11, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

One night only! It’s LIT’s musical comedy show! You’ll hear funny songs from our Laugh Index Players plus you’ll see them improvise songs and freestyle rap! This show is so much fun that it will hit your hot spot!

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2530170

Sketch Comedy

November 4 & 5, 2016
$15 General/ $12 for DCAC Members

Turkeys make for great pets–especially around the holidays. If you like sketch comedy and American holidays (not to mention elections), this sketch comedy show might be right in your bailiwick. Join us for an evening of laughter, love, and lewdness. And let’s make Thanksgiving ThanksKEEPing.

Tickets: https://urgentcreations.ticketleap.com/thankskeeping-comedy/

***From The Archives***

Theatre du Jour:
To Have Done with the Judgement of God

October 21 – November 12, 2016
$20 General / $15 DCAC Members

Halloween is creepier and more bizarre with the return of the critically acclaimed To Have Done with The Judgement Of God.​ Profane and irreverent, profound and funny, this multi-media spectacle explores the futility of our relation to the government, nature, God and our bodies.

“Hallucinatory images … visual shock tactics … surreal pageantry” – The Washington Post
“Do not miss this production … an ambitious and audacious project.” – DC Theatre Scene

Having spent much of his final years in various mental asylums, Artaud resurfaced in 1947 with a radio play: To Have Done with the Judgement of God. The work remained true to his Theatre of Cruelty, utilizing an array of unsettling sounds, cries, screams and grunts, and it was shelved by French Radio the day before it was scheduled to air on February 2, 1948. Artaud died one month later. Using the text as a roadmap Theatre Du Jour uses sound, imagery, projections, video and music relay the author’s convictions as to the futility of government, the usurping of nature, the dismissal of God and man’s perverted relation to his body. This rare and unusual performance fuels the debate of whether Artaud was a visionary or a madman; sublime or insane

View the Trailer

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2606312

In Your Ear

October 16, 2016
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. This month’s readings will feature Cathy Eisenhower, Taylor Johnson, and Jee Leong Koh.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More info at: http://dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

The Chinese Menu Comedy Invitational

October 14, October 15, 2016
$10 General/ $8 for DCAC Members

Chinese Menu Comedy took the summer off to prepare for one of its biggest endeavors yet:
The Chinese Menu Comedy Invitational
One weekend. Five blocks of shows. Lots of out of town teams paired with the best in DC in a team-team mash up type format.

Each of the first four blocks will pair an out-of-town team with a mash up of DC’s best. Each group will do their show and then play as one team to close out each block. The last show of the weekend will be a mash-up featuring players from participating teams and some special guests . The line up is still coming together but here is who is coming to town so far:
Amie and Kristen Show – (PHIT & MAGNET)
Maxitor – (Fine Line Comedy ((BOSTON))
GUS – (Baltimore Improv Group)
(DC casts subject to change)

Schedule:
Friday at 7:30 – DC team / GUS / mash up
Friday at 10 – DC team / The Amie and Kristen Show / mash up
Saturday at 7:00 – DC team / Maxitor / mash up
Saturday at 9 – DC team / Visiting team / mash up
Saturday at 11- Three end of event mash ups featuring players from participating teams, DC players and special guests!

Tickets: http://cmcinvitational.bpt.me/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Something Wicked

October 21, 2016
$25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

This October, DC’s Naked Girls Reading celebrates its fifth-year anniversary with Naked Girls Reading Presents Something Wicked! Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with Cherie Sweetbottom, GiGi Holliday, Alice Darling and Special Guest, Lyra Valkyrie, on October 21st at 10pm. The Naked Girls will scare the pants off you with tales to thrill and chill; disturb and perturb; tease, tantalize and terrify! This special annual show will feature a costume contest judged by the Naked Girls themselves and naked tarot card readings by the Bewitching Beauty, Cherokee Rose!

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingwicked5.bpt.me/

Press Play Hump Days

October 12, 2016
Pre-sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with any form of flatulence-based humor. Seriously. This is not a joke. We keep track. Press Play has performed at venues across the country such as the LA Improv Festival, Steel Stacks, and the Del Close Marathon. We also perform regularly at improv theaters around DC, and once at a birthday party. The birthday boy threw cake.

Chinese Menu Comedy

October 8, 2016
FREE

Summer is ending and the Chinese Menu Comedy Invitational is in October. Before we get there we thought we would get back to business with a good old fashioned Menu mash up featuring DC’s best!

Please call 202-462-7833 for more information and reservations

Laugh Index Theatre Presents: A Comedy of Horrors

October 7, October 28, October 29, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

It’s so funny, it’s scary. A Comedy of Horrors, LIT’s Halloween-themed comedy variety show, includes stand-up comedians, improv troupes and sketch comedy. You’ll have a wicked good time.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2359130

Sketchy Comedy & Riotous Readings

September 30, October 1, 2016
$15 General/ $10 DCAC Members

Rabble Crew Productions presents a double-shot of light theater.

Friday we feature bawdy comedy (think SNL) written and performed by local women including Star Johnson, Madeline Farrington, Cristen Stephansky, Yvonne Paretzky, and Kristina Brooks.

Saturday will be an evening of side-splitting staged readings with light blocking. Playwrights featured will include Dara Gold, Matt Spangler, and Jessica Bylander.

Both evenings contain adult humor, offensive language, off color jokes, and women in pearl clutching situations.

Tickets: http://rabblecrew.brownpapertickets.com/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Comedy Undressed

September 23, 2016
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

We want to tickle your fancy and your funny bone! Join us as the Naked Girls read their favorite memoirs, tales, blogs and funny stories by the world’s most memorable jokesters! Cherokee Rose is in stitches to join GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and our Special Guest, 2016 So You Wanna Be A Naked Girl Winner, for Naked Girls Reading Presents Comedy Undressed.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2162993

In Your Ear

September 18, 2016
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an  vant­garde tradition.

This month’s readings are from Mathias Svalina, Danielle Evennou, Temim Fructher, Angelique Palmer.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

How To…
Sex Education: 8 One Acts in 2 Weekends

September 16, September 17, September 23, September 24, 2016
$15 General/ $10 DCAC Members

Rabble Crew Productions flexes it tutorial muscles with an eclectic posse of DC­based playwrights, directors and actors. With four original shows per weekend, you’re sure to learn a lesson or two!

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-sex-education-8-one-acts-in-2-weekends-tickets-27217456144

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
House Comics

September 16, October 7, November 18, December 16, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door: $15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre presents it’s monthly House Comics show and open mic. For more information, please visit: www.laughindextheatre.com

Tickets: http://lithousecomicsshow.bpt.me/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
So You Wanna Be a Naked Girl

August 26, 2016
$25 Door/ $20 Pre-sale & DCAC Members

Have you always wondered how your Naked Girls do it? Ever daydreamed about joining Cherokee Rose & company in their fun? Wanna know what it’s like to sit onstage with your favorite book, displaying your (ahem) good literary taste to a crowd? Well, if you’re ready to give it your all while showing your all, now’s your chance!

Tickets: http://soyouwannabeanakedgirl3.bpt.me/

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Three’s Comedy

August 24, September 7, September 21, October 5, October 19, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $5 General / $3 DCAC Members
Door: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre ​ LIT knows the rules of comedy, and we’re bringing you the power of three. Three types of comedy. One Show. Come on, and knock at our door….

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1149281

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Improv Wars

August 22, August 29, September 12, September 19, September 26, October 3, October 10, October 24, November 7, November 14, December 5, December 12, 2016
Online Pre-Sale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
Door:​ ​$15 General / $12 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre – LIT’s IMPROV WARS is a friendly competition among improv troupes representing all factions of improv within the DC area. The audience votes for the winner. Both audience members and performers should prepare to enter a surprise-filled combat-zone where ANYTHING goes. After all, this is war.

All matches, team stats, rules and all things IMPROV WARS can be found at the LIT website: www.laughindextheatre.com

May the “yes and” be with you!

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/833561

Bad Medicine

August 20, 2016
$10 Door/ $8 DCAC Members

Bad Medicine is a sketch comedy group specializing in the dark, the cerebral, and the absurd. It has grown into one of the most eclectic sketch groups in the District featuring a cast of singers, lawyers, and students with the shared goal of writing the best sketch comedy about the worst of humanity. No side effects. No horse pills. No cures. This show’s special guest is comedian, Martin Amini.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2589396

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Summer Blockbusters

July 22, 2016
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

The summer in DC is hot, Hot, HOT! And Naked Girls Reading Presents Summer Blockbusters has no intention of cooling you off. We are bringing you the best of the hits of the summer; scripts from movies, hot gossip, insider info on movie making and more. Civil War was amazing but the debate is always better when your DC Naked Girls are involved. Let us, help you; choose a side on July 22 nd, 10pm at the DC Arts Center. This month features returning special guest Natasha Nacre.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2564484

Press Play Hump Days

July 20, 2016
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with any form of flatulence-­based humor. Seriously. This is not a joke. We keep track. Press Play has performed at venues across the country such as the LA Improv Festival, Steel Stacks, and the Del Close Marathon. We also perform regularly at improv theaters around DC, and once at a birthday party. The birthday boy threw cake.

Tickets: http://pressplaydcac.bpt.me/

Chinese Menu

July 11, 2016
$12 General / $10 DCAC Members

Chinese Menu on a Monday? In the summer? We know we said we were taking off until The Invitational in October but we couldn’t miss an opportunity to bring you a great show.

Why a Monday? Because a good part of the cast for this show is from the Second City touring company and they are in town looking to find some quality playtime. So here we are.

Some people joining our guests from Chicago include:
Mikael Johnson
Rich Nyman
­Colin Murchie
­Ceci de Robertis
­Josh Kuderna
­Pete Bergen

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2571424

75 Lezbos, 2 Trannies, 1 Pannie, Me & Me Too!
A part of the 11th Annual Capital Fringe Festival July 7 ­ 31, 2016

July 8 & July 10, 2016
$17 General/ $15 for DCAC Members
*(If you have a F​ringe button ​your ticket is $10 General / $8 Members)*

After experiencing tremendous pain and the unexpected loss of a love Me thought was forever, she turns to Me Too for understanding, meaning, and self­awareness in processing her grief to find new love.

Tickets: email info@dcartscenter.org or call 202-­462-­7833

Molotov Theatre Presents:
Blood, Sweat, & Fears:
A Grand Guignol Sick Carbaret
Translated from the French by Richard Hand and Michael Wilson

July 7 – July 31, 2016
$25 General / $20 DCAC Members

Get ready for some scary, campy, sexy fun from the turn of the 19th century, courtesy of the warped minds of D.C.’s Molotov Theatre Group.

Blood, Sweat & Fears: A Grand Guignol Sick Cabaret features English translations of three nearly­forgotten one-act plays from the Theatre du Grand Guignol, the influential style of French horror theater that was popular from the 1890s to the 1960s. (President Eisenhower was a patron!
Look it up!)

Stitched together by bawdy mistress of ceremonies Bella Donna, the production uses music, laugh and scares to take you back to a simpler time for the horror and suspense genre.

Director: Alex Zavistovich; Assistant Director: Elliott Kashner; Composer: Gregory Thomas Martin Lighting Designer: Pete Vargo; Costume Designer: Jesse Shipely; Set Designer: Mary Seng; Stage Manager: Sara Smith

Featuring: Jen Bevan, Zack Brewster­Geisz, Elizabeth Colandene, Katie Culligan, David Dieudonne, Brian Kraemer, Alex Miletich IV, Fabiolla Da Silva, Jennifer Restak, Mallory Shear, Annette Mooney Wasno, and Gray West

• This show will be featured as a case study in a textbook planned for 2017 on the Grand Guignol tradition, to be released by the University of Exeter Press.
• Parental discretion advised: May not be appropriate for some children under age 13.
• The running time is approximately one hour and 20 minutes, with no late admission and no readmission.

About the one-­act plays in Blood, Sweat & Fears: A Grand Guignol Sick Cabaret:
The Lighthouse Keepers​: A father and son, caring for a remote lighthouse, settle in for the long haul, with the next boat of provisions weeks away. Then one of the two reveals a secret that locks father and son in a struggle to the death.
Tics (or Doing the Deed) : A sex farce about a young couple visiting the country estate of a wealthy doctor and his wife. What the women don’t know is when things get hot, the men can’t keep from hiding signs of their arousal.
The Last Kiss​: A young man, convalescing in a hospital after having been scarred by a jealous lover invites the woman to his room to make peace with her. As things progress, “peace” may not really be what he’s after.

Tickets: molotovtheatre.org

Steampunked Stories

June 24, 2016
$15 General / $10 DCAC Members

A multimedia storytelling of a group of people’s adventures on a time traveling airship, who journey to different periods in history and investigate various psychic phenomena. The stories are told by the author and his time machine, which emits intriguing sounds, laser beams, and fog during each time travel event. Now featuring the NUDIE­KAZOO all girl band.

Audience: 18+

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steampunked-stories-tickets-25895988599

In Your Ear

June 19, 2016
$5 General / FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-­garde tradition. This month’s readings are from E.C. Belli, Brooke Ellsworth, K. Lorraine Graham, & Roberto Montes.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus

More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Summer Improv Medley

June 12 – June 19, 2016
$20 Door/ $15 DCAC Members + Presale
*(June 17th show: $10 Door/ $5 DCAC Members + Presale)*

Laugh Index’s “Summer Improv Medley 2016” is an improv festival showcasing the best blend of improv comedy you’ll find in DC. Summer Improv Medley consists of 26 shows, over 50 acts and 15 workshops.

See full schedule on www.laughindextheatre.com

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2557764

Press Play Hump Days

May 18, June 22, 2016
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

It’s our second annual Red Nose Day charity comedy show! This year, help Press Play raise money for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Teens and Young Adults. Last year we raised over $770 for a local food bank. Help us raise even more, and help the Ulman fund help young folks diagnosed with cancer.

Nearly 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year. The Ulman fund changes lives by creating a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, impacted by cancer. Read more about the Ulman fund here: http://ulmanfund.org/

This is our line-­up for this night of comedy for a cause:
*Comedy from O’Bernie­rama!
*Improv from Herringbone!
*Music from Tone!
*Stand up comedy from Phil Mike!
*Even more improv from your hosts Press Play!

Here is info about our performers!

O’Bernie­rama:
O’Bernie­rama is a comedic exploration into the political characters Bernie and Obama, performed by Press Player Matt Mansfield and Jose Lopez­Sanchez. Jose has been performing improv comedy in the Washington D.C. area since 2013, and has been stuntin’ on everybody since 1993 (though he was born in 1987). Jose is a founding member of several independent troupes, including Middle Child and The Rock Creek Ramblers. Matt Mansfield is famous for being in Press Play, among other things.

Herringbone:
Herringbone is a DC indie team formed in February 2016 by two scientists, an investigator, and a teacher. They like to perform character­driven, grounded, and energetic scenes that develop organically. Blasphemous and classy, sexy and profound, Herringbone keeps the audience on its toes. The two scientists are dating each other.

Music: Tone
Tone is an Artist, Songwriter, Activist, Washington DC Native, and Hip hop Caucus spoken person Make sure you stay on the look out for his New Project and Book coming this summer 2016. Thisistone.com
Instagram:aye_tone

Stand Up: Phil Mike
Phil Mike is a D.C. based comic who has been performing standup for the last year. His realizations on life and his racially ambiguous heritage have brought him to venues across the area, including The Big Hunt in Washington D.C., the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Winchester and The Boneyard in Charlottesville.

Press Play:
Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with any form of flatulence­based humor. Seriously. This is not a joke. We keep track. Press Play has performed at venues across the country such as the LA Improv Festival, Steel Stacks, and the Del Close Marathon. We also perform regularly at improv theaters around DC, and
once at a birthday party. The birthday boy threw cake.

Tickets: http://pressplaydcac.bpt.me/

In Your Ear

May 15, 2016
$5 General / FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant­garde tradition. This month features readings by Jen Tynes, Kelly Forsythe, and Michael Sikkema.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Chinese Menu

May 14, 2016
$12 General/ $10 DCAC Members

So long for now? Yup. Chinese Menu is going on an indefinite hiatus from its monthly all star mash up show so make sure you dont miss this installment. We are finishing strong with a powerhouse group from the DMV. We have some great DC players mashing up with some of the ladies of GUS (Baltimore Improv Group) and returning from Charlottesville is a Menu favorite. We even a cast member with a birthday!

Committed so far:
­ Denny Johnson
­ Mikael Johnson
­ Brigit Cavaiola
­ Kathryn Carlsen
­ Heather Moyer
­ Rachel Showalter
­ Joe Randazzo
­ Macey Schiff
­ Pete Bergen
(CAST SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2541842

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Herstory

May 13, 2016
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

4 years ago, one courageous Naked Girl had a dream to bring seductiveness, sassiness and education to DC in the form of, Naked Girls Reading. Three other brazen Naked Girls joined her and the rest, as they say, is Herstory. Join us as we tell the tales of brave, scary and dauntless journeys to gain peace, joy and righteousness at Naked Girls Reading Presents Herstory, May 13th, 10pm at the DC Arts Center. The past has never been so alluring.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingherstory.bpt.me/

Washington Improv Theater Presents:
Road Show: Pandemonium

May 12 – June 11, 2016
$15 / $10 Members

As DC’s premier company for long-form improv, WIT’s ensembles make up the most experienced and skilled improvisers in the city. Spurred by a single audience suggestion, these creative performers spontaneously build entire worlds populated by colorful characters and situations. Each performance is a one­-of-­a-­kind show, never to be seen by another audience.

Tickets: ​witdc.org

Press Play Hump Days

April 20, 2016
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play hosts and produces a monthly show featuring some of the best comedy, music, and storytelling acts in the area!

Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with any form of flatulence-­based humor. Seriously. This is not a joke. We keep track. Press Play has performed at venues across the country such as the iO West Festival, Steel Stacks, and the Del Close Marathon. We also perform regularly at improv theaters around DC, and once at a birthday party. The birthday boy threw cake.

Dudes on Dudes:
Dudes on Dudes (DoD) is an independent long­form improv troupe from Washington, DC. featuring: Ahmed Amonette, John Beck, Nicholas Boros, Charles Bowles, Anthony Cusumano, Phil Greene, Keegan Hines, and David Richman; coached by Xavier Padin. Members of the group met during their Harold class at Washington Improv Theater and have since worked together to master the Harold format and take over the comedy scene in DC. Members of DoD have also trained at DC Improv Comedy School, The Unified Scene Theater, Dojo Comedy and The Second City in Chicago.

Cake Bagel:
Cake Bagel is as whimsical as pink icing and as savory as smoked salmon. Or at least that’s what they tell themselves to justify their pre­-show carbo­-loading. Formed in 2012, the troupe has logged several years’ worth of shows around the Washington, D.C. area, including featured appearances at Washington Improv Theater’s Seasonal Disorder, Harold Night and road shows. Cake Bagel has also brought its glutenous goodness to the Del Close Marathon, North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, Baltimore Improv Festival, District Improv Festival and Chicago Improv Festival. Bold, character­-driven and super-­fun, a Cake Bagel show is like having your cake…and eating a bagel, too. Cake Bagel is Sophia Cai, Tim Hunt, Jordana Mishory, Richie Pepio and Julia Rocchi. The team is coached by Jonathan Murphy.

Jon Watkins and Porter Ryan:
2/3rds of The Bloody Onions, Porter Ryan and Jon Watkins join us tonight in the hopes of rocking our collective socks off with their musical stylings, ranging from blues to Irish to folk. Porter comes to us from the Palisades of DC, while Jon inhabits the sleepy borough of Kensington, MD.

Tickets: http://pressplaydcac.bpt.me/

In Your Ear

April 17, 2016
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant­garde tradition.

April’s In Your Ear will be celebrating the recently released anthology, What I Say: Innovative Poetry by Black Writers in America.

A little about the book:
What I Say: Innovative Poetry by Black Writers in America is the second book in a landmark two-­volume anthology that explodes narrow definitions of African American poetry by examining experimental poems often excluded from previous scholarship. The first volume, Every Goodbye Ain’t Gone, covers the period from the end of World War II to the mid-­1970s. In What I Say, editors Aldon Lynn Nielsen and Lauri Ramey have assembled a comprehensive and dynamic collection that brings this pivotal work up to the present day.

Several of the poets discussed in What I Say forged relationships with members of the L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E poetry movement and participated in the broader community of innovative poetry that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s and continues to exert a powerful influence today.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus

More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Chinese Menu

April 16, 2016
$12 General / $10 DCAC Members

Two old friends of Chinese Menu are coming to DC to mash up and do some ‘prov with the Menu. Terry Withers from the Upright Citizens Brigade and Patrick Gantz from the Richmond Comedy Collective will take the stage with the most fun, most talented and most dangerous improvisers in town.

Get on it early. These shows sell out quickly.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2530215

Theatre du Jour Presents:
To Have Done with the Judgement of God
By Antonin Artaud

April 15 – May 7, 2016
$20 / $15 DCAC Members

Theatre Du Jour brings unbridled spectacle to the small stage with Antonin Artaud’s 1947 radio play, To Have Done with The Judgement Of God. Written and produced for French Radio, the cacophonous rant against government and religion was shelved until after Artaud’s death. Using the play as a roadmap, this production utilizes sound, imagery, projections, and music to explore the author’s conviction of the futility of man’s relation to government, nature, God, and his body. Profane and irreverent, profound and funny, this performance fuels the debate of whether Artaud was a visionary or a madman, sublime or insane. Featuring Rachel Reed, Jerry Herbilla, Jacquelyn Paulin, and Annetta Dexter Sawyer. Directed by B. Stanley. Soundscapes by Nate Taylor and Rob Gould, sculptural costuming by Stephanie Williams.

theatredujour.org

What the Washington Post is saying >
What the DC Theatre Scene is saying What the DC Theatre Scene is saying >

View the trailer

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2503699

Pivotal Encounters:
3 One Act Plays About Family Surprises

April 9, April 10, 2016
$20 / $15 Members

Three unique stories that dig deep into the surprising ways your heart, mind and very existence are transformed by a drunk grandmother, long lost brother, and a mom who tries to find herself by being an internet sex kitten.

Tickets: call 202­462­7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org
More information: ​oneactsthisway.wix.com

April Fool’s Laughstravaganza:
Four Original Comedies

April 8, 2016
$18 / $15 Members

Winter is over… Let’s laugh!!! Join us for four short, original, side­splitting comedies. What happens when four bros ponder the meaning of deep commitment? What shenanigans ensue in a lighthouse when a young stranger pops in for an unexpected visit? Who vandalized the saloon overnight and why? And what happens when a family just seems a little too perfect? It’ll be a show you won’t want to miss. See it once. See it twice. Bring a friend!

“The Last Rager” written by Andy De, directed by Rebecca Fischler
“On the Rocks” by written by Jenny Oberholtzer, directed by Patrick Miller
“A Fistful of Doilies” by written by Erica Smith, directed by Jenny Oberholtzer
“Family Circus” by written and directed by Michael Reilly

Tickets: ​thecoilproject.org

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Internets

April 8, 2016
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

You know it, you love it, and it’s made you partially blind, let us bring you the best of it we can find. From the hilarious to the disturbing, Naked Girls Reading presents the Internet! Cherokee Rose returns to the DC Arts Center with Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling, and GiGi Holliday at the DC Arts Center on April 8 th at 10pm.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadinginternet.bpt.me/

Space in Comedy: Ladies’ Night

April 1, 2016
$15 / $10 Members

Looking for some April Fools Day jokes?
Come watch some of DC’s finest comedic talent! And the best part? This show is run and performed completely by women! Join the amazing comedian and host Stacey Axler on April 1st at 10:00pm at DCAC and explore the often under­represented population of Women in Comedy! Who knows, maybe this will be your chance to see a future president or late night talk show host perform live on stage! Either way, this will be a magical experience not to be missed.

Tickets: ​http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2519981

In Your Ear

March 20, 2016
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant­garde tradition. This month brings readings from Rod Smith, Bettina Judd, and Carabella Sands.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information: dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Chinese Menu

March 19, 2016
$12 General/ $10 DCAC Members

This month Ryan Karels from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater is in town. The best improvisers in town will join the cast and mash up for the usual Menu awesomeness. Get your tickets now.

About Ryan:
Ryan Karels is the representative comedian for all of North Dakota (Huffington Post, 2011) and is a member of Grandma’s Ashes. Previous Harold Night teams were Decoster, Creep and Filth. Ryan is one of KROMPF. Past shows at the UCB include Radio Rogue, The Ol’ Factory, Intellectual Yoga, Your Favorite Thing, After School Super Power Hour, and The July 4. Off­Broadway with Les Freres Corbusier he performed in Hell House, Heddatron, Boozy, and The Franklin Thesis and was in the original cast of Gutenberg, the Musical! On television he has portrayed well-­liked characters such as Bernie the Hernie, Derek McGillicuddy, Ryan, Matt Yaegar (Meth Head), Hank, Dad, Guy with a Mullet, other Dads, and the Google Horseman.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2512771

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Science Fiction

March 11, 2016
$25 General / $20 DCAC Members

By Grabthar’s Hammer, through time and space, in a galaxy far far away, to boldly go where no Naked Girl has gone before, join us for Naked Girls Reading presents Science Fiction. Cherokee Rose to the holodeck with Alice Darling, Cherie Sweetbottom and GiGi Holliday.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingscifi.bpt.me/

Freshly Squeezed

March 4 & March 5, 2016
$15 General/$12 for DCAC Members

Do you like laughter? Well this show is for you! In one hour, we will chuckle your belly about Oscars, droids taking over the world, and pronunciation mistakes. Who doesn’t think pronunciation mistakes aren’t not not funny?

Tickets: Freshly Squeezed

Laugh Index Theatre:
“All Work and Some Plays”
by The Employables

February 27, 2016
$15 / $12 Members

The Employables, a performance troupe comprised of the Theatre Lab’s 2015 Honors Conservatory graduates, are ready for work and employable ­­ as actors. They’ve written and will star in their first show!

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/2497488

In Your Ear

February 21, 2016
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant­-garde tradition. This month’s readings will be by Jay Deshpande, Tafisha Edwards, Natalie Infante, & Kevin Thurston.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

​More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Real Magic:
A Magic Show Benefitting N Street Village

February 21, February 28, 2016
$37 / $30 DCAC Members

Award­Winning Magician Danny Dubin invites guests to enjoy a unique blend of crisp sleight of hand and astonishing illusion, all in support of N Street Village. Live goldfish appear out of thin air, volunteers’ thoughts are predicted and borrowed objects mysteriously appear in random locations. Dubin believes that magic has the power to bring people together, and he is proud to present “Real Magic.”

Your $37 ticket provides 30 hot and nutritious meals to women in need at N Street Village. The added cost is a processing fee.

N Street Village empowers homeless and low­income women to claim their highest quality of life by offering a broad spectrum of services and advocacy in an atmosphere of dignity and respect. The Village also provides affordable rental housing for low­ and moderate­income individuals and families.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/real-magic-a-magic-show-benefiting-n-street-village-tickets-20487417417

Chinese Menu

February 20, 2016
$12 General/ $10 DCAC Members

The February installment of Chinese Menu Comedy is coming up. These monthly improv shows are always fun. No troupes or teams, just a collection of the best players in DC and beyond mashing up for party in three acts.

The all stars this month:
Topher Bellavia
Mikael Johnson
Krish Mohan
Molly Murchie
Dave Johnson
Rich Nyman
Jordan Hirsch
Yuliya Malamud
Chris Ulrich
Yael Grant
Pete Bergen
Ken Hays

Tickets: ​http://febmenu.bpt.me/

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
i heart improv

February 19, February 20, February 26, 2016
$10 / $8 Members

Time to put away the high-­calorie chocolates, mixed tapes and lame greeting cards. Steer clear of those once­-you’ve­-seen-­one­-you’ve-­seen­-them­-all romantic comedies. This February, listen to your heart and its one true desire ­­ the desire to laugh hysterically. “i heart improv” will fulfill this desire and introduce you to a new passion, long-form improv comedy. The commitment is only for one night, but it’s a night you’ll always remember.

Press Play Hump Days

February 17, March 16, 2016
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play hosts and produces a monthly show featuring some of the best comedy, music, and storytelling acts in the area! Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with a fart joke. Seriously. That’s how committed Press Play is to the craft of long-form improv. The group performs in festivals around the country, theaters around DC, and once at a birthday party.

Tickets: ​http://pressplaydcac.bpt.me/

My Funny Valentine

February 14, 2016
$20 / $15 Members

My Funny Valentine Comedy Show (MFV) is a fun, entertaining, and refreshing stand­up comedy show featuring local comics in support of ending chronic homelessness in Washington, DC. This year’s show will mark the 6 th year running.

MFV comedy show is balanced with an array of comedic styles that is sure to capture the audience’s attention while leaving them laughing and craving for more! Each show is hosted by its creator, Adaylah Banks, while disc jockey, DJ K­La keeps the audience musically entertained between sets and throughout the show!

Check out this year’s lineup: Comedian Stiletto, Adaylah Banks, Mike “Ol Mike B” Brown, Rue D., Greg Stevens, and Tommy Taylor, Jr.

35% of the proceeds will benefit Miriam’s Kitchen

Tickets: ​http://adaylahbanks.com/tix

Tabla for Two:
New Music for the New Year

February 7, 2016
$20 General / $18 DCAC Members

Tabla for Two is a musical duo consisting of Masood Omari and Abigail Adams Greenway. Masood has created original compositions drawing from rich musical traditions, blending classical Eastern beats with Western style to produce a powerful fusion for the tabla and harmonium. Many who have heard this music describe it as mesmerizing, energizing and transcendental. It is without a doubt unique! Tabla for Two will be joined by Sofya Savkina, dancer, and Helen Burns, singer, for this performance.

Tickets: Email info@dcartscenter.org or call 202­462-­7833

In Your Ear

January 17, 2016
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-­garde tradition. Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: ​dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Chinese Menu

January 16, 2016
$12 General / $10 DCAC Members

It is the first Menu show of 2016! The cast is still coming together but you know we always have at least one first timer. Early commits to this show include long overdue Eva Lewis and the exciting Tyler Laminack! Returning to the cast are Menu veterans Jaci Pulice, Bryan Jackson, Pete Bergen and Nick Murawski as well as Menu Hall Of Famer Mikael Johnson

The rest of the show is coming together but rest assured that Menu awesomeness will happen.

Tickets: http://janmenu.bpt.me/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Come into My Parlor

January 15, 2016
At the door: $25 General / $20 for DCAC Members and Presale

Join us as we start the year with our annual New Years tradition of salacious books, kinky authors and naked women. It was such a rousing good time last year we had to bring it back to ring in 2016. Come Into My Parlor features DC’s official Naked Girls: Cherokee Rose, Gigi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, and Alice Darling performing an aural assortment of Erotica to warm those chilly January bones. We invite you to join us at our home, the DC Arts Cetner, to kick off the New Year with sexiness, kinky tricks, lustful yearnings, and a salacious rendezvous or two, if you’re lucky, on January 15th at 10 pm.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2476569

Washington Improv Theater Presents:
Road Show!

January 14 – February 13, 2016
$15 General/ $10 for DCAC Members

As DC’s premier company for long-form improv, WIT’s ensembles make up the most experienced and skilled improvisers in the city. Spurred by a single audience suggestion, these creative performers spontaneously build entire worlds populated by colorful characters and situations. Each performance is a one-­of-­a-­kind show, never to be seen by another audience.

Tickets: ​http://witdc.org/

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Three’s Comedy

January 13, January 27, February 3, February 10, March 2, March 9, April 6, April 13, May 4, May 11, 2016
$10 / $5 DCAC Members and Presale

LIT knows the rules of comedy, and we’re bringing you the power of three. Three types of comedy. One Show. Come on, and knock at our door….

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/1149281

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Improv Wars

January 11, January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, February 29, March 7, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, 2016
$10 / $8 DCAC Members and Presale

Laugh Index Theatre ­ LIT’s IMPROV WARS is a friendly competition among improv troupes representing all factions of improv within the DC area. The audience votes for the winner. Both audience members and performers should prepare to enter a surprise­filled combat­zone where ANYTHING goes. After all, this is war. All matches, team stats, rules and all things IMPROV WARS can be found at the LIT website: www.laughindextheatre.com

May the “yes and” be with you!

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/833561

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Improv Wars

January 11, January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, February 15, February 22, February 29, March 7, March 14, March 21, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23, 2016
$10 General / $8 DCAC Members and Pre-Sale

Laugh Index Theatre ­ LIT’s IMPROV WARS is a friendly competition among improv troupes representing all factions of improv within the DC area. The audience votes for the winner. Both audience members and performers should prepare to enter a surprise­filled combat­zone where ANYTHING goes. After all, this is war.

All matches, team stats, rules and all things IMPROV WARS can be found at the LIT website: www.laughindextheatre.com

May the “yes and” be with you!

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/833561

The Best of:
The International Shorts Film Festival

January 9, 2016
$10 General / $7 DCAC Members

A comedic babysitting snafu out of Argentina, a bitter divorce drama from India, a violent outbreak in a West Texas roadside dive. Out of 500 cinematic shorts representing 70 countries, D.C.’s International Shorts Film Festival cherry-picked these as some of the best of the fest. Settle in for a two-hour screening of the top 10 and you’ll catch shorts like “Best of Festival Winner” Cuerdas, from Spain. This tender animated treat introduces you to a young school girl who makes a very special new friend. Shorts from Spain racked up “Best Comedy” and “Best Feature” awards as well, with Grown Ups and Sermon on the Mount, respectively. You’ll also see an unexpected “bump in the night” comedy from France, as well as charming animated tales from Germany and Ireland.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/best-of-the-international-shorts-film-festival-2015-tickets-19937165599

Steampunked Stories

January 6, 2016
$10 General / $7 DCAC Members

Steampunked Stories is a multimedia event about the adventures of a group of people on a time traveling airship, who journey to different periods in history and investigate various psychic phenomena. The stories are told by the author and his time machine, which emits strange sounds, laser beams, and fog during each time travel event. The series presented is an Action/Adventure Comedy with a twist of paranormal, and a touch of humor.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/

The Eulogy

November 29, 2015
$15 General / $12 DCAC Members

See the award­winning, sold­out hit of the 2015 Capital Fringe, IndyFringe, Scranton Fringe, and Atlantic Fringe!

After an eight-­city North American tour, The Eulogy returns to DC for one night only! This will be the last performance of The Eulogy for 2015 and the last performance in North America before the show heads to Australia.

Set at the funeral of “Thomas” — a man who, after a lifetime of gluttony, died from eating too many eggs — The Eulogy features a menagerie of characters whose inept and inapt speeches give anything but a proper homage. The only tears at this funeral will be from laughing.

Praise for ​The Eulogy:​
“a comic gem” The Washington Post
“hilarious … deftly written” The Indianapolis Star
“a triumph” Washington City Paper
★★★★★ “insanely funny” NUVO
★★★★★ “brilliant” DC Theatre Scene
★★★★★ “magnificent” DC Metro Theater Arts
“outstanding” The Coast
“incredible” NEPA Scene

Ages 15+

Tickets: ​TheEulogyDCAC.brownpapertickets.com

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Get Lit

November 22, 2015
$5 General / $3 DCAC Members

GET LIT is Laugh Index Theatre’s student showcase. It will feature our stand­up students and Sara Armour. For more information, please visit: www.laughindextheatre.com

Tickets: http://getlit.bpt.me

Chinese Menu

November 21, 2015
$12 General / $10 DCAC Members

Chinese Menu invites you to our November show where we get in touch with what makes us great. Sure, we regularly bring in guests from other theaters but these shows started out as and remain a gathering place for the very best improvisers in DC.

The overwhelming majority of those players have spent time learning, teaching, or performing at Washington Improv Theater. The team here at Chinese Menu appreciates all they do. How do we celebrate them? We bring back the team that, in our opinion, is on a short list of the best teams to ever come out of DC.

161!!!

Come out and join the cast:
Colin Murchie
Dave Johnson
Tyler Korba
Katie (Carson) Webster
Topher Bellavia
Mark Chalfant
Greer Smith
Mikael Johnson
Mike Bass
Catherine Deadman
The night will be kicked off by returning DC comic, Kay Marvin!
There will be revelry, pizza and beer next door after the show.
(cast and host subject to change)

Tickets:​ http://novmenu.bpt.me/

Press Play Hump Days:
Comedy Turducken Night

November 18, 2015
Presale: $10 General / $8 DCAC Members
At the door: $12 General / $10 DCAC Members

Press Play hosts and produces a monthly show featuring some of the best comedy, music, and storytelling acts in the area!

This month, Press Play is getting into the holiday spirit with our Comedy Turducken Night. It’s improv, stuffed into music, stuffed into stand­up, stuffed into imprpov! And unlike the poultry turducken, it’s safe for vegetarians. And we hope it will be way funnier though a turducken is pretty funny already, in a sick way.

Members of the DC Arts Center get $2 off each ticket. All audience members get $200 off a workplace improv workshop from Mindhatch (www.mindhatchllc.com)!

We’ll have real performances from some funny and talented people:
* Stand­up from Charles Lipper
* Improv from Middle Child Improv Troupe
* Music from AZTEC SUN
* Improv from Mighty Mighty School Project
* And more make­em­ups from your hosts, Press Play

Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with a fart joke. Seriously. That’s how committed Press Play is to the craft of longform improv. The group performs in festivals around the country, theaters around DC, and once at a birthday party.

Tickets: http://pressplaydcac.bpt.me/

In Your Ear

November 15, 2015
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant­-garde tradition. This month features readings by Sandy Florian, Justin Limoli, and Mel Nichols.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: http://www.dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Washington Improv Theater:
Seasonal Disorder

November 12 – November 14, November 19 – November 21, November 27 – November 28, 2015
$15 General / $10 DCAC Members

Embrace the chaos of the holidays! At Washington Improv Theater’s medley of unscripted shows, you never know what the performers will unwrap. From iMusical’s famous improvised musicals to the improvised romantic comedy Improv Actually, each show is full of wonderful surprises.

Tickets: ​http://witdc.org/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
A Night at the Movies

November 6, 2015
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

Who doesn’t love a good movie? Your Naked Girls are no different. But we are far fonder of the graphics, legends, and novels that brought them into existence. Bring your favorite movie night pal and join us for a Night at the Movies! Naked Girl style. Cherokee Rose, is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with the stunning starlets GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom Alice Darling and one of our most infamous Naked Girls guests of all time, 2014 So You Wanna Be A Naked Girl contestant, Michelle Carnes of The Eye.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2412783

Mikey Scott: Bad Choices

October 27, 2015
$15 / $10 DCAC Members

Mikey Scott, one of the original Queers of Comedy, has been seen on Oxygen’s “Funny Girl’s,” Showtime’s “2015 AVN Awards,” WE’s “Sex Box,” “Dante Presents: The Gay List” and, most recently, the movie “Bro, What Happened?”

Stepping away from his acclaimed weekly show, “The Mikey and Teddy Comedy Hour” in West Hollywood, Mikey brings to DC stories of his pursuit of love, fame and fortune and, well, all the wrong choices that have made for hilarious stories along the way.

Join him on a journey that will leave you with laughter in your heart and a pretty strong feeling you just might need to buy him a drink!

Tickets: ​http://mikeyscott.brownpapertickets.com

Press Play Hump Days

October 21, 2015
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with a fart joke. Seriously. That’s how committed Press Play is to the craft of longform improv. The group performs in festivals around the country, theaters around DC, and once at a birthday party.

Tickets: http://pressplaydcac.bpt.me/

In Your Ear

October 18, 2015
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Happy Buddha XX:
Last Call for Buddha

October 17, 2015
Pre­sale: $10, Door: $15 / $8 DCAC Members/Military/Student

It’s been a wonderful ride, but the time has come to say goodbye! This will be our final non/Toys for Tots Buddha show, and there will be some great comedy for a great cause! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Marine Corps Birthday Ball! Our awesome trio of troupes includes: The Lodge, Prettier Than You, and Dial M for Nasty! Don’t miss our bye-bye Buddha!

If you are not able to attend the show, but would still like to make a donation to the Marine Ball, you may do so via the ticket link.

Tickets: https://buddhatwenty.eventbrite.com/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Something Wicked

October 16, 2015
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

This October, DC’s Naked Girls Reading celebrates its four­year anniversary with Naked Girls Reading Presents Something Wicked! Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with Cherie Sweetbottom, GiGi Holliday, Alice Darling and Special Guest, Lyra Valkyrie. The Naked Girls will scare the pants off you with tales to thrill and chill; disturb and perturb; tease, tantalize and terrify! This show will feature a costume contest judged by the Naked Girls themselves, so dress in your spooky best, and tarot card readings by the Bewitching Beauty, Cherokee Rose!

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingwicked2015.bpt.me

Molotov Theatre Presents:
Lovecraft:
Nightmare Suite

October 15 – November 8, 2015
$25 General / $20 DCAC Movie

A tribute to the godfather of modern horror, Lovecraft: Nightmare Suite presents a theatrical experience taken directly from H.P. Lovecraft’s stories, essays and poetry. Six strange tales of monsters, madmen and mayhem are brought to life.

Director: Jay D. Brock
Composer: Gregory Thomas Martin

Cast:
Storyteller/Old Man: Alex Zavistovich
Randolph/Young Man: Brian McDermott
Warren/Gentleman: Elliott Kashner
Narrator/Woman: Jen Bevan
Outsider/Landlady: Jennifer Restak

Box Office: 7:00 pm; Doors: 7:15 pm
Showtime: 7:30 pm

Run time: Approximately 85 minutes with no intermission
There will be no late seating.

Please plan to arrive at least an hour before show time to find parking in Adams Morgan.

Tickets: ​www.molotovtheatre.org

Chinese Menu Comedy

October 10, 2015
$12 / $10 DCAC Members

First it was Amey Goerlich. This time Tim Martin makes his return to DC! He will be joined by some of DC’s best including Greer Smith, Mikael Johnson, Tara Maher, Kate Symes, Chis Ulrich as well as some of his former team mates from “bright young things,” Joe Randazzo, Pete Bergen and Sir Shawn Westfall. This will also be the last Menu show for Hall of Famer Cara Hayes! She is headed off to Nairobi. Let’s make sure to come out and show her the love.

Tickets: http://octmenu.bpt.me/

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
A Comedy of Horrors

October 2, October 3, October 30, October 31
$15 General / $10 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre presents ‘A Comedy of Horrors’, a Halloween-themed comedy variety show that includes LIT’s stand-up comedians, improv and sketch teams. There are six shows, and the line-ups vary. You’ll have a wicked good time.

Tickets: http://laughindextheatre.com

Improv Spectacular

September 25, 2015
$12 General / $8 DCAC Members

An improv show benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Featuring a mega awesome line-­up of local teams!

Current line-­up:
Sandwich and the Jets
Ugh
Jukebox Heroes
and an awesome mash­up team created specifically for this show!

The show begins at 7:30 PM and 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com

In Your Ear

September 20, 2015
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-­garde tradition.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More info at: http://dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Chinese Menu Comedy

September 19, 2015
$12 General / $10 DCAC Members

Amey Goerlich from the UCB Theater is in town to play with some of the best DC has to offer. Mark your calendars as Chinese Menu returns from its summer break. This show will also feature the Menu debuts of Dennis R. Johnson and Marianne Lalonde! Also, Chadd will be there and the show will open with his story.

Lots going on so this will be a hot ticket!

Also in the line up: Zak Roland, Greg Tindale, Kate Symes, Pete Bergen, Murphy McHugh, Ken Hays, Joe Uchno, Rich Nyman, Mikael Johnson

and more…..

(cast subject to change)

Tickets: ​http://septmenu.bpt.me/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Comedy Undressed

September 11, 2015
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

We want to tickle your fancy and your funny bone! Join us as the Naked Girls read their favorite memoirs, tales and funny stories by the world’s most memorable jokesters! Cherokee Rose is delighted to join Gigi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and Special Guest, 2015 So You Wanna Be A Naked Girl Winner, Natasha Nacre, for Naked Girls Reading Presents Comedy Undressed

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2162993

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Three’s Comedy

September 2, September 9, September 23, October 7, October 28, November 4, November 11, 2015
$10 General / $5 DCAC Members

Laugh Index Theatre ­ LIT knows the rules of comedy, and we’re bringing you the power of three. Three types of comedy. One Show. Come on, and knock at our door….

You’ll see:
LIT’s House Comics (our resident stand­up/storytellers)
LIT’s Community Sauna (our short­form improv team)
and our newest long­form improv team.

Non­member tickets are $5 online before 5 pm the day of the show, and $10 CASH ONLY at the door.

Tickets: ​www.laughindextheatre.com

Laugh Index Theatre Presents:
Improv Wars

August 24, August 31, September 7, September 14, September 21, September 28, October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9, November 16, 2015
$10 / $8 DCAC Members and Presale

Laugh Index Theatre ­ LIT’s IMPROV WARS is a friendly competition among improv troupes representing all factions of improv within the DC area. The audience votes for the winner. Both audience members and performers should prepare to enter a surprise­-filled combat-­zone where ANYTHING goes. After all, this is war.

The first match of the 2015­16 season will be Monday, August 24th at 7:30 pm in Adams Morgan, where current Best Of IMPROV WARS champions, Door #3, will face of with Helper Pony.

Non-­Member tickets are two-­for ­$15 or $10 online until 5 pm the day of the show, and $15, CASH ONLY, for a single ticket at the door.

All matches, team stats, rules and all things IMPROV WARS can be found at the LIT website: www.laughindextheatre.com

May the “yes and” be with you!

Tickets: ​www.laughindextheatre.com

Press Play Hump Days

August 19, 2015
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members, Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play’s monthly show returns with a super lineup: Stand­up from Dana Fleitman, Improv from DC favorite Jive Turkey, Music from Chase Willet, Improv from your hosts, Press Play

Laughs, music, and more laughs. Hope to see you at the show!

***Performer Bios***
Dana Fleitman is a Washington, D.C. comedienne who brings laughter to the joyless masses of our nation’s capital through her imaginative over­-analysis of everyday life. Clever, sarcastic and generally awesome, Dana will merrily pontificate on groundbreaking and original topics like her cat, dating and eating. Dana comes from an activist and social justice background and is excited to lend her voice to less important issues. She has appeared at the DC Improv, Howard Theatre and the She Devil Comedy Festival.

Dallas native, Chase Willett, draws on dynamic vocals and penetrating lyrics to produce movingfolksongs.

JiveTurkey is one of DC’s oldest independent troupes, and since 2008 has been a unique blend of comedy spices blended together to create a mouthwatering taste for the senses. Though some might say they are just two idiots who get together and get their fast-­paced brand of smart improv on when they’re not slaving away at the heels of their oppressive DC jobs for the MAN and to escape their sad little lives. That first thing sounds better though. Sounds like a gourmet pizza. Yeah, a pizza, let’s go with that. With nationwide performances, numerous festivals and over 25 comedy years between them,JiveTurkey stars Joe Randazzo (Sistine Robot, Madeline) and Chris Ulrich (King Bee, Nox).

Press Play was founded in 2010 and, not to brag or anything, has yet to have a show with a fart joke. Seriously. That’s how committed Press Play is to the craft of long-form improv. The group performs in festivals around the country, theaters around DC, and once at a birthday party.

Tickets: http://pressplaydcac.bpt.me/

Happy Buddha XIX: Georgia On My Mind

August 15, 2015
Pre­sale: $10, Door: $15 / $8 DCAC Members/Military/Student

On August 15th, Buddha returns, and it will be a celebration, beeyatches! Our dear friend, the lovely
and talented Katie McDermott is departing for the Dirty South, and this show will be in her honor.
Currently slated to perform are: Hot & Sweaty, Fisticuffs, and,with members coming down from the
Big Apple for this very special occasion, Late Expectations! And, of course, we’re sending Ms. McD
back to the Dirty South with a killer, thriller mashup of her dear funny friends!

Tickets: ​https://augustbuddha.eventbrite.com/

The Capital City Showcase

August 15, 2015
$10 General / $8 DCAC Members

The Capital City Showcase is the variety show featuring the best comedians, musicians, and performing artists in the DMV! For over four years, The Showcase has featured some of DC’s best stand-­up comedians, improv comedians, storytellers, bands, acoustic performers, and hip-­hop artists.

For tickets and info: www.capitalcityshowcase.com or call 202-­431-­4704.

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
So You Wanna Be a Naked Girl

August 14, 2015
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

Do You Have What it Takes to Get Naked?

Have you always wondered how the ladies of Naked Girls Reading do it? Ever daydreamed about joining Cherokee Rose & company in their fun? Wanna know what it’s like to sit onstage with your favorite book, displaying your *ahem* good literary taste to a crowd? Well, fair contestants prepare to give your all while showing your all!

The lucky winner, chosen by YOUR votes, will join us as our very special guest for the September 2015, Funny Bone performance, and­ who knows?­ may be called upon for other, future shows.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingsywb2015.bpt.me/

BAD MEDICINE SKETCH SHOW

June 19 and July 25
Saturdays at 10 pm
$10 General/ $8 for Members

Bad Medicine is a DC-­based sketch comedy group specializing in the dark, the cerebral, and the absurd. Though it has humble beginnings­­–conceived over a plate of tater tots and a few warm beers­­–Bad Medicine has quickly grown into one of the most eclectic sketch groups in the District and features a cast and crew trained by Second City, the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, Washington Improv Theater, The DC Improv, and DoJo Comedy. They are a group of singers, designers, lawyers, and students with the shared goal of writing the best sketch comedy about the worst of humanity. So please join Bad Medicine for the second ever Bad Medicine Show!

No side effects. No horse pills. Just comedy.

Featuring:
Stand up from Baltimore comedian Mike Moran
A character piece from DC improviser Kate Symes

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1900039

Press Play Hump Days

July 15, 2015
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play brings the comedic heat to your summertime goodness! Come out for a fantastic night of comedy!

Home Improv Mints (improv troupe)

Andre Cutair (musician)

Michael Scherzer (storyteller)

Press Play (longfrom improv) ­ That’s us! One of DC’s longestrunning improv teams and frequent
festival performers brings the comedic heat! Well, comedic spring breeze. Comedic heat for our
summer shows.

Tickets: ​http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1071265

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
We Can Do It

July 10, 2015
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

“You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” Join us as we share the stories of female empowerment both real and imagined, new and old, and what it really means to be female. The power is within us all and needs to be shared to grow. Cherokee Rose, is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with the Ferocious GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and special guest Pria Puss!

Mark your calendars for August 14th at 10pm and the annual competition of Naked Girls Reading DC Presents: So You Wanna Be a Naked Girl. Where one lucky Lady will be chosen by YOUR votes to join us as our very special guest for the September 2015 show, and ­ who knows?­ may be called upon for other, future shows.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1733275

Molotov Theatre Presents:
Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom

July 9 ­- August 2, 2015
$25 General / $20 DCAC Members

A psychologically addictive video game emulates players’ actual neighborhoods as the onscreen environment. Moving from one level to the next means destroying armies of zombies. But what does it mean for the neighbors who aren’t playing the game?

Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom is directed by David Dieudonne and assistant directed by Elliott Kashner, with musical composition and sound design by Molotov stalwart Gregory Thomas Martin, lighting design by Pete Vargo, set design and projections by Rachel Marie Wallace, costumes by Jen Bevan, and fight choreography by Mallory Shear.

The ensemble cast comprises Jen Bevan, Yoni Gray, Brian Kraemer, Annette Mooney Wasno, and Molotov Artistic Director Alex Zavistovich.

In a suburban subdivision with identical houses, parent find their teenagers addicted to an online horror video game. The game simulates the players’ actual neighborhood as the on­screen environment. Moving from one level to the next means destroying armies of zombies. But as the teens approach the Final House, the zombies start looking more and more like their parents.

*A WARNING FOR AUDIENCE MEMBERS: Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom contains adult language, realistic and hyper­realistic portrayals of violence, and strobe effects. Parents of children under 13 are cautioned.*

Tickets: http://molotovtheatre.org/

In Your Ear

June 21
Sunday at 3 PM
$5 General/ FREE for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-­garde tradition. Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: dcpoetry.com/iye

THE CAPITAL CITY SHOWCASE

June 20
Saturday at 10 PM
$10 General / $8 DCAC Members

The Capital City Showcase is the variety show featuring the best comedians, musicians, and performing artists in the DMV! For over four years, The Showcase has featured some of DC’s best stand-up comedians, improv comedians, storytellers, bands, acoustic performers, and hip-hop artists.

For tickets and info: www.capitalcityshowcase.com or call 202-431-4704

Press Play Presents:
Hump Days

June 17
Wednesday at 7:30 PM
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play brings the comedic heat to your summertime goodness! Come out for a fantastic night of comedy!
Home Improv Mints (improv troupe)
Andre Cutair (musician)
Michael Scherzer (storyteller)

Press Play (longfrom improv) ­ That’s us! One of DC’s longestrunning improv teams and frequent festival
performers brings the comedic heat! Well, comedic spring breeze. Comedic heat for our summer shows.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1071265

Happy Buddha Presents:
The Last Roundup

Saturday at 10 PM
Presale: $10, Door: $15 / $8 DCAC Members/Military/Student
*Presale tickets (only available online) end at midnight the night before the event*

On December 7, 2013, JJ Jackson, John Heiser, Lura Barber, and I made our debut as Pony Poni Pone! in a Happy Buddha show at the DC Arts Center. We had an absolute blast, made each other double over with laughter, and called it an improv set, just because it was easier to call it that than “Having Fun With Friends In Front Of A Paying Audience”.

Over the next year and a half, we went on to have a riotous good time under the guise of putting on an improv show at Buddha shows, opening for ShawnMikael(s), Spring Medley Washington Improv Theater events, and, of course, in our own beloved sister city of Baltimore thanks to Charm City Comedy Project and Baltimore Improv Group. Lura left us amicably, the lovely and hilarious Deanna Price took her place, and we kept having a ball all the while. With the help of our incredible coach, Topher Bellavia, we developed a unique, patient, style that we enjoyed performing and people have seemed to enjoy watching. Of the many troupes I’ve been in over the years, 3P has easily been the most consistently funny and fun.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end; my troupemates are in demand these days as members of several of the best indie troupes in town, as well as in Washington Improv Theater Harold and house teams. As for your beloved Buddha, I am busy doing all of this adult stuff, getting my life act together, and making up of lost/wasted time both careerwise and personally. We’re all up to good stuff which keeps the four of us from practicing, and, with all due respect to my fellow Hoya Allen Iverson, we gotta practice. And we just don’t have the time, so, with great sadness, we have decided that we will no longer perform as just 3P, though we will still invite our buddies to join us as Ponies and Friends! We love playing with each other, but if we’re going to do it, we want to do it right, for us and for you, our audience. June 13th at 10 PM will be our last show, and we will be joined by some very special guests, including @Richmond Coalition Theater House team The Johnsons, local indie superstars Press Play, and veteran standup Wayne Manigo. It’s the last roundup for 3P, and we hope you’ll come and join us.

Tickets: https://junebuddha.eventbrite.com/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
THE 3RD ANNUAL NERDETTES

June 12
Friday at 10 PM
At the door: $25 General / $25 DCAC Members and Presale

The Nerds have inherited the earth. Long live the Nerds! On the heels of Awesome Con, Naked Girls Reading Presents: The 3rd Annual Nerdettes. To prove yet again, without a doubt, nerds are sexy. Naked Girls Reading is bringing high class to nerd culture favorites like Mutants, Caped Crusaders and The Doctor. Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to DCAC with the Nerdalicious Gigi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom, Alice Darling and special guest the Porcelain Provocateur Lucy Flawless of Chicago. Dress in your best Nerd themed costume for our Nerdettes costume contest!

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingnerds3.bpt.me/

STEAMPUNK STORIES

June 7
Sunday at 7:30 pm
$10 / $7 DCAC Members

Steampunk Stories is a series of five short stories about the adventures of a group of four people on an airship, with a time travel device, that journey to different periods in history to investigate various psychic phenomena. Raconteur Tom Howell will deliver his amazing tales of travels back in time onboard the airship Flying Capricorn. Actual hysterical characters such as Ratko, Aleistar Crowley, Nostradamus, Tesla, and Edgar Cayce will come to life before your eyes.

Tickets: 202­462­7833 or ​info@dcartscenter.org

WASHINGTON IMPROV THEATER PRESENTS:
SUMMER LOVE

Fridays and Saturdays
June 5­, 6 at 7:30 / 10 pm
June 12­, 13, 19­20 at 7:30 pm
June 26­, 27 at 7:30 / 10 pm
$12 (online) $15 (door) / $8 Members

As DC’s premier company for longform improv, WIT’s ensembles make up the most experienced and skilled improvisers in the city. Spurred by a single audience suggestion, these creative performers spontaneously build entire worlds populated by colorful characters and situations. Each performance is a one-­of-­a-­kind show, never to be seen by another audience.

Tickets: www.witdc.org

ACT DC Black Pride Weekend LGBTQ Theater Showcase:
Good Hope Road

May 24, 2015
$15 / $12 DCAC Members

Inspired by the very first DC Black Gay Pride Weekend observance in 1991, nearly every Pride weekend since then, African­American Theater (ACT) has presented its own “DC Black Pride LGBTQ Theater Showcase.” This annual spring event consists of two performances of readings of new plays written and directed by ACT Founding Artistic Director, Alan Sharpe.

OUR CAST
Monte J. Wolfe, Jeremy Keith Hunter, Tristan Phillip Hewitt
Juan Raheem, Michael Sainte­Andress, Donald Burch III, Jason Crews
Gregory Ford, Justin Fair, Reginald Richard, Raquis Da’Juan Petree

TICKETS

PLEASE CHECK to ensure that you are clicking on the correct link for which ever performance you wish to attend.

4 pm ​https://eventbrite.com/event/17082420981/

7:30 pm ​https://eventbrite.com/event/17029813631/

In Your Ear

May 17, 2015
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-­garde tradition. This month’s In Your Ear includes Tina Darragh and M. Mack.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information: dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously supported by Bridge Street Books.

Chinese Menu

May 16, 2015
$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

Mixing up the format was a huge hit last month. We add a new wrinkle by featuring two existing teams for the May show. The Haddington Club is one of DC’s newest teams. It brings together old friends who have populated some of the best teams from the indie scene and Washington Improv Theater.

Cara Hayes­ – Season Six
Joe Uchno­ – The Score, Jackie
Kate Symes­ – Commonwealth, Sistine Robot, The Score
Nick Murawski­ – Whiskey Rebellion (IO Harold team)
Pete Bergen­ – The Score
Topher Bellavia­ – 161, Topher and Joe
Rich Nyman­ – Jackie
Catherine Deadman­ – 161, Musical, Be Our Guests
Dave Johnson­ – 161

They will be joined by Haggis: Mikael Johnson and Murphy McHugh

At the end of the show, both groups will mash up Menu style.

Tickets: http://maymenu.bpt.me/

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Ladies Choice

May 15, 2015
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

What would your Naked Girls read if the world of literature was theirs to choose? In the past three years Naked Girls Reading has brought you the best of fantasy, erotica, comedy, horror and everything in between. They’ve made you laugh, cry, squeal with delight and squirm with desire. Aren’t you curious what “Ladies Choice” will bring you next? Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to the DC Arts Center with the lovely Cherie Sweetbottom, Gigi Holliday and Alice Darling to entertain, seduce and even educate you May 15th at 10pm.

Tickets: http://nakedgirlsreadingchoice.bpt.me/

The Capital City Showcase

May 9
Saturday at 10 pm
$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

The Capital City Showcase is the variety show featuring the best comedians, musicians, and performing artists in the DMV! For over four years, The Showcase has featured some of DC’s best stand-up comedians, improv comedians, storytellers, bands, acoustic performers, and hip-hop artists.

Tickets: capitalcityshowcase.com

Happy Buddha XVII: Springtime for Buddha

Pre-sale: $10, Door: $15 / $8 DCAC Members/Military/Student

Tickets: https://maybuddha.eventbrite.com/

For May, Happy Buddha Brings the May Funny with two nights of comedic delights, featuring Magnet Theater’s Rick Andrews playing along with your local favorites.

Fifty Shades of Black Mayonnaise

May 3, 2015
$20 General/ $15 for Members

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com

Lose yourself in the hilarious world of comedian Greg Stevens aka “Black Mayonnaise”! On Sunday, May 3rd he presents his unique and always creative thoughts on family, relationships, pop culture and everyday life. This will also be a live DVD taping! Hosted by Comedian Mike Brown, and featuring the hot upcoming comics Rue D and Adayalah Banks. This will not be an ordinary comedy show…it will be an experience! (Be early for surprise pre-show festivities!)

Tabla for Two Presents:
Under the Moon

May 1, 2017
$20 / $18 DCAC Members

Tickets: info@dcartscenter.org or call 202-462-7833

Tabla for Two is a musical duo consisting of Masood Omari and Abigail Adams Greenway. Masood has created original compositions drawing from rich musical traditions, blending classical Eastern beats with Western style to produce a powerful fusion for the tabla and harmonium. Many who have heard this music describe it as mesmerizing, energizing and transcendental. It is without a doubt unique! They will be joined by guest artists Sofya Savkina, dancer, and Helen Burns, singer.

Just Moxie

$10 / $8 DCAC Members

Tickets: info@dcartscenter.org or 202-462-7833

Join us for a night of long-form improv featuring local, independent troupes, hosted by Just Moxie!

In Your Ear

April 19, 2015

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-­garde tradition.

Curated by Buck Downs and Maureen Thorsen.

This month’s In Your Ear features Adam Chiles, Morgan Parker, Joshua Poteat, and Allison Titus.

More information: dcpoetry.com/iye

In Your Ear poetry series is generously sponsored by Bridge Street Books.

Chinese Menu

April 18, 2015
$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

Chinese Menu is back and we are mixing it up. For this show we will have some talented story tellers do their thing and then a collection of Menu players will improvise sets based on what they heard. Your story tellers for this event are the amazing Shawn Westfall and, returning from New York is former WIT player and coach, film maker and all around artist, Mark Pagan. Both of these performers will take part in improvising the other’s story.

Also joining the cast for this show is (so far):
Xavier Padin
Greg Tindale
Liz Sanders
Dan Miller
Pete Bergen
Chris Ulrich
Jaci Pulice
Greer Smith
(cast subject to change)

Tickets: http://aprilmenu.bpt.me

Naked Girls Reading Presents:
Music in the Buff

April 17, 2015
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

What does a Naked Girl love as much as a good book? A great piece of music. Even better, great lyrics, stories about great musicians and how they got there. Join us as we celebrate Naked Girl Readings DC’s, Wonder Twins, GiGi Holliday and Cherie Sweetbottom’s, birthday month, with Music in the Buff. Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to DCAC with the lovely GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom and Alice Darling to entertain, seduce and even educate you.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1382023

Happy Buddha XVII: The Return

April 11, 2015
$12 (online) $15 (at the door)/ $10 DCAC Members

Featuring:
Improv from nationally-­renowned improv duo: The Amie and Kristen/Kristen and Amie Show
Baltimore’s Gus
Pony! Poni! Pone!
Standup from some of the DC area’s finest!

They’re baaaaack! The Amie and Kristen Show returns to DC on April 11th, for some fabulous late night fun! Amie Roe and Kristen Schier, best friends, total babes, and awesome sauce improvisers have left local audiences in hysterics at both of the District Improv festivals and Happy Buddha, and they’re coming ’round again for what is sure to be an amazing show, and offering brand spanking new workshops for the people in the bargain!

Joining these amazing ladies are the splendiforous improvisational pride of Charm City, GUS, and two love-sexy laugh-­inducing DC troupes, Pony Poni Pone (I happen to know for a fact that one of their members has been voted ‘Sexiest Buddha in the DMV’ five times running.) and Mount Lincoln’s Beard! Our host for the evening’s festivities is the hilarious Tim D. Miller!

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/953027

Press Play Hump Days
Spring Cleaning

April 8, 2015
Pre­sale: $10 General/ $8 DCAC Members
Door: $12 General/$10 DCAC Members

Press Play brings the comedic heat to your springtime goodness!
Come out for a fantastic night of comedy!

Michael Burgos​(one­man play) ­ Michael Burgos is an internationally acclaimed writer and performer. He holds a Diplôme from École Philippe Gaulier (Paris, France) and a B.A. in Theater from George Mason University, where he received the Chris Parsons Acting Award, the Greenspring Players Scholarship, and the Outstanding Achievement in the Major Award. In addition to studying with theater guru Philippe Gaulier, Michael trained with master teacher Dody DiSanto, a teaching protégé of the late Jacques Lecoq. Michael is a graduate of Washington Improv Theater’s Training Program and has studied at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York. While at George Mason University, he was one of the founding members of the university’s improv troupe, the Mason Improv Association. He has taught theater with Acting for Young People since 2010 and has written and directed over twenty short plays for children. Michael also holds a B.M. from Berklee College of Music and has toured with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

Cake Bagel​(improv) ­ Cake Bagel is as whimsical as pink icing and as savory as smoked salmon. Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves to justify our pre-­show carbo-­loading. Formed in 2012, the troupe has logged more than two years’ worth of shows around the Washington, D.C. area, including featured appearances at Washington Improv Theater’s Seasonlal Disorder, Binge, Improvapalooza and Road Show runs. Cake Bagel has also brought its glutenous goodness to the North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, the Chicago Improv Festival and the Del Close Marathon. Bold, character-­driven and super-­fun, a Cake Bagel show is like having your cake… and eating a bagel, too.

be E.A.S.Y dance​(dance troupe)

Press Play​(long-form improv) ­ That’s us! One of DC’s longest-running improv teams and frequent festival performers brings the comedic heat! Well, comedic spring breeze. Comedic heat for our summer shows.

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1071265
*DCAC member? Email info@dcartscenter.org for discount code

Molotov Theatre Presents:
The Margins

April 2 – 26, 2015
$25 / $20 DCAC Members

Fresh from its sold­out, Helen Hayes Award nominated production of “Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe” comes Molotov’s chilling production of “The Margins” by David Skeele. Loosely based on the true story of The Philip Experiment in Toronto in the 1970s, five paranormal investigators and a skeptical reporter visit a haunted manor to create and raise a spirit as a psychic experiment – until that experiment goes horribly better than they imagined.

Tickets: www.molotovtheatre.org

Chinese Menu

March 21, 2015
$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

Simply the best improvisational comedy in DC.One of the best things about Menu shows is
that they allow for old friends to come back and visit. This month we welcome back three of
our favorites. Emlyn Mcfarlad, Mike McFarland and Taylor Durant will be in town for one night
to whoop it up with some old friends.

The cast is coming together nicely:
-Taylor
– Mike
– Emlyn
– Nick Murawski
– Rich Nyman
– Topher Bellavia
– Chris Ulrich
– Cara Hayes
– Catherine Deadman
– Pete Bergen
– Joe Uchno
– Kate Symes

Tickets: marchmenu.bpt.me/

IN YOUR EAR

March 15
Sunday at 3 PM
$5 General/ Free for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant­garde tradition. Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

NAKED GIRLS READING PRESENTS:
FANTASY

March 13
Friday at 10 PM
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members and Presale

The Naked Girls of DC explore the mystical realms of fantasy in the month of March. Will we be the Mother’s of Dragons, The Queens of Fairy or rule a realm both Muggle and Wizard alike? Join us, faithful squires, through journeys far and wide starting at our home the DC Arts Center on an epic the Bards will sing for ages to come. Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to DCAC with the lovely GiGi Holliday, Cherie Sweetbottom and Alice Darling to entertain, seduce and even educate you.

Tickets: www.nakedgirlsreadingfantasy.bpt.me

Press Play Presents:
Hump Days: St. Patrick’s Day Edition

March 11
Wednesday at 7:30 PM
$10 General/ $8 for DCAC Members

All audience members get 15% off a workplace improv workshop from Mindhatch (www.mindhatchllc.com)! Not only is Press Play’s St. Patrick’s Day themed show featuring some of the best comedy, music, and storytelling in DC, but we’re also giving everyone attending the show a gift. What is that gift? The gift of laughter. Wait, there’s a second gift!
Everyone coming to the Wed. March 11 show gets a scratch-­off lottery ticket. We’re going to scratch them off together all at once, creating a collective stew of hope, joy, and let’s be honest, probably mild disappointment. But mostly hope and joy.
Can we guarantee you’ll win money? No. But we can guarantee a fun time.

Our Luck­-Filled Lineup:

DEREK HILLS is a storyteller from Washington, DC and performs regularly with local heavyweights SpeakeasyDC and Story League. His first solo show ­ “No Sex, Please” ­ debuted recently at the Capital Fringe Festival. He’s now working on a new one­-act comedy called “Prison Break,” which satirizes America’s extreme sports culture and will premiere in Fall 2015.

ALEX ESPINOZA is a native DC stand up comic that has been doing comedy for 5 years. He’s also written for a local sketch comedy group, and thinks CVS receipts are ridiculously long.

UNTIL ONE DAY: Once upon a time a group of improvisers decided to start a troupe. Every two weeks they practiced narrative scenes and storytelling. Until one day they played with Press Play

FINLEY MARTIN is a Canadian­born singer songwriter whose songs blend his celtic roots with the DIY attitude of DC’s post­punk scene. You can learn more about him at www.finleymartinmusic.com.

PRESS PLAY (longform improv): That’s us! One of DC’s longest­running improv teams and frequent festival performers brings the comedic heat! Well, comedic spring breeze. Comedic heat for our summer shows.

Tickets: www.pressplaydcac.brownpapertickets.com

HAPPY BUDDHA PRESENTS:
Birthday Buddha

March 6 -­ 7
Fridays and Saturday at 10 PM
$12 (online) $15 (at the door)/ $10 DCAC Members

Friday, March 6
*Cake Bagell (Jordana Mishory, Sophia Cai, Isabel Galbraith, Tim Hunt,J ulia Rocchi, Richie Pepio)
* Pony Poni Pone (Me, JJ Jackson, John Heiser, Deanna Price)
* New York City’s The Raving Jaynes ­- Amy Larimer & Jamie Graham
* Buddha Sings with Gabe Peyton of GSharp!
* Finley Martin

Saturday, March 7
* Ponies and Friends
* Buddha and Master Yoda (Jeff Jeff Hughes, Topher Bellavia)
* Baltimore’s Evan the Loyal
* Richmond’s Pack (Nick Leveski and Patrick Gantz)
* Cherie Sweetbottom

Tickets: https://birthdaybuddha.eventbrite.com/

***From the Archives***

Theatre du Jour Presents:
THE MAD: A FRACKING FAIRYTALE

March 6-21
Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 pm
$20/$15 DCAC Members

It’s a tragedy for the future of humankind when big business and oil prospectors team up with a devious scheme to swindle Miss Amelia, the spinster proprietress of the Café Se Si Bon, out of her beloved café to get to the oil they believe is right under their feet. A believer in the beauty of life and the goodness of people, she is caught unaware of the very real possibility of oil derricks all around her. As her friends attempt to explain diagonal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to her she devises a plan to stop the culprits and punish them for their greed. But does she have the right to do it? Only a conference of her eccentric spinster friends can settle the matter for sure. Absurdity and hilarity ensue as this motley crew sets their sights to save humanity and punish the wicked.

Featuring Rachel Reed, Jerry Herbilla, Annetta Dexter Sawyer , Bettina Stap, Jonathan Frye,
Kathryn Winkler, Raffaela Perra O’Neill, Shawn Jain, Casey Leffue, and David Berkenbilt

Adapted and Directed by B. Stanley

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1252961

***From The Archive***
Bare: A Pop Opera

February 19 – 22, February 26 – 28, March 1, 2015
$22 General/ $18 DCAC Members

Book by JON HARTMERE and DAMON INTRABARTOLO
Music by DAMON INTRABARTOLO
Lyrics by JON HARTMERE
Directed, Produced, Choreographed, and Designed By: Derek Critzer
Musical Direction By: Brandon Heishman

“Bare: a pop opera”, is a moving story about teens searching to find themselves, no matter what environments may oppress their individualities, and the consequences that can be involved when people are forced to be who they are not. Like Broadway’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award­ winning­hit “Doubt”, “bare” challenges religion and the values it instills.

In their senior year at St. Cecelia’s Catholic High School, several students seek to identify themselves and express their true personas despite their faiths and the social stigmas that surround them. Main characters Peter and Jason struggle to come to terms with opposing ideals of their own homosexual relationship in the views of their personal connections, but more importantly in the face of the Catholic Church, which ultimately serves as the play’s main antagonist. Meanwhile, other students are desperate to calm the tempests of their own situations—from rejection, to lost loves, to loneliness and confusion, “bare” seeks to exemplify all those who break the mold and do not fit the conventional standards of society.

Tickets: www.clandestinedc.com

5th Annual My Funny Valentine Comedy Show with Sampson McCormick

February 15, 2015
$20 General/ $15 for Members

Featuring:​Sampson McCormick, Greg Stevens, Tommy Taylor, Jr., Mike “OlMikeB” Brown, Rue D., and your host, Adaylah Banks. A portion of the proceeds from this show will benefit MIRIAM’S KITCHEN.

Miriam’s Kitchen (MK), a non-­profit organization located in Washington, DC, is committed to ending chronic homelessness in DC by creating meaningful connections with chronically homeless individuals, placing them in permanent supportive housing, and ensuring they have the necessary support to remain in housing. MK advocates for permanent supportive housing as a long­-term solution, while meeting short-­term needs by providing healthy meals and high-­quality social services to more than 3,500 chronically homeless individuals each year. Please join us. We can’t end chronic homelessness in DC without you.

Tickets: http://adaylahbanks.com/mfv_tickets

In Your Ear

February 15, 2015
$5 General / FREE DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-­garde tradition. This Sunday’s performance features Buck Downs, Heather Fuller, and Ryan Walker.

Curated by Meg Ronan and Tony Mancus.

More information at: dcpoetry.com/iye

NAKED GIRLS READING PRESENTS:
EROTICA

Friday January 9 at 10 PM
At the door: $25 General/ $20 DCAC Members

Start the year with our annual New Year Tradition, Naked Girls Reading Presents for your aural and visual delight and assortment of Erotica to warm those chilly January bones. We invite you to join us at our home, the DC Arts Center, to kick off 2015 with sexiness. Naked Girls Reading Presents Erotica will showcase tales of kinky tricks, lustful yearnings and a salacious rendezvous or two, if you’re lucky. Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to DCAC with the lovely GiGi Holliday, Cheri Sweetbottom, and Alice Dalring to entertain, seduce and even educate you.

Tickets: www.nakedgirlsreadingerotica2015.bpt.me

Happy Buddha XIII: Buddha Brings Toys for Tots!

December 19

Friday at 7:30pm and 10pm

$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

After two months away doing various cool things, Buddha’s back, and he’s got Trike with him! The Happy Buddha show returns to it’s Adams Morgan home at DCAC, and we’ve got an all­star line up for you featuring New York City’s premier improv duo, Trike. The New York Times has called them “consistently complex, imaginative, improv” that is “reliably one of the best improv performances in
the city.” Come see them as well as some of the best local improvisers and standup comedians, in what is sure to be a most fun and hilarious Happy Buddha night! About Trike: Peter McNerney and Nick Kanellis make up the two halves of New York City’s premier improv duo Trike. Trike has been blowing minds with their unique brand of seamless, high­energy, multi­character improv shows since 2007. The New York Times calls Trike, “consistently complex, imaginative improv,” that is “reliably one of the best improv performances in the city.” Splitsider.com says that Trike’s “fantastic late night show is upbeat and impressively layered improv that is always worth checking out,” and in the “Splitsider Guide to NYC Comedy Scene”, Trike was named one of eight “Best Weekly Shows.” TimeOut New York declares Trike a “Critic’s Pick” that “melds playful
physical transformation and careful scene work in a weekly show that delivers an impressively quick and detailed overlap of events in its conclusion.”

Tickets: https://buddhashow.eventbrite.com

Improv with Just Moxie and Friends

December 5 and 12

Fridays at 10pm

$12 General/ $10 DCAC Members

Join us for a night of longform improv featuring local, independent troupes.

Hosted by Just Moxie.

Tickets: 202­462­7833 or info@dcartscenter.org

An Evening with Separate Beds

December 3

Wednesday at 7:30 PM

$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

Intimate but not intrusive. A shoulder to cry on, but not an arm wrapped tight around your waist. We’re the best relationship you’ve ever had.
Welcome to our bedroom — it’s a safe space. Separate Beds invites a local DC celebrity to an interview with them. After that Separate Beds performs a 45-minute improvised comedy show based on that interview.
One guest. One magical evening with Separate Beds.

In Your Ear

November 16
Sunday at 3 PM

$5 General/ Free for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Buck Downs. More information at: dcpoetry.com/iye

Tickets: call 202 462 7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org

Life and Times of Ol Mike B

October 19

Sunday at 7:30 PM

$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

Local stand-up comedian and radio host Mike Brown invites you to experience “The Life & Times of Ol Mike B” .

Featured guests include the cast of “The Open Mike” radio show

Washington Improv Theater presents HOWL

October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31

Friday & Saturday at 7:30 & 10 PM

$15 General/ $12 DCAC Members

Sweaty palms, accelerated heartbeats: this October, WIT is redefining “stage fright.” Every Washington Improv Theater show is a spontaneous, one-time-only event. There’s no telling what dangers will pop out of the dark, since none of the performers on stage have a script. This run features the improvised slasher film Die! Die! Die! and a witches brew of Halloween concoctions from WIT’s company ensembles and guest troupes from across the District.

Tickets: washingtonimprovtheater.com

In Your Ear

September 21, 2014
Sunday at 3 PM

$5 General/ Free DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features reading and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Curated by Buck Downs. Jen Coleman’s book, “Psalms for Dogs and Sorcerers,” was released from Trembling Pillow Press in 2013. Previously from MN and then DC and then NYC, Jen now lives in Portland, OR. She co-curates the Spare Room reading collective. Sue Landers is the author of 248 mgs., a panic picnic (O Books, 2003); Covers (O Books, 2007); 15: A Poetic Engagement with the Chicago Manual of Style (Least Weasel, 2011); and What I Was Tweeting While You Were On Facebook (Perfect Lovers, 2013) . Her latest project, Franklinstein, is a collection of poems that draws from The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin and The Making of Americans to tell the story of one Philadelphia neighborhood. She blogs at susanlanders.tumblr.com. Betsy Andrews’s latest book of poetry is The Bottom (42 Miles Press). She is the Executive Editor of Saveur magazine (www.saveur.com). For more info, please visit dcpoetry.com/iye

Tickets: call (202) 462-7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org

Improv with Just Moxie & Friends

September 12 & 19

Friday at 10pm

$12 General/ $10 DCAC Members

Come join us for a night of longform improv featuring local, independent troupes, hosted by Just Moxie.

Tickets: (202) 462-7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org

Naked Girls Reading Presents: Our Funny Bone

July 25

Friday at 10pm

$25 General/ $20 DCAC Members

Love comedy clubs, stand­up specials and Pandora comedy? Then do we have a show for you. Get ready to laugh as your DC Naked Girls read their favorite memoirs, tales and funny stories by the world’s most memorable Jokesters. Featuring Special Guest Clarie Voltaire from Portland!

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

The Fuzz Ups

July 12

Saturday at 10pm

$10 at the door/ $7 online / $6 DCAC Members

The Fuzz Ups are DC’s only longform improv comedy troupe comprised entirely of puppets. Spend the
evening with Remy, Pete, and Gil for a night of unforgettable puppet prov. They’re joined by improv troupe, Barely Runicble, who were the Washington Improv Theater’s champions of the Fighting Improv Smackdown Tournament. The maestro for the evening will be one of Baltimore’s most talented stand­up comics, Josh Kuderna.

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

Happy Buddha X: Philadelphia Freedom

July 11

Friday at 10pm

$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

Philly Improv Theater stalwart Alex Gross comes to DC with his duo Something Simple with Alex and Frank, and the riotous Demonikus Rex, and to teach a workshop. The Happy Buddha is pleased to host their July stop, and we’ve
added some local flavors to this comedic menu with Just Moxie and Schroeder! (Kate Symes, Jon Chesbro, Matt Berman) Plus a little music from singing-songwriting duo Evan and Ross.

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

Happy Buddha IX: Improv from ‘Sconin

July 10

Thursday at 10pm

$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

Glassworks (glassworksimprov.com) are a trio that has been peforming together since grade school… This is before it was called “improv”, back when it was just called, “messing around” or “inventing games” or “using the limitless power of the imagination to create whole worlds and people and stories.” It was just what they did. In a lot of ways it is what they still do. They took workshops with some of the Second City bigwigs, shared the stage with touring rock bands, and even built a theater in their basement that now features not only other improv groups, but touring bands as well. Like those bands, they’ve now gone out on tour; they’ll make stops in Minneapolis, Detroit, Boston, New York, Philly, Richmond, and, of course, DC, where they’ll be staging a very special Thursday night show!

Along with these three likely lads, local legends The Score will take the stage to make instantaneous comedy magic from the songs on your mp3 player, the Buddha will lead the people in Dances for Candy, plus more comedic delights from Hot Meat Sandwich.

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

Happy Buddha

June 27 & 28

Friday & Saturday at 10pm

$5 advance/$10 door for Fri. 27th show
$10 advance/$15 door for Sat. 28th show

Friday: Improv from The Carmichaels, Aboulia!, Country Music All-Stars, and local legends Topher Bellavia and Dave Johnson! Plus, you’ll get to dance for candy with the Buddha! Saturday: Improv from Frederick MD’s Ponch and The Word of God, standup from Jamal Newman, music from singer-songwriters Brandon Walker and Margot MacDonald, and who knows what else?

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

GAYLE Live

June 23 at 7:30 & 9:30 PM
$15 General/ $12 DCAC Members

GAYLE Live is a 2-person comedy show based on a web series that features a very strong subrurban woman named
Gayle Waters-Waters and her teenage daughter, Terry Gross Waters-Waters. Written by Chris Fleming and directed by Melissa Strype, the web series “Gayle” has been named one of the top 10 YouTubers by Buzzfeed. The Huffington Post boasts: “If you’re weird, you’ll fall in mad, deep love with GAYLE.”

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

Naked Girls Reading Presents: Neil Gaiman

June 21

Saturday at 10pm

$25 General/ $20 DCAC Members

Sandman, Neverwhere, Fragile Things, The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Do those words bring excitement to your very being? Then this is the show for you! Don’t know those titles yet? Then come and find out about this amazing literary and film sensation. We can never get enough of Neil Gaiman, so Naked Girls Reading dedicates the month of June to the winner of a multitude of literary awards, our erudite hearts and one of our favorite fathers, Neil Gaiman!

Tickets: nakedgirlsreadinggaiman.bpt.me

Happy Buddha Productions Presents:
Butt Kapinski, w/ Sketches from Ugly Hollywood

June 13 at 10pm

$15 General/ $12 DCAC Members

The director of international hit Red Bastard comes back swinging with Butt Kapinski. Think it’s a solo show? Think
again. Private eye Butt Kapinski invites you to co-star in a film noir fantasy. This funny, filthy, fully-interactive
ride is riddled with sex, sin, shadows, and subterfuge. Let’s kick reality to the curb and play in a world of dark
dreams and bad smiles. Plus, debut sketches from local sketch troupe Ugly Hollywood!

Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/684310

Killer Joe

June 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, & 26-29 at 7:30 PM
$15 General/ $8 DCAC Members

From the author of August: Osage County, Killer Joe derives its humor from the dark realism of white trash
stereotypes in this withering, rustic outlook on America’s disenfranchised. The Smith family hire Killer Joe to do away with mother for the insurance money. As a retainer against his final
payoff Killer Joe decides to bed the Smith’s young daughter, Dottie. Before it’s over nearly everyone is a bloody mess.

Tickets available at www.seenosun.com

In Your Ear

May 18th, 2014
Sunday at 3pm
$5 General/ Free for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features readings and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant-garde tradition. Featured at this month’s In Your Ear: Shanna Compton, poet whose book-length speculative poem The Seam is forthcoming from Bloof Books. Maureen Thorson, poet, publisher, and book designer living in Washington, D.C., author of My Resignation (Shearsman Books). Anselm Berrigan, author of Loading (Brooklyn Arts Press), a collaboration with painter Jonathan Allen.

Tickets: 202.462.7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org

Punctual Drunks present Aboulia!

Saturday April 26th at 5:00pm & 7:30pm

$10 General/ $8 DCAC Members

The Punctual Drunks are on time for most things, but not the cherry blossoms. Aboulia! welcomes the
one-night-only return of their DC-turned-New Yorker by hosting two improv comedy shows with the P.Drunks. The
night also will feature local improv troupes Pony Poni Pone, The Word of God, and more! Don’t be a late bloomer–
ask your crush to be your date and buy your tickets now!

Please call DC Arts Center to reserve your ticket 202.462.7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org

A Dose of Dupas presents Come on Son!

April 20
Sunday at 7:30pm

$20 General/ $18 DCAC Members

A four woman interactive poetry experience starring LOVE, the poet, Bria, Shelly Says So & Rebecca Dupas, four
amazing writers from Baltimore City. The premise of the show is embodied in the title. The phrase “come on son”
typically follows an idea or statement that is audacious in the mind of the speaker. The ladies of “Come on Son”
are using poetry, comedy and song to tackle ideas and statements that tend to box women in categories. The show
uses art to address stereotypes. Using four themes, that will alter in each city, the ladies of “Come on Son” tackle
perceptions & misconceptions of love, anger, strength, identity, sexuality, and more in a dialogue that is comical
yet thought-provoking.

Naked Girls Reading Presents: A Night at the Movies

March 22

Saturday at 10pm

$25 General/ $20 DCAC Member

Who doesn’t love a good movie? Your Naked Girls are no different. But we are far more fond of the tales, legends, graphics and novels that brought them into existence. Bring your popcorn and join Cherokee Rose, Cherie Sweetbottom, Gigi Holliday, and Alice Darling for a Night at the Movies, Naked Girls Reading style. Like any new film seating is limited get yours early!

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

In Your Ear

March 13

$5 General/ Free for DCAC Members

Each month In Your Ear features readings and performances by different sets of poets who draw on an avant­garde tradition.
Curated by Buck Downs and Maureen Thorson. For more info, visit dcpoetry.com/iye

Tickets: call 202 462 7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org

The Happy Buddha VII: Featuring the Amy and Kristen Show

March 7 & 8

Friday & Saturday at 10pm

$10 General/ $8 for DCAC Members

The Happy Buddha is extremely excited to announce his happiest and most buddhaesque show ever! In observance of Jeff Hughes’ (aka the Happy Buddha’s) 21st + 23rd birthday, because he lives to bring laughter to the people, he’s bringing the incredible Amie and Kristen/Kristen and Amie show back to DC! They brought the crowd to their feet at the inaugural District Improv Festival, and now they’re joining in on the Buddha fun! The ladies will be joined by ShawnMikael(s), The Score DC, Population: 6, Nox, and Press Play in what is sure to be an amazing weekend of comedy! You will NOT want to miss this! After the show, join us next door at Mellow Mushroom, come say hi to the funny, friendly ladies, and buy the Buddha a birthday round!

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

***From the Archives***

Molotov Theatre presents:  Normal

March 6, 7, 8, 9
Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 PM
$25 General/ $20 for DCAC Members

“Normal,” by Anthony Neilson, is the true-life story of Peter Kurten, the “Dusseldorf Ripper” of the 1920s and 1930s. This vaudevillian fever dream and disturbing love triangle is told from the point of view of the attorney who represented Kurten in the trial that ended his horrific crime spree. Kurten’s life is said to be the inspiration for Fritz Lang’s movie “M.” Directed by Jay D. Brock with original score by composer Gregg Martin, “Normal” features Brian McDermott, Elizabeth Darby, and Alex Zavistovich.

Tickets: http://molotovtheatre.org/

Naked Girls Reading Presents: Love Bites

February 23

Sunday at 7:30pm

$25 General/ $20 DCAC member

Valentine’s Day didn’t go exactly as you planned? Who needs chocolate, flowers or mortals when you can have tall, dark and sexy vampire stories?DC’s official Naked Girls return to bring a new twist to the monotony of Valentine’s Day with Love Bites, a Vampire Valentine. As they say no one can truly love forever except a vampire. Naked Girls Return to the DCAC to show why a vampire apocalypse could be a good thing. Naked Girls Reading Presents Love Bites will showcase tales of mesmerizing eyes, rapid pulses and truly eternal love or heartbreak. Cherokee Rose is delighted to return to DCAC with the lovely Gigi Holliday and Cherie Sweetbottom to entertain, seduce and even educate you. Special
Guest Naked Girl to be announced!

Tickets: brownpapertickets.com

Just Moxie

February 14, 21, & 28

Friday at 10 PM

$12 General/ $10 for DCAC Members

The Olympics are back and so is Just Moxie with a lineup of medal-worthy improv! For three Fridays in a row, Just Moxie will be hosting 10 different local improv troupes at DC Arts Center. Come cheer everyone on as we all cross that finish line of awesome! Just Moxie is Amanda Barber, Steve Calamia, Laura Frese, Susie Gutierrez, Eric Krupski, and Marc Reber.

Tickets: (202) 462-7833 or email info@dcartscenter.org